How to master non-verbal communication: 7 key areas you need to notice
- Elisa Nuevo Vallín
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
We all think we’re great communicators because we can talk. But here’s the truth: most communication doesn’t happen with words at all.
According to Professor Mehrabian, only 7% of communication is verbal. The rest? A whopping 93% is non-verbal — 55% body language and 38 % tone of voice.
For Deaf and hard of hearing people, this is even more important. With less access to sound, the eyes become the superpower. Facial expressions, gestures, and body language give vital clues about emotions, context, and meaning. In fact, research shows Deaf people often pick up on subtle emotional expressions more accurately than hearing people.
So if you think you can mumble into your coffee and still be understood… think again.
Let’s break down the 7 key areas of non-verbal communication you need to notice:
So, let's focus on each area of the body:
1. Face
Your face tells on you. Covering your mouth might look like you’re hiding something. Touching your ear often means you want to say something. And if you’re complimenting someone while rubbing your eye? They might suspect you’re lying.
2. Head position
A chin thrust forward signals power or aggression. Nodding shows interest. Tilt your head slightly to show curiosity, but be careful, tilt too much and you might look like you’re checking out early.
3. The eyes talk too
Eyes don’t lie. Dilated pupils often show interest or affection. Contracted pupils can mean hostility. Real smiles reach the eyes — fake ones don’t. And if you keep looking around the room? You’re basically announcing “I’m bored.”
4. Smiles
Not all smiles are created equal. A Duchenne smile lights up your whole face, crinkling the eyes and raising the cheeks. A tight or uneven smile, on the other hand, might signal discomfort or rejection.
5. What about the arms?
Crossed arms? Classic sign of disagreement. Holding one arm with the other shows insecurity. Hands behind your back? That’s a “no fear” stance. Watch those thumbs too — tucked-in thumbs can scream defensiveness.
6. Leg position
Legs are sneaky truth-tellers. If someone’s foot points towards you, you have their attention. If it’s angled toward the door, they’re ready to leave. And yes, the famous “manspread” still signals dominance.
If you are sitting with a leg wrapped or twisted around another leg, it denotes shyness and introversion. Try not to let your leg get the shakes because it shows anxiety, irritation and your internal dialogue to speed things up.
7. Mirroring
When someone copies your body language, it usually means you’re in sync. If that stops suddenly, your connection might be slipping.
Mastering non-verbal communication takes practice. But once you start noticing these signals, you’ll be amazed at what you learn about yourself and others.
For Deaf people, body language is more than a nice extra. It’s essential. Paying attention to how you move, look, and smile can make the difference between shutting someone out and inviting them in.
So at your next meeting or social gathering, put these tips to the test. Keep your arms open, your face expressive, and your eyes engaged. You’ll not only communicate better; you’ll connect better.
