Non-verbal communication often gets less recognition but is more effective and intimidating. For instance, if your team lead is roaming here and there in rough attire, looking worried and angry, it will make you think you have done something wrong.
Some people are more anxious and habitually read between the lines. Such a situation can make them overthink and become too nervous to focus on their work. This is why maintaining nonverbal communication in the workplace is necessary. You will only be able to do so when you are aware of its types and other details.
Dig deeper into the details of this article to learn and explore non-verbal communication types corporate teams must know to create the perfect working atmosphere.
Top 6 Types Of Nonverbal Communication In The Workplace
Non-verbal communication is often much more crucial in the workplace setting as compared to verbal communication. You might be talking to your teams for a maximum of forty or more minutes in the day, but your presence in the setting for the rest of the day communicates much more. This is why you should be conscious of and try to maintain politeness and confidence through non-verbal communication.
Here are the most notable types of non-verbal communication in the workplace you must be aware of.
1. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are the first and foremost type of non-verbal communication necessary in the workplace. Before people speak, their facial expressions convey the message to others about how they are feeling. Facial expressions can easily communicate happiness, sadness, excitement, anger, disgust and other feelings. It helps teams relate to each other and offer help and support even when someone does not ask for it verbally. Facial expression strengthens the bond between teams and boosts their coordination. Many setups even invest in a communication training program in Dubai to refine the non-verbal communication skills of their teams and ensure a perfect work atmosphere.
2. Eye Contact
Eye contact is the next significant type of non-verbal communication in the workplace. Maintaining proper eye contact means looking into the eye of the other person for a few seconds while ensuring a softer gaze. Avoiding eye contact, constantly staring, stealing glances or showing a strict glare is unacceptable in a professional setting. They communicate a lack of confidence, wrong intentions and poor professionalism, which can lead to numerous issues. You must not avoid eye contact with your teams but also ensure to remain polite, confident and professional at the same time. It may require effort at times but can be done comfortably if you have good intentions.
3. Body Language
Body language is another major type of non-verbal communication corporate teams should be aware of. Slouching, crossing legs, fidgeting, and shaking feet or hands often portray negative body language. They communicate the person is confused, anxious, tired or disrespectful. On the other hand, walking confidently, sitting actively and ensuring firm handshakes can communicate positive and confident body language. There is a fine line between being confident and arrogant in the workplace, and you must not cross the boundary to maintain a professional image.
4. Appearance
Appearance is one of the most expressive types of business communication. The attire and style of the workers communicate more about their attitude and perception than they often realize. Dressing up for the formal meetings communicates you are fully prepared and confident of turning the situation in your favour. Moreover, wearing slippers at the workplace can show your carelessness and even a relaxed attitude according to the situation. Still, maintaining a neat, tidy and professional appearance in the workplace is essential to portray your positive attitude.
5. Paralinguistic
Paralinguistics is one of the most crucial types of non-verbal communication in the workplace. It is focused on the tone of the voice, volume range and pitch of the speaker. It communicates much more than the actual words of the speaker. If you have an aggressive tone and high pitch, even routine conversation should seem like you are angry and dissatisfied with something. Ensuring an affirming tone with balanced volume and pitch is necessary for the workplace. Moreover, you must ensure confidence and politeness in your tone in official spaces.
6. Proxemics
Proxemics is the last type of non-verbal communication corporate teams must be aware of. Proxemics means the physical distance between two or more individuals in a personal or professional setting. Maintaining a specific distance in professional settings is necessary to communicate the message that you respect the personal space and boundaries of others. It also shows the level of respect and compromise it can even fall into the domain of workplace harassment. You can explore communication training Dubai programs to help your teams learn about non-verbal communication and maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.
Does Your Team Need To Work On Non-Verbal Communication?
Poor non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstanding, miscommunication, grudges and disputes in the workplace. Investing in non-verbal communication training for your employees can help improve the overall atmosphere. Contact a training company to conduct a session or two and refine the communication skills of your teams.