Nonverbal Communication Insights

Most leaders listen. Great leaders uncover the unspoken. 93% of communication isn’t in the words people say. If you’re only hearing words,  you’re missing the real message. Great listening isn’t about hearing. It’s about uncovering the pauses, the tone, the hesitations. Most people think they know what they want,  but true needs are often hidden behind words. That’s why great leaders don’t just listen.  They uncover what others are afraid to say. I used to think I was a great listener. Until someone told me, “You only hear what you want to hear.” That stung, but they were right. I wasn’t listening. I was waiting to talk. And it was costing me trust, opportunities, and relationships. When I started paying attention to what wasn’t being said, everything changed. Conversations went deeper, trust grew, and problems I didn’t even know existed started to solve themselves. The LISTEN Framework: L – Look for non-verbal cues. Body language, tone, and pauses. They reveal the real story. I – Interrupt less. Silence is your superpower.  Try asking, “What else is on your mind?” S – Summarize what you heard. “What I’m hearing is...”  Builds trust and clarity. T – Tune out distractions. Eye contact beats multitasking. Put away your phone. E – Empathize actively. Feel their emotions,  Not just their words. N – Notice the unspoken. What’s avoided or left out often holds the truth. Here’s how I’ve seen this play out: 1️⃣ Negotiations: A client hesitated when mentioning their boss. I asked, “What can we do to support internal buy-in?” That one question saved the deal, which we closed the next week. 2️⃣ Meetings: A fidgeting team member revealed a project risk when I asked, “What’s on your mind?” Their insight saved us weeks of rework. 3️⃣ Coaching: A client kept saying, “I just want to do better.” I asked, “What does ‘better’ mean to you?” They opened up about feeling overwhelmed. That conversation gave them focus and renewed confidence. Listening isn’t just a skill. It’s a strategy for trust and impact. The next time you listen, ask: What’s not being said? The answer might surprise you. What truth have you uncovered by listening? ♻️ Repost to inspire better listening. ➕ Follow me for more leadership insights.

93% of communication impact comes from nonverbal cues. In our virtual-first world, your nonverbal signals speak volumes about your leadership. After analyzing hundreds of executive interviews, I've identified 8 nonverbal signals that dramatically impact trust in virtual meetings: 1. Open Palms Visible hand gestures with open palms signal honesty and openness.   ✅ According to anthropological research, showing palms has been a universal trust signal across cultures for millennia. 2. Eye Contact Looking directly at the camera when making key points creates connection.   ✅ Most leaders look at faces on screen instead, missing this critical trust signal. 3. Head Nodding Deliberate nodding while listening demonstrates active engagement. ✅ This small gesture signals respect for others' ideas. 4. Upright Posture Sitting tall with shoulders back conveys confidence and attention. ✅ Poor posture subtly communicates disinterest. 5. Authentic Background A personal yet professional environment signals transparency. ✅ Research suggests artificial backgrounds can create psychological distance. 6. Facial Animation Natural expressions that match your content demonstrate genuine engagement. ✅ Flat expressions create disconnect. 7. Frontal Orientation Facing the camera directly communicates full presence and attention. ✅ Angled positioning suggests divided focus. 8. Mirroring Subtly matching others' pace and tone creates unconscious rapport. ✅ This established psychological principle works even through screens. The most successful leaders don't just focus on what they say. They strategically manage how they appear. Which of these trust signals could you strengthen in your next virtual meeting?

This week’s soft skill is often ignored, but always powerful: Reading non-verbal cues with empathy, not assumption. Most of us notice body language. Few of us truly understand it. A colleague goes quiet in a meeting, Are they disinterested, or simply overwhelmed? A manager folds their arms, Are they angry, or just thinking? An employee avoids eye contact, Are they shy, or do they not feel safe yet? Here’s the truth: Body language is not a fact, it’s a signal. And signals need empathy, not judgment. When you read cues with empathy: – Conversations feel safer – Conflicts de-escalate – Trust deepens A simple practice to try: Notice the cue. Name it without labeling. Nudge gently with curiosity. Because workplaces don’t just run on words. They run on pauses, silences, and tone. P.S. Next time you see a cue, don’t conclude. Check in, and choose empathy. #SoftSkillsMatter #NonVerbalCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #EmpathyAtWork

Body language is often seen as a secret window into a person’s true feelings, but much of what we "know" about nonverbal cues is rooted in myth, not science. Misreading these signals can lead to confusion and false assumptions. Here are three common body language myths—and the reality behind them: Myth 1: Crossing Your Arms Means You’re Defensive While crossed arms can signal defensiveness, they’re just as likely to indicate comfort, warmth, or habit. Without context, it’s impossible to know the true meaning. Myth 2: Liars Avoid Eye Contact Contrary to popular belief, skilled liars often maintain strong eye contact to appear trustworthy. Honest people may look away out of shyness or nervousness, not deception. Myth 3: A Firm Handshake Equals Confidence The strength of a handshake is influenced by culture, personality, or even health—not just confidence. A gentle handshake doesn’t mean someone lacks conviction. The truth? Nonverbal communication is complex and context-dependent. Instead of jumping to conclusions, consider the whole picture—words, tone, and situation—before making assumptions. #BodyLanguageTruth #MythBusting #NonverbalNuance

