Communication is the essence of our daily lives and even when we are not talking to anyone we are communicating. The explicit meaning of words is just one aspect of human communication. The implicit messages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours also belong to human communication. Nonverbal communications include facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, gestures displayed through body language and the physical distance between the communicators. Jeff Cabili, Expert of nonverbal communication, has some answers on how to use nonverbal communication sucessfully for your busines.
What is the essence of nonverbal communication and why is it important?
NVC (nonverbal communication) in a business context accounts for at least 70% of the whole communication process. It comprises the movements, gestures and postures of the body (body language), the facial expressions as well as the use of the voice. It is important because it can reinforce, support or contradict the verbal message. When used properly with the verbal message, it can create a greater impact from the speaker upon the audience and keep the attendees captivated.
What are the keys to effective nonverbal communication?
The knowledge on which signals and nonverbal cues can reinforce the verbal message. A proper use of those and especially the avoidance of other signals which are not relevant will keep the interest and attention of the attendees.
Nonverbal communication happens subconsciously: what are your tips to control it/improve it especially in situations people do not deal with every day. For instance during presentations or talking in front of a large audience.
Some signals are sent unconsciously by the speaker when he/she is trying to deceive or to hide some information. They should not be present if the speaker knows his content and is “relaxed”. In cases of anxiety and nervousness, I suggest that he/she take:
a deep breath, three times and slowly
a brief physical exercise, such as climbing up/down the stairs for 5 min
an auto suggestion of future success, such as talking to oneself in front of a mirror and convince whom you see that he/she is going to do a stellar lecture.
Pitch presentation: you have 2 Minutes time to convince the investors not just about the business idea, but also about the fact that they are giving their money to the “right person”. What are your tipps to succeed in this situation?
Know your content, talk briefly of the founders, use 3-5 slides for a 6 min presentation, explain why the idea will create a revolution and show enthusiasm.
About Jeff Cabili:
Jeff Cabili, former Director, Business Development, Stanford Graduate School of Business (2005-2015) and Lecturer at Stanford Continuing Studies (since 2006) and Lecturer at UC Berkeley Extension. He has spent more than twenty-five years in senior management positions for international companies such as HP, Memorex and Vicinity. He has lived in eight countries, and visited more than eighty-five countries for business or leisure. He speaks and conducts business in five languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese) and has some knowledge of two others. As a Total Quality Management (TQM) consultant, he has conducted seminars for more than 3,300 senior executives.
Jeff has spent a cumulative 20 years in the Silicon Valley and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton Graduate School of Business (University of Pennsylvania) and a Master in Chemical Engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (France). You’ll find more Informations about Jeff here.