Hey, Watch Your Language!

Did you know that tone of voice and non-verbalnlanguage are more important than words in conveyingnmeaning in communication? We spend so much timenfiguring out what we’re going to say that we oftennforget that our facial expressions, gestures andnvoice tones are speaking volumes. You can say, “French fries,” enthusiastically,nangrily or disgustingly and have those words conveynvery different meanings. Accompanying gestures addneven more meaning to your words. A good vocabulary and using correct languagenpatte s are important to communication, butnlea ing how to use your body and your voice withnyour chosen words make your communication evennmore effective and meaningful. Establishing rapport with others is necessarynfor trust, cooperation and effective communication. To get the results you want from our interactions,nyou must have rapport. You need to be aware of more than the words you use. Are your lips saying one thing, and your voice andngestures saying another? If so, people will trustnyour body language and voice tone over your words. All three must be congruent for your words to bentrusted. Being congruent is only one part of being anneffective communicator. The way you carry yourself,nthe gestures you make, your facial expressions, you eye contact, the sound of your voice—all determinenhow effectively you communicate, establish rapportnand get the outcomes you want.