Subtle Aspects of Communication

Written By Colēgia

Good communication is the cornerstone of a positive life and this can be seen both in our interpersonal relationships and how we treat ourselves. There are many subtle aspects to this that can often be overlooked. Today we want to cover what some of these are and how to make the best use of them.

Tone And Inflection

Tone can be defined as “the way a person speaks to someone.” This can also be seen within writing as well with how the overall feel of a piece is. Within writing, this can generally be viewed as whether there is a happy or somber sort of tone to denote how serious a story can be. Within communication, though this can be seen with how we interact with others. One example of tone can be the type of inflection we use with others. Inflection is a change in the pitch or loudness in voice. For example, a downward inflection conveys a more formal tone of voice which can be good if you are in a position of authority or need to establish more control. This however can often be seen as intimidating which is something to bear in mind. An upward inflection on the other hand conveys a more friendly and casual tone which is great when trying to meet new people. This lighthearted manner of speaking with others is good as it signals that you are on the same side as someone.

“An upward inflection on the other hand conveys a more friendly and casual tone which is great when trying to meet new people.”

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication has a multitude of different components that can affect how others perceive us. One of the most immediately apparent forms of this is eye contact. Eye contact can be used to signal that you are paying attention to someone when they are speaking and depending on the culture can be a form of respect. This can also demonstrate confidence along with other elements. Body language is another great example of this and how we position ourselves impacts this. One great example of body language being used to signal something is when we have our arms crossed in a conversation. This can be viewed as being reserved toward new information which is good to recognize. Other forms of body language that signal different messages are handshakes which have historically been used to show that you are honest and as a form of greeting.

“Nonverbal communication has a multitude of different components that can affect how others perceive us.”

The Subtleties Make up The Whole

Communication is a combination of what we are explicitly trying to say along with finding harmony with how our body reacts to situations. In many cases, it can be very obvious when someone’s body language doesn't reflect how they truly feel and this is good to pick up on since it can help you determine the truth. This matters as we want to be authentic to ourselves and others as honesty is the foundation for good communication. While these are just some of the many examples of how subtle communication can be, taking the time to be mindful of these in everyday situations can make you more understanding of people’s emotions.

Colēgia

Colēgia

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