Are you a non-verbal cue communicator? Not sure? Keep reading. ✨
Non-verbal cue’s are things like sighs, moans, laughs, ughs and other sounds people make while reading, viewing or somehow processing something. They can also be facial expressions, gestures, posture and even movement towards or away from another’s personal space. ✨
Non-verbal cues are used to express a wide array of emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear or surprise. A sudden furrowed brow during a conversation may be a non-verbal cue from the counterpart, for example. ✨
Non-verbal cues provide supplementary information to the verbal exchange. They usually convey subtleties, thoughts or attitudes that may not be explicitly expressed in words or tone. A raised eyebrow could be conveying doubt or skepticism (or gas) — with no words spoken. ✨
Non-verbal cues can often signal the desire to start or end a conversation. When in proximity to another who begins making all kinds of non-specific noises while reading something on their computer screen — they may be hoping you ask: “What are you reading?” Conversely, eyes that are no longer focused, may imply the conversation is over for the counter-party and they have checked out. ✨
Non-verbal cues can be used to establish rapport or trust. They can also be an unproductive form of passive aggression: The other wants to express something but instead communicating directly with words, attempts to dominate the conversation by having the other play a guessing game. ✨
While I’m no mind-reader, I do rely heavily on my ability to notice non-verbal cues — and inquire directly about the intended (or not) subtext that wasn’t expressed. What are your thoughts on this topic? ✨
