Insights 19: The place of words in communication!

Edition 19:  27 October 2021

Thoughtful quotations:
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." Peter Drucker
 
“If language was given to conceal thoughts, then gesture's purpose was to disclose them” John Napier

“Posture is a leadership language.” Janna Cachola 

"The human body is the best picture of the human soul." Ludwig Wittgenstein

Context for reflection:
There are three basic channels through which we can communicate and understand others. A simple way of remembering these three channels is the 'words, music and dance'.
The words
Words can change lives, especially those that express our emotions (like wonderful, fantastic, excellent, dumb, stupid) either affirming or destroying others. Using emotional words leads to interpretation, in a given context. Studies, however, indicate that words only account for 7-10% of communication. 
The music
The 'music' is our tone, pitch, speed, emphasis and so on. It often shows the emotional state such as joy, happiness, fear, or anger. Studies show that 30-40% of communication is through our music!
The dance
Body language (non-verbal communication) is immensely powerful, yet often discounted. It is made up of how we look, fueled by our physical expression of emotion, from facial expressions, body posture, hand / arm gestures, etc. Our body language makes up 50% of a communication, yet if we are conscious about it, we can manage our own and understand others better. 

A few question to contemplate:

• What is your strength when leading through your words, music, and dance? 

• How well do you use the cues of the music and dance to understand the emotion of communication?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Andrew Pons
Reference:
Urban, H, Life’s Greatest Lessons, First Edition, Fireside, 2003

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