What you say amounts to about one-third of the message you’re sending into the universe. Nonverbal communication speaks volumes.

Your verbal communication can vary with tone, the type of words you choose, speed of speech, volume, and so on.

There are lots of things that make up the 65%:

• Gestures
• Facial Expressions
• Posture
• Eye Contact
• Appearance & hygiene

Here’s a visual tour of what your nonverbal cues are communicating.

1. Tough and/or Stubborn: The Leg Lock

2. Angry, agitated, frustrated: The Collar Pull

3. Interest or engagement: The Lean-In

4.  Bored and/or disrespectful: The Hand Cradle

5.   Embarrassment or aggression: Blushing

6. Anxiety, nervousness, or impatience: Fidgeting

7. Dominant, aggressive, or attitude of superiority: The Thumb Display

8.  Callous, unfeeling: The Poker Face

9.  Interest, agreement, engagement: Eye Contact

10. Disinterest, lack of concentration: Looking away, staring off

11. Agreement and/or approval: The “A-Okay”

12. Agreement, unless in an upward motion: The Thumbs-Up

13. Lack of confidence: The Arm Cross Barrier

14. Difficult to decipher, could be untrustworthy: The Clenched Hand

15. Ready, able, and/or aggressive: The Hands on Hips Stance

16. Closed off, not open to ideas: The Locked Arms

17. Nervous, defensive, reserved: The Standard Leg Cross

Just as verbal language can be positive, negative, and neutral, body language helps set the tone of our communication. Make sure your verbal and nonverbal communication are in line with each other.

Jane Mims is a certified Life Coach and Executive Management Coach. Click here to request a free coaching session to explore what coaching can do for you.