Project managers spend a fair amount of time of time documenting their project communications plans. They usually do some sort of stakeholder analysis to determine what information needs to be sent to whom and record it all in an elaborate spreadsheet.
Nice. But not all communication is so formal, and project managers should also be aware of non-verbal communication techniques.
Messages can also be sent and received non-verbally. I recall when I was young, my mother could send daggers across the room with just her eyes whenever I was misbehaving.
Nonverbal communication is the transmission of messages without words, using body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues.
Here are just a few examples of nonverbal communication techniques.
Visual
- Includes facial expressions, eye contact or movements, posture, and gestures
Tactile
- Involves touch such as a handshake, pat on back, arm around shoulder, a kiss, a hug, etc.
Vocal
- Intonation and tone change the meaning of words
- The same word could mean doubt, terror, amazement, or anger
Time
- Use of time can communicate power or status
- Don’t be late to a meeting with the boss
Physical and Personal Space – Rules of Thumb
Distances may vary culture.
- Public space: over 12 feet
- Social space: 4–12 feet for business transactions
- Personal space: 2–4 feet for family and friends
- Intimate space: 0–2 feet for closest friends