Communication with Hollywood’s Best Communicators

By Kevin LiebermanOriginally Created for Melech AZA’s

Dude…You’ve Got Issues Social Action Night – May 2007

Source: Heller, Robert, and Tim Hindle. Essential Managers: Communicate Clearly. DK Essential Managers.

ADAPTED FOR RLTI 2009

Communication

• Communication Positively– Breaking down barriers is one of the first steps

toward good communication. Maintaining eye contact, listening to what the other person is saying, and mirroring body language all help you to communicate successfully.

Looking other person in the eye.

Direct gaze shows attention

Using a hand to gesture emphatically is one way to reinforce a verbal point.

Relaxed arms (and legs) show lack of tension.

Positive PosturingNeutral Posturing

Direct gaze and smile show friendly attention.

Body facing front and open posture show confidence.

Tilting your head slightly shows you are listening.

Slight slumping shows lack of confidence.

Lightly clasped hands

Positive PosturingNegative Posturing

Knitting brow and closed eyes show doubt.

Experiencing Conflict – The closed eyes and nose-pinching reveal inner confusion and conflict about what is being heard.

Showing Uncertainty – Pen biting is a throwback to the need to be nursed. This shows fear and lack of confidence.

Indirect gaze displays sense of uncertainty.

Aggressive expression

Emphasizing A Point – Using a hand to gesture emphatically is one way of reinforcing a verbal point.

Gesturing with your hand adds emphasis

Paying Attention – Eyes making contact and the body leaning forward show alertness and readiness to assist the speaker.

Raised eyebrows indicates interest

Hands on hips indicate determination and ability to take control

Body turned away signifies rejection of what other person is saying.

Types of Communication

• Written Word– The written word is the

basis of organizational communication, and is used because it is relatively permanent and accessible.

Types of Communication

• Spoken Word– Conversations, interviews,

meetings, phone calls, debates, speeches, announcements.

– Verbal exchanges in person and by phone are used because of their immediacy; they are the chief means by which organizations work on a day-to-day basis.

Types of Communication

• Symbolic Gestures– Facial expressions, actions,

deeds, one of voice, silence, stance, posture, movement, immobility, presence.

– Action and body language profoundly but unconsciously affect people – propaganda depends on the manipulation of positive and negative signs.