Couples Counseling and Nonverbal Messaging
The body is a powerful tool. It doesn’t lie. We all know the feeling of someone being dishonest or insincere; that slightly uncomfortable “kick in the stomach” sensation. Its because subconsciously, we’re picking up hundreds of cues from other people, subtle and often minute. Marriage counseling helps teach couples to become aware of the way they communicate, including non-verbally.
Here are a few tips to explore, the next time you communicate with your partner:
1. Concentrate on Your Tone of Voice When Speaking
Your tone of voice can convey a wealth of information, ranging from enthusiasm to disinterest to anger. Start noticing how your tone of voice affects how others respond to you and try using tone of voice to emphasize ideas that you want to communicate. For example, if you want to show genuine interest in something, express your enthusiasm by using an animated tone of voice.
2. Use Good Eye Contact
When people fail to look others in the eye, it can seem as if they are evading or trying to hide something. On the other hand, too much eye contact can seem confrontational or intimidating. While eye contact is an important part of communication, it’s important to remember that good eye contact does not mean staring fixedly into someone’s eyes. How can you tell how much eye contact is correct? Some communication experts recommend intervals of eye contact lasting four to five seconds.
Those are two simple, very accessible methods to communicate more effectively. The beauty of these tips? They are good to practice just about anywhere, from your workplace to your home.
For some who have problems verbalizing, these tips can be real life savers. It gives them something tangible to do, as opposed to coming up with just the right words.
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