SHOW YOUR STUFF

Have you ever watched a foreign film and sometimes the subtitles don’t seem to quite match the action on the screen? It’s a little jarring, isn't it? The same thing can happen when we communicate face to face. The gestures you use can help underscore or undermine your message.

I recently saw a person smiling as they relayed to a colleague their deepest sympathies for the death of a loved one. Most likely that smile was from nerves and the person was completely unaware that they were even doing it. Regardless of the reason, it was oddly out of place and the result was mixed messaging and inappropriate communication. Boy, did it send the wrong impression! I remember thinking if that was someone talking to me after I’d lost a loved one, I would definitely not appreciate the grin. Mixed up gestures mean mixed up messaging.

A recent study at the University of Manchester found that the use of gestures increased the accuracy with which people recalled stories by as much as 35 per cent! So using gestures -- the right ones -- can certainly enhance your communications.

Your challenge for today, should you chose to accept it: ensure that the gestures you use are consistent with your message. Show them your stuff by showing them what you mean.

A keynote speaker, trainer, author, Marion helps individuals and organizations improve productivity by improving their communications. Questions, comments, or to book her as a trainer, facilitator or keynote speaker, contact marion@marionspeaks or www.marionspeaks.com   Copyright 2006, Marion Grobb Finkelstein. All rights reserved.