Guest commentary: The power of nonverbal communication

BY HARWANT KHUSH

Individuals use two primary modes of communication: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication relies on language and words. Nonverbal communication is expressed through gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and other physical cues.

Extensive research highlights the profound impact of nonverbal communication on human connections. A widely cited study by Mehrabian (1971) famously theorized that communication consists of 93% nonverbal elements (55% body language and 38% tone of voice) and only 7% verbal content. Recent research suggests that nonverbal cues account for 70% to 80% of communication. These and other studies affirm the enduring significance of nonverbal communication in effectively conveying messages and establishing connections.

Nonverbal communication has been integral to human survival, predating the development of spoken language among early Homo sapiens. It served as the primary means of interaction, enabling cooperation and social bonding in prehistoric communities. In his inspiring work “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals” (1872), Charles Darwin highlighted the evolutionary importance of nonverbal cues, describing them as fundamental to expressing emotions and social communication.

Mastering nonverbal communication is essential for cultivating confidence, charisma and speaking competence. Investing time in mastering nonverbal skills, especially hand gestures, is crucial for anyone aiming to excel as a communicator.

Six tips to enhance your hand gestures

1. Project confidence, competence and trust with palms up: Open palms facing slightly upward convey transparency, openness and reliability while showing that the speaker has nothing to hide. This gesture promotes collaboration and trust. Avoid fists or showing the backs of your hands, as these can appear defensive, aggressive or untrustworthy.

2. Highlight lists, numbers and sizes: Use hand gestures to enumerate numerical listings or demonstrate size. For example, while saying, “There are three pillars to success: strategy, execution and persistence,” show three fingers. It is like subtitles for a speech but better.

3. Stay in the power box: This is the area between the shoulders and waist where hand gestures are most impactful. Gestures within this area encourage attention and avoid distractions.

4. Match gestures with vocal tone: Match your gestures to the emotional tone of the message. For sincerity, place your hand over your heart. For example, “It is a profound and tragic loss” is expressed by placing a hand over the heart. Open arms gestures express enthusiasm and joy.

5. Signify unity and collaboration: Bringing hands together signifies teamwork and collaboration, like saying, “We are in this together.” For example, use this gesture for statements like, “Innovation thrives when research and development work hand in hand.”

6. Make abstract concepts concrete: Visual representations best explain abstract ideas like growth, sizes and shapes. For example, use an upward gesture for growth as you say, “Our sales have been climbing steadily since Q1.” Or use a downward motion to say, “Our company is on a downhill course.”

Six hand gesture mistakes to avoid

1. Avoid pointing at the audience: Pointing a finger comes across as aggressive or hostile, and it may feel like you are delivering a sermon or scolding. Instead, use neutral gestures, such as a sideways or closed hand with an extended thumb, that convey action without confrontation. Politicians often use this technique effectively.

2. Don’t cross your arms: Crossing arms at the chest might make a speaker powerful. To the audience, it means, “I’m either defensive or about to lecture you.” It creates a psychological barrier between the speaker and the audience. Instead, keep your posture open to build connections. Remember: “Arms crossed; connection lost.”

3. Keep hands out of your pockets: Hands in pockets might seem casual, but they can also indicate nervousness or disengagement. Instead, let arms hang naturally in a relaxed and open position. As comedian Jerry Seinfeld quipped, “What’s the deal with hands in pockets? It’s not like they’re cold in here!”

4. Avoid fidgeting: Using objects like pens, jewelry or gadgets as props can distract your audience and signal nervousness. If you need an object as a prop, keep it on the side and use it only when necessary.

5. Avoid repetitive gestures: Repeating the same gesture can make the speaker monotonous and look like a robot. Aim to vary movements to complement the message.

6. Avoid wild or exaggerated gestures: Overly dramatic and flailing hand movements can distract from the message. Instead, ensure gestures are intentional, purposeful and controlled to reinforce points effectively.

The goal is not just to speak but to communicate — to ensure that words and actions resonate in harmony. With appropriate hand gestures, nonverbal communication transforms one’s delivery from a mere presentation to a compelling and memorable communication.

Harwant Khush contributes to research and curriculum development of Tero International Inc.’s programs with an emphasis on intercultural coursework. She spent her early childhood in Tanzania, Africa, and later on moved to India. She obtained a master’s degree in psychology from the Punjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India, and a master’s in education from California State University. She spent a significant number of years in the Philippines, as a part of the international community at the International Rice Research Institute. She obtained a Ph.D. in Education from the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB).