LaWanda Woods, On-Ramp Coordinator On-Ramp Program 2011

Students will understand the use of nonverbal communication as a powerful tool to help them connect with others, express what they really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build better relationships. On-Ramp Program 2011

The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures. On-Ramp Program 2011

Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements. On-Ramp Program 2011

Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we’re arguing or speaking animatedly—expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so it’s important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation.

On-Ramp Program 2011 Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.

On-Ramp Program 2011 We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given by the following: a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.

On-Ramp Program 2011 Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

On-Ramp Program 2011 We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words. Nonverbal speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are important communication elements. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide subtle but powerful clues into our true feelings and what we really mean. Think about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

On-Ramp Program 2011

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On-Ramp Program 2011  Give them a smile and a firm handshake, not a wet fish.  Squeeze the person’s hand for 2 or 3 seconds while looking into the eyes. Females need to do the same – they often do not give a firm handshake and should.  Keeping your palm facing upward suggests honesty and sincerity along with keeping your hands where they can be seen. Shoving them into pockets indicates a hidden agenda.

On-Ramp Program 2011  You might want to consider STEEPLING –pressing fingertips of one hand against the other which conveys confidence.  The first seconds of your initial contact with a new person is critical in how you will be seen and sets the tone of the interview.

On-Ramp Program 2011 Dress is a part of non-verbal communication and says a lot about you. If you are unsure of proper attire you can always wear a sport coat, tie and slacks. You can always remove a tie if you seem overdressed. Certainly the type of job you are applying for will indicate dress style. When choosing colors to wear: Red denotes energy, strength and power. Men: Red ties are often considered power symbols. Blue conveys an impression that you are trustworthy.

On-Ramp Program 2011  Do not sit until you are invited to do so.  If invited to choose a chair you should choose one that leaves you open to the interviewer (if one there is just one).  A desk is a barrier and you do not want that unless you are offered a seat with the Big Kahuna sitting behind a desk.

On-Ramp Program 2011 Other related thoughts:  Do not place your materials on his/her desk, but on the floor.  Coats, hats etc. should also be placed on your chair or on the floor.  There may be a general use table in the room and materials could be placed there under those conditions.  Keep your notebook on your lap ready where you can take notes.

On-Ramp Program 2011  Sit straight and comfortable – an open posture – with both feet on the floor. Persons who sit straight or stand tall seem to interact better with others and give a better impression.  Do not slouch as it can indicate low self- esteem, boredom and even disrespect.  Don’t sit with arms folded as it can denote defiance.

On-Ramp Program 2011  Crossing your legs is okay, but be sure that if the interviewer (if one person) is sitting to the right or left of you that you cross your legs with the crossed leg pointing toward him/her. (A leg crossed away can denote distancing yourself from the interviewer. In group interviews it is not a real issue, however, you may want to sit straight without legs crossed). This puts you in a neutral position.  Try not to fidget or appear nervous.

On-Ramp Program 2011 A nod of the head can denote affirmation or agreement with a statement, as well as a smile or a gesture, such as thumbs up. Be a good listener, give the speaker your attention and never interrupt. We are always thinking of what we are going to say next and sometimes we even miss what is really being said. WORK AT BECOMING A GOOD LISTENER. Listening is an art and part of non-verbal communication.

On-Ramp Program 2011  Silences are a part of non-verbal communication and we can handle them in a variety of ways.  Certainly you will direct your attention to the speaker and remain silent while that person is speaking. You may want to give an indication that you understand by a gesture, head nod, smile etc.  Do not be afraid of silences after you have answered a question as the interviewer may be digesting what has been said and/or thinking about a response. (Do not read too much into silences as that can be counter productive).  Silences are a part of the interview process and you need to learn how to handle them. Take your time when pondering an answer to a question AND be sure that you understand it.

On-Ramp Program 2011  Often you will be offered a cup of coffee, soft drink or a glass of water. It is wise to let them be hospitable as it does make them feel good and it is customary.  If it is a lunch interview you should follow their lead in terms of ordering and do not choose the most expensive or cheapest item on the menu. You can be seen as too cheap or to greedy – go for the in between.

On-Ramp Program 2011

Find out where the power (decision maker) is during a group interview. Don’t talk too much and use a confident voice tone. If you need to think about a question asked – look away while thinking and then make eye contact when you are ready to answer. It is a known fact that when persons are fabricating an answer that they seem to look up and to the left. A savvy HR person or interviewer may look for this clue. It is smart to have a notebook with you with a list of questions you want to ask and an invisible resume.

On-Ramp Program 2011 Have examples of projects you have worked on or other documents that you may need, to show evidence of your work if it is applicable to the job you are applying for. Bring evidence of any awards or achievements that you want to bring to their attention. NO GUM CHEWING!

On-Ramp Program 2011 The interview is over. A non-verbal sign. You should have any last comments you want to make in mind. For example, you might state: If I have further questions may I call or you AND/OR what is the next step OR when will you make a decision?

On-Ramp Program 2011

Our Contact Information LaWanda F. Woods On-Ramp Program Coordinator CHESTER CAMPUS (804) Judy L. Taylor Professional Counselor CHESTER CAMPUS (804) Meredith Axisa Professional Counselor MIDLOTHIAN CAMPUS (804)