90% of people I talk to say they don’t know how to appear confident when sitting in a meeting. 3 powerful body language tactics I use in every seated meeting to feel & appear confident: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 • Angle your torso directly toward the person you're speaking with (I love swivel chairs over low couches when given the choice) • On Zoom, position your camera so your entire body faces it (not just glancing over)  • If seated at a weird restaurant angle, physically move your chair to face the other person When your toes, torso, and head all point toward someone, they literally feel like you're on the same page. Physical alignment creates psychological alignment. ____ 𝟮. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆, 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 • Keep your hands visible on the table  • Never cross your arms (even when cold)  • Avoid any barriers between you and the other person Research is clear: People with crossed arms are rated as closed, distant, and close-minded. More importantly, researchers found that when people try to generate creative ideas with crossed arms, they produce fewer ideas! Closed body = closed mind. ____ 𝟯. 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 • Use physical proximity to signal interest • Lean in when you like an idea or person ("Wow, tell me more" + lean)  • Mirror your conversation partner's energy  • (fast talker = more gestures, slow talker = slower pace) Mirroring shows respect by matching communication styles. People naturally like those who communicate similarly to them. The lean is your nonverbal way of highlighting interest - it's like physically bolding your words. ____ These tricks do more than make you seem confident - they actually change how you think. When I use these in meetings, press, or podcast interviews, I see immediate differences in how creative and engaged I feel. Try them in your next meeting and watch what happens.

"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." – Peter Drucker After years in this profession, I've developed the ability to quickly assess the mood of my audience—whether they’re enjoying the training, feeling restless, or fully engaged. This skill comes with experience, as over time, we become more adept at reading the subtle cues in body language that reveal the true feelings of those we’re speaking to. Are you able to read the #bodylanguage of the people you're interacting with?🤔 Being a great communicator goes beyond just words—it's about understanding all facets of our interaction with people. One of the most valuable skills in #effectivecommunication is the ability to read #bodylanguage. By paying attention to non-verbal cues, we can gauge the comfort level of the person we’re speaking with and adjust our approach accordingly. A smile, a nod, or even a slight shift in posture can speak volumes. When we understand these signals, we not only create a more comfortable environment but also build deeper connections. Here are a few tips to get better at reading non-verbal cues: ✨Observe #FacialExpressions: Notice micro-expressions like raised eyebrows or a slight frown. These often reveal true emotions that words might not convey. ✨Pay Attention to #Posture: A person’s stance can indicate their level of confidence, openness, or discomfort. ✨Observe #EyeContact: The amount and type of eye contact can reveal interest, trust, or even anxiety. ✨#Listen to #Tone of #Voice: The way words are spoken can change their meaning. A soft tone can show empathy, while a firm one might express confidence. ✨Watch for #Gestures: Hand movements, whether open or closed, can signal whether someone is feeling defensive or engaged By improving our ability to read these #nonverbalcues, we enhance our #communicationskills and develop meaningful interactions. Are there any other tips you would offer for improving the ability to read body language? #CommunicationSkills #BodyLanguage #EffectiveCommunication #Leadership

Remember your discussion with a colleague where the words were respectful but you still felt insulted ? or someone inviting you for a meeting but you felt better not going because of tone ? It keeps happening as it's not only what you say but how you say is equally important. However, we don't focus much on this critical aspect : non verbal communication Non-verbal communication not only conveys emotions and attitudes, but it also reinforces verbal messages, builds trust, and facilitates understanding. Here are a few tricks to improve non-verbal communication skills: 1. Make Eye Contact: Direct and sustained eye contact conveys confidence, interest, and attention. However, be mindful of cultural differences, as excessive eye contact can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational. 2. Use Positive Body Language: Maintain an open and relaxed posture, uncross your arms, and stand up straight. This helps to convey confidence, friendliness, and approachability. 3. Smile Authentically: A genuine smile can go a long way in building rapport and trust. However, be aware of cultural differences, as smiling can be perceived as insincere or unprofessional in some contexts. 4. Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to non-verbal cues, like nodding, making eye contact, and tilting your head. This helps to convey interest, attention, and engagement. 5. Use Mirroring: Mirroring involves subtly imitating the body language of the person you're interacting with. This can help build rapport, establish trust, and create a sense of connection. 6. Your Tone of Voice: Your tone of voice can convey emotions, attitudes, and emphasis. You may say something but if your tone is not aligned, the message will be misunderstood What else would you add to the list ? #possibilitariangauri

