Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The 93%

In 2008, Dr. Albert Mehrabian developed the 7-38-55 Rule of Personal Communication.  In short, the rule breaks down personal communication as being: 7% words, 38% voice/tone, and 55% body language.  Profilers refer to the non-verbal elements, 38% + 55%, as “tells” or unconscious reactions like fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, scratching your nose, ringing your hands, etc.  When your non-verbal elements are saying one thing that conflicts with your words, that’s when communication can fall completely apart.         

To become a better communicator, start paying attention to your own non-verbal elements when communicating.  If you find yourself getting conflicting messages from someone, maybe you are giving conflicting messages.  Effective communication is an acquired skill.  What did I say?  What did you hear?  I hope both answers are the same. 

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