Silent Appearances

Silent Appearances

Verbal communication is essential for the foundation of all professional and personal relationships. It is how we communicate and share our ideas, thoughts, express and show affections. Though it is not the only way we communicate or connect with others. Another form of communication which we use in conjunction with verbal communication is nonverbal communication. It is how most of us form decisions of others. Nonverbal is a silent form of communication that refers to body language and appearance. A form of communication that we use as a tool to help us evaluate others though we rarely apply it to our own persons nor do see the “vibes or cues” that we project to others.  

Nonverbal communication are vibes or cues that we give others through gestures, facial expression, eye contact, touch, body language, space and voice. It is also how we dress and is also our mental attitude. Many of us become aware how others see us as they begin to show interest or concern yet we do not take the time to see ourselves. We may address certain issues about ourselves when issues arise or are addressed by others.

We all have heard the old saying that, “First impressions are important.” Though just how important are they? It did not occur to me just how important nonverbal communication was until after getting to know my department manager.

I often considered myself an approachable person at time a little quite but not a recluse. I am well liked, funny, a little sarcastic and I have plenty of friends. How could I not be approachable by others? It was not until after getting to know my department manager and developing a friendship did I actually find out how at times I came off at being unapproachable maybe even a little aggressive. My department manager at the time said she was a little nervous about me at first because I always had a serious expression on my face was quite and seemed somewhat standoffish at times.

Facial expressions are most important it’s what people notice about you right off. The face is extremely expressive it is the first thing about us that people see. Without words we can display what we are feeling sad, happy, scare, angry and much more. Facial expressions can display welcoming or unwelcoming attitudes towards others a smile can be warm and inviting just as gestures can be. What’s more is that eye contact can be construed rude and offensive in certain cultures or a sign as being uninterested. Touch is another form of nonverbal communication we can express our concern for others show interest or intimacy. Though so is body language if we distance ourselves or invade personal space it is considered rude or may seem intimate. Just as our voice display personal emotions and feelings so does our sense of style reflects so much of who we are as a person.

Considering all this I had to evaluate myself after being told that I was unapproachable. I realized that my facial expressions tell a lot about me. I do not always smile even though inside I am genuinely happy and content. This would make me seem unapproachable and maybe not a friendly person. My body language is a public display of how I feel if at the time I have something on my mind I have a serious expression and tend to do walk hurriedly like if propelling me to a solution. Often I dress casual and though I like colors it was often hard wearing light colors around small children. So I tend to wear dark colors this might seem a little scary to others maybe unwelcoming. If I am at work I tend to busy myself and do things quickly this can be perceived as annoyed by others possibly. Many times we do not see our outer selves or how our appearances can be perceived by others. These vibes or cues we give is a form of nonverbal communication that we never use when evaluating ourselves but rather those around us, it is silent but a very useful tool.