The idea that 93% of communication is non-verbal is a common misconception.
We encounter people every week who believe that their words are not as important as their body language and tone of voice. The myth suggests that communication is 55% body language, 38% tone of voice and only 7% words. However, this is completely inaccurate.
One of the most misinterpreted studies is that of Albert Mehrabian, much to the scientist’s own frustration. He actively campaigns against bunglers in the communications sector who misuse his research. On his website, Mehrabian emphasises that these statistics are relevant only when expressing personal emotions. In such cases, an angry voice and body language are more effective in conveying anger than simply using the word ‘angry’. These statistics cannot be applied to communication in general.
It surprises us how many people blindly adopt such figures. If words accounted for only 7% of our communication, it raises the question of why people bother learning foreign languages. With a 93% reliance on non-verbal communication, one might assume they could navigate the depths of Outer Mongolia with ease. Isn’t that right?
Expressing the percentage of communication that is non-verbal in a simple formula is unfortunately not possible. It varies greatly depending on several factors such as the message, speaker, audience, ocassion and the medium used.
It is important to be aware that the popular notion that 93% of communication is non-verbal is not true. This myth creates unnecessary anxiety for people who already struggle with speaking. This tip will hopefully instill more confidence in them. Additionally, the myth suggests that content is not important, which is not true; content is a crucial part of persuasiveness. By paying equal attention to both the form and content, you are more likely to convince your audience.
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