Body Language and Facial Expressions

Introduction

Research is clear about the importance of non-verbal communication.

Albert Mehrabian, professor emeritus of psychology at UCLA, conducted what is the most famous (and often misunderstood) study of the relationship between non-verbal expression and language.

That study found our feelings about a message are affected by our impressions of the messenger ... in particular our reaction to facial expression and vocal tone.

The more we like what we see in the face and hear in the voice, the more we like the message itself.

Studies by others have documented the importance of movement and gesture, as well. Researchers have even demonstrated a direct relationship between how people move and how they use their faces, voices and minds.

The bottom line? It's critical that: 

• you move both your face and body when you speak
  
• your movement be in synch with your message

Body Language and Facial Expressions: