Claudia Raab's Blog

This week's - and by the way this year's - final entry covers letters E and N of the acronym SOFTEN standing for S = Smile, O = Open Posture, F = Forward Lean, T = Touch, E = Eye Contact, N = Nod in the handy formula  "Use non-verbal communication to SOFTEN the hard-line position of others".

Eye contact is an essential form of non-verbal communication. Having eye contact with the person you are talking to or having an argument with signals your attention, shows your personal involvement and may even overcome physical and attitudial gaps. However, be aware of cultural differences.

In Asian cultures, for example, looking elderly or - in regard to a working hierarchy - more senior people directly into the eyes is often regarded as rude and agressive as opposed to Western culture. Here the same behaviour is often regarded as respectless.

Nodding is another form of non-verbal communication. A quick nod with your head, too, shows you are actively taking part in the conversation and reveals that you are interested in your conversation partner's opinion though it might differ from yours. This will automatically encourage a positive, more open environment for any effective discussion.

We'll be back with more public speaking and career tips in 2009! Meanwhile have a happy, healthy and successful start into 2009. Happy New Year from the team of Raab & Raab Performance Consulting!