Nonverbal Communication: Speaks Louder Than Words
Body Language
Body language is the unspoken dialogue of human evolution—a timeless force that shapes interpersonal connections.
Every word we speak, step we take, gesture we make, and manner in which we sit or stand conveys a compelling narrative to the world. These actions, whether intentional or unconscious, are powerful reflections of our innermost thoughts and emotions, revealing the intricate interplay between our conscious intentions and the subtle cues of our subconscious selves.
UCLA's Professor Albert Mehrabian found that 55% of communication is through body language, 38% from tone of voice, and just 7% from our words.
At ALETHEIA International, we approach the art of reading body language with meticulous attention. While the human body is in constant communication, emitting countless signals, not every movement carries a clear meaning.
Our focus is on uncovering the true narrative: the precise emotional intent that the body conveys, ensuring our interpretations are both accurate and insightful.
Posture
The way we position and carry our bodies is a powerful aspect of body language that offers insights into our internal state, personality, mood, and even our self-esteem.
Posture is a key element of body language that communicates messages about our mindset, personality, and emotional state.
Our body posture is also a significant indicator of self-esteem.
While not every posture conveys a specific message—sometimes sitting, standing, or lying down is simply that—at ALETHEIA International, we focus on the nuanced details and cluster of emitted signals.
We analyse how a slouched stance, crossed arms, open arms, or an upright neck can signify various emotions and attitudes, always considering the context to fully understand the underlying message.
Gestures
Gestures are a crucial aspect of body language, where movements convey messages, often subconsciously.
While all hand gestures are movements, not all hand movements qualify as gestures. The meanings of gestures can vary significantly across different countries and cultures.
Some gestures, like waving or pointing, are universally understood, while others—known as "illustrators" and "adaptors"—carry more nuanced interpretations. At ALETHEIA International, we explore these specific gestures in depth.
Illustrators accompany our speech, enhancing or clarifying verbal messages, such as using hand movements to indicate an object's size or location. Their use often varies with the speaker's intensity and the context of the conversation.
Adaptors are gestures we employ to adjust our physical comfort or manage our responses, such as shifting in a seat or adjusting our clothing. While adaptors can indicate underlying emotions, they often simply reflect a need for physical comfort or are habitual responses to various situations.
Our expertise lies in distinguishing these gestures within their cultural and situational contexts, allowing us to provide insightful interpretations that go beyond universal signs.
Paralanguage: Voice Characteristics
Paralanguage encompasses vocal elements such as tone, voice volume (loudness, softness), pitch (high, medium, low), intonation (melody, inflection), pacing (changing, rapid, slow speed), emotional vocalisations, accents, and word fillers (uh-huh, eh, ahem, etc.).
It offers essential context for understanding the verbal content of speech, emphasising not only 'what' is said but also 'how' it's communicated.
Given that these elements vary across cultures, at ALETHEIA International, we consider not only an individual's vocal attributes but also their cultural background, which enriches our ability to discern emotions within a broader context.