The First-Time Manager’s Guide to Performance Appraisals

Chapter 12. How to Act: The Importance of Body Language

Managers and employees can learn as much about one another through their body language as from verbal messages. In fact, experts assert that, as much of 55 percent of communication is nonverbal. Verbal messages are considered less persuasive than nonverbal ones; hence, when there is a discrepancy between the verbal and the nonverbal, the nonverbal is often more influential.

Nonverbal communication, or “body language,” involves physical movement and gestures, called “kinesics,” as well as facial expressions and eye contact. There are a limitless number of possible messages that can be communicated through body language.

Nonverbal messages are easily misinterpreted, generally when translated ...