Professor Albert Mehrabian conducted several famous studies on communication in the late 60s from which we learn that whether we like some following a communication exchange is determine 7% by words, 38% by the tonality and 55% by body language and other non-verbal cues.

This study has been wildly misquoted. It does not mean that only 93% of a message is determined by non-verbal communication - the research was looking at likability. If you don't like someone the chances are that you will give less direct eye contact, you speech will be shorter and your body and voice will betray how you feel.

However, non-verbal communication plays a significant role in the communication of a message. We can tell quickly if a speaker has not walked their talk, has not earned the right to speak on a topic. If the body language and tonality are not in sync with the words being spoken, that sends a confusing message to the audience and makes the talk less believable.

So tonight I want to look at how we can use our non-verbal communication, our body language and gestures, to improve our message.

Don't forget that you can contact me at Rikki@rikkiarundel.com to find out how you can benefit from One to One coaching with me - and book a free 30 minute introductory coaching session.