The Art of Communication

My most impactful learning regarding communication came from my brothers, who are profoundly deaf.  This is a special edition blog post honoring two of my favorite people, my brothers Cameron and Wesley.

I learned something very important in my childhood growing up with two siblings with Disabilities. Cameron and Wesley were born profoundly deaf as a result of the genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome. Usher Syndrome causes deafness and vision loss, a combination that's difficult to comprehend. I share this not for pity, but for increased awareness of a condition that is extremely rare, so rare that it receives very little funding for research and there currently is no cure.

So why am I mentioning Usher syndrome, and how might it be tied to this Thanksgiving holiday? Well, I am thankful—thankful for two incredibly resilient brothers who have navigated life in a way that I could only hope to emulate, with confidence, dignity, compassion, and a general zest for life. I'm also filled with gratitude for my communication abilities and the opportunity to share my story with you.

What did I learn that might be meaningful and impactful for you? I was 12 years old when I learned that Cameron and Wesley were deaf, they were 14-months old at that time. At the time, I was in a community show choir ensemble - I loved to sing and dance. (For those of you who know me, please don't ask me to do that today—I'm a terrible singer, and I haven't danced in ages!)

Before I could sign, I learned to communicate with my brothers using facial expressions and body language. If you're a parent or a sibling, just imagine two innocent, rambunctious kids who only receive direction about what is right or wrong, or feel soothed by your facial expressions or body language. 

Suddenly, a stern look becomes crucial to communicate disapproval, while a smile conveys love, trust, and approval. Multiply that by many different types of communication needs, and you'll find yourself making all sorts of facial expressions and potentially dancing around the room just to communicate an important message. 

Okay, I'm getting a bit carried away with the story. Let me get to the point: Throughout my career, I've been told I'm a skilled communicator and public speaker. What if I told you that these abilities stem from learning to communicate with more than just my voice during my childhood?

Nonverbal Communication Statistics

Experts estimate that nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions make up anywhere from 60% to 93% of our communication. This means what we don't say speaks volumes!

Albert Mehrabian's 7-38-55 Rule

This often-cited study suggests that in communicating feelings and attitudes:

• 7% of the message comes from the words we use.

• 38% comes from our tone of voice.

  
  

• 55% comes from our body language and facial expressions.

Important Note: This rule has its limitations and shouldn't be applied to all communication contexts. 

The Impact of Nonverbal Cues

• First impressions matter: Body language plays a significant role in how we perceive and judge others, especially within the first few seconds of meeting them.

• Emotions are contagious: Our facial expressions can influence the emotions of those around us. A smile can be infectious, while a frown can create a negative atmosphere.

• Body language can reinforce or contradict our words: If our words and body language don't align, people are more likely to believe the nonverbal cues.

• Cultural differences exist: It's important to be mindful that body language can have different meanings across cultures.

Examples of Impact

• Job interviews: Confident posture, good eye contact, and a genuine smile can significantly increase your chances of success.

• Presentations: Engaging body language and expressive facial expressions can help captivate an audience and make your message more memorable.

• Sales: Building rapport through positive body language can increase trust and make customers more receptive to your pitch.

• Relationships: Nonverbal cues are crucial for building intimacy and understanding in personal relationships.

By being more aware of our own body language and learning to read the nonverbal cues of others, we can become more effective communicators and build stronger connections.

The art of communication extends far beyond the words we speak. By embracing the power of nonverbal cues, we can unlock a whole new level of connection and understanding in both our personal and professional lives.