What you say isn’t closing deals. Only 7% of communication comes from words. Ever walk away from a call feeling unsure? Not because of what was said, but how it was said? I definitely have. That’s the power of non-verbal communication. It’s not a hard and fast rule… But here’s a shocking stat about communication: 55% comes from body language (facial expressions, gestures, posture) 38% comes from tone of voice 7% comes from the words themselves This is why how you say something matters more than what you say. You can have a great pitch, but: If your tone doesn’t carry conviction and authority… If your body language doesn’t show confidence… It won’t land. Next time a call feels off: Don’t just listen to the recording... Watch the video. (painful, I know) Most nonverbals are subconscious. I catch myself all the time. Start paying attention to the subtle stuff: Your tone, your face, your posture... They may be saying more than your words ever could. Awareness is the first step to improvement. What have you caught yourself doing subconsciously when you watched a recording back?

This video of Paul McCartney being interviewed by Howard Stern is a great example of how you can gain important insights from “reading the room” in business. Paul is asked about how Yoko Ono changed the dynamics of The Beatles. Keep in mind, he still has to deal with her as well as Ringo and George's widow on any business matters that involve The Beatles. That means he has a vested interest in keeping the relationship amicable. In the video, Paul admits that his relationship hasn’t been the greatest with Yoko in the past. No surprises there. He follows with a confident verbal statement that indicates things are good between them now. The words give a positive spin on the relationship, but notice that Paul shakes his head “no” when he says “We get on. We’re OK.” Then, listen to his intonation when he finishes with, “Yeh, sure.” It’s very weak, suggesting he doesn’t have much belief in that statement. Recognizing these types of nonverbal signals are important when you are in meetings because they inform you about someone’s true feelings. They may not want you to know what they are really thinking because they are intimidated or want to avoid conflict in a meeting. If you ever see a disconnect between what is said and what is shown, believe what is shown. The nonverbals are more honest, and they are telling you there is an unspoken issue you need to uncover. Imagine you saw someone shake their head “no” while they said they agreed with you in a meeting. How could you approach it so you don’t put them on the spot? Would you handle it differently with an internal team member vs. a client or prospect? #BodyLanguage #NonverbalCommunications #Influence #PaulMcCartney #MelindaMarcus #NewBusinessDevelopment #FacialExpressions #DetectingIssues #ManagementTips #TheBeatles #ReadTheRoom #ReadTheZoom

Yesterday's bike ride was full of thought-provoking reflections. Thanks to Mike Simmons and Karmen Horton's posts sparking some deep thinking about the quiet tensions in leadership and relationships: • Expertise v Experience [Mike] • Expert v Innovator [Karmen] Later in the evening, Apple Podcasts recommended an episode of "Modern Wisdom", and another tension surfaced: • Competence v Warmth Vanessa Van Edwards, the guest on the show, said something that hit me - "Competence without warmth leaves us feeling suspicious." And the research backs it up. We subconsciously evaluate people based on two core traits: 🔹Competence - Are you capable? 🔸Warmth - Are you trustworthy and well-intentioned? Which one do we judge first? Turns out, it's warmth that opens the door - and competence that keeps us in the room. What struck me was how much nonverbal communication - gestures, facial expressions, posture, tone and pacing - plays into how we signal both of those traits. Vanessa's team analyzed thousands of TED Talks and found that the most-viewed speakers used an average of 465 illustrative gestures in just 18 minutes. The least-viewed, only 272. These weren't random movements. She calls them "illustrators" and "emphasizers" - subtle, physical signals that reinforce authenticity, energy and trust. And while gestures like hand movement can be powerful, it's about more than just hands. It's about how we show up physically and emotionally - in ways that are accessible to each of us. A raised brow. A thoughtful pause. A grounded tone. All of these send cues. They can convey care, attention and credibility - at times, even more than words themselves. Vanessa even pointed out the "steeple" gesture - fingertips together, hands slightly apart. In the right context, it can signal confidence. In the wrong one, arrogance. Context and intention matter. The *today tie-in came as the episode explored the world of virtual meetings. If you lead teams, sell, teach or coach online - you know how hard it can be to build real connection through a screen. Some of the takeaways: -Adjust your camera to show more of your upper body [including hands] -gesture space matters. - Be mindful of eye contact and where you look - simulated connection counts too. - If your hand gestures or expressions are hidden, part of your message might be too. BTW, the next time somebody asks me why I talk with my hands so much, I'm pointing them to this episode. 😅 It's something to think about, right? Competence might earn respect, but warmth builds trust. Competence without warmth could create distance. Warmth without competence could limit influence. The most effective leaders and communicators don't choose one over the other. They blend both, on purpose. I guess it's back to balance again - in all things and at all times. Head AND Heart. As we head into the weekend, who could use a little less genius, and a little more genuine from us?