Effective communication Series: Body language speaks volumes

Just how loud is our body language?

Body language refers to various forms of nonverbal communication, wherein a person reveals clues of some unspoken intention or feeling through their physical behavior. These behaviors include posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements.

Why the shift in life and the business world to emphasis on body language? Why is this important to note?

• It's well known that good communication is the foundation of any successful relationship,  personal or professional. It's important to recognize, though, that  our nonverbal communication is what speaks the loudest. If you want to become a better communicator, it’s important to become more sensitive not only to the body language and nonverbal cues of others, but also to your own. 
• Only 10% of verbal communication is heard by the listener.
• Body language communicates intention.

Practical ways to improve what your use of body language:

1. Be authentic to yourself and what you really want to communicate. 

2. Get to know yourself and whether your body language and what you say are in sync.

3. Be aware of what you do with your arms. Are your arms hanging in a relaxed manner at your sides? Or are they crossed in front of your chest demonstrating closed or defensive body language?

 Interested in sharing your thoughts or experiences? Feel free to leave a comment.

Effective communication Series: Speaking in absolutes

Speaking in absolutes as a communication tool that can be divisive.

What does it mean to speak in absolutes? This is when a person makes a statement that does not give space for any other outcome. Absolute  statements are based on the assumption that what is stated is generally true for all people in all situations and circumstances. Absolute statements always use absolute and finite words such as always; never; everything; everyone; no one.

 

One example of an absolute statement: If I said "I know the meaning of Life" and there is no other meaning of life.” That would mean that I feel my definition of Life is the only correct answer there is, and that my answer is the Absolute.

What could make this a potentially destructive form of communication? There are no "absolutes" in life except death. With the large amount of diversity within the human race absolute descriptions are an impossibility. Additionally, everything in life is subject to personal interpretation. Two people can see exactly the same thing, or have exactly the same experience and interpret this in completely different ways.

How can we reframe absolute statements? Replace absolute statements with assertive statements, Use “I” statements as it puts the focus on how you feel, and avoids putting blame on the other party and it will make the other party feel more receptive to fixing the problem and not feel attacked. For example the above statement could be rephrased to read: "I feel that I know the meaning of my Life”.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to know more – feel free to visit my youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/NabukenyaMuwongeTV; or share your thoughts in the comments section.

 

The newest development we are pleased to share is our partnership with Namibian women of substance, and the innovators behind this online forum for women empowerment  Pienk Sugar - 

learn more here: Women Change Agents of Namibia



And feel free to share this with others!

You can make a difference!

Dear friends,

Following up on our theme of change in the new year, here is a short story for you illustrating the difference you can make to yourself and the world if you change your attitude:

While walking along a beach at dawn an old man saw a boy picking a starfish up off the sand and throwing them back into the sea. He caught up to the boy and asked him what he was doing. The boy replied that the starfish would die if left exposed on the sand after sunrise.

"But this beach goes on for miles," the old man said. "There must be thousands of starfish stranded on the sand. What difference will it make just to save a few?"

The boy looked at the starfish he was holding in his hand, then threw it onto the surf.

"Well, for THAT starfish it makes a big difference!"



Change is in your hands....

Your Petite Coach

Happy new change?

Dear friends,

Yoshi Kalpa said "change is possible" and in fact wrote an endearing and thought provoking little book on the subject of  personal change, what propels it and what holds us back from making much needed changes.

In December we all feel that pressure to make life changing resolutions. We scramble to prepare a new years resolutions list of things we hope to achieve (with the best of intentions). But how many of us have forgotten that list and those plans, barely two weeks after celebrating a new year?

How about choosing one positive change you would like to make over the course of the next two months? And once you have decided on that, ideintify someone with whom you can share your goal for motiviation and support.

Change is scary, exciting and above all, necessary. But you don't have to do it alone. Let us at Southern Consultants accompany you on this adventure or time of transition in your life. Check back on our blog for updates and news on positive change we can make in our lives, be it spiritual, intellectual, physical or emotional.

Happy new changes to you in 2012!

The Petite Coach