Nonverbal Communication

Identifying Your Trouble Spots

To get started, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do I have trouble maintaining eye contact when talking with others?
• Do I smile too much because of nervousness? Too little?
• Do I slouch?
• Do I keep my head down?
• Do I speak with a timid voice?
• Do I speak too quickly when I am anxious?
• Do I cross my arms and legs?

Some of the nonverbal behaviours you may want to pay attention to are:

• Posture (e.g., head up and alert, leaning forward)
• Movement and gestures (e.g., keeping arms uncrossed)
• Physical distance (e.g., standing closer when talking to others)
• Eye contact (e.g., making appropriate eye contact when talking)
• Facial expression (e.g., smiling warmly)
• Volume of Voice (speaking at a volume easily heard)
• Tone of Voice (e.g., speaking with a confident tone)

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