The Influence Of Nonverbal Communication

A study done by Albert Mehrabian on communication showed that 55% of our body language, 38% of our tone of voice, and only 7% of our actual words is what makes up the messages we convey to others (Yaffe). Communication is the key to so many aspects in our life nowadays, like relationships, work, everyday encounters, and so much more. However, it also is the foundation to these aspects as well because without having the ground bases first to be able to build up on and know how to effectively communicate in these situations, then you will get know where. Nonverbal communication has as much as 4.3 times more influence than the words we speak (Duck). Based upon Albert Mehrabian's study, nonverbal communication plays one of the biggest roles in

To make a good first impression on someone eye contact, the gestures you make, and a few other aspects is what will help you make that impression stand out. In college, it is likely you are not going to know most of the people around you, especially your professors; therefore, being able to conduct yourself in a respectable manor using these aspects of nonverbal communication can make that impression worthwhile. Also, being able to maintain the awareness that how you communicate nonverbally can mean one thing to you but convey a completely different message to the receiver of your communication (Heathfield). I have had numerous instances in college where my nonverbal cues and someone else's as well have initiated a conversation. One example of this is when I attended the Career Fair and as I went up and down the isles if I saw something that caught my eye I would smile at the person running the table hoping to catch their attention. At one of the stands a lady approached me and by the end of our conversation I was offered an internship, which is what my goal was. However, faking emotions or gestures towards people, is sometimes not the best route to go. You cannot control all of the signals you are constantly sending off about what you are really thinking and feeling. And the

This quote is so important when it comes to nonverbal communication because if you were just to listen to someone speak without actually looking at them, you really would not understand the message they are trying to get across to you, unless their tone of voice changed. With that being said though, even if you were able to see the nonverbal actions this person was using, not everyone would perceive them the same way as you. As a current college student, with a goal of having a future job, being able to learn about nonverbal communication now I feel like gives me an advantage on those that do not because it gives to time and numerous experiences to fine tune mine and learn to read others better. However, it is never too late to learn about nonverbal communication and the importance it has during