Posted on : 3rd January 2024

The Real Importance of Non-Verbal Communication in Business

Effective communication skills are not just about using the right set of words for the right set of audience at the right time. They also go beyond the world of words to encompass the world of non-verbal communication skills. This is to say, even unspoken language, consisting of just facial expressions, gestures, silence, and posture, has a profound impact on shaping the perceptions and experiences of others, which, in turn, affects our own experiences and relationships with them. The importance of non-verbal communication in business, particularly, has to be realised and leveraged in the journey towards success.  

Understanding Non-Verbal Cues in Communication 

If a boardroom meeting is to be imagined where the main presenter’s words reflect confidence but his slouched posture and fidgety gestures reflect the exact opposite of confidence, what do you think would be that presenter’s impression on the audience? Do you think that the audience would, consciously or subconsciously, just pay attention to the words conveyed confidently rather than an entirely different story that non-verbal cues convey? 

Non-verbal communication skills play a vital role in leaving the right impression on the intended audience, and particularly the importance of non-verbal communication in business cannot be undermined at all. For instance, a genuine smile on one’s part is sufficient to establish rapport with another individual. Conversely, a bland or lacklustre expression is likely to create discord between two individuals or parties. 

Understanding non-verbal cues in communication is, therefore, an important skill that transcends any language barriers that there may be. Also, such an understanding is crucial to connect with others on a deeper level. 

Some Non-Verbal Communication Examples 

Some other non-verbal communication examples include posture and silence. For instance, when an individual adopts an upright stance, they radiate professionalism as well as authority. If their handshake is firm, that also radiates the same confident energy. On the other hand, if there is no upright stance or a firm handshake, that reflects a sort of fear or timidity. 

Furthermore, the power of silence in business communication should also be given its due importance. When a pause is given between sentences or immediate responses are withheld, it amounts to strategic impact oftentimes if done properly, particularly in negotiations.

Delving into the Importance of Non-Verbal Communication in Business 

Effective communication skills rely on non-verbal communication for the most part. Since it’s a globalised world that we are living in, and diverse cultures intersect at various points, one language that becomes universal is that of non-verbal. Getting adept at availing of this universal language makes it easier to not only understand diverse perspectives but also facilitate smoother transactions in business. 

Broadly speaking, the importance of non-verbal communication has been accentuated as the world is increasingly fostering digitalisation. As one’s physical presence is getting substituted by virtual meetings through webcams and pixelated screens, facial expressions, body language, and other subtle non-verbal cues are gaining prominence like never before.        

The real importance of non-verbal communication in business, hence, lies in its power to complement or contradict the words that are uttered, for it is a language that is louder than mere words and resonates much beyond.

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