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Strong project management relies on effective communication, but this often focuses on verbal communication while non-verbal communication may be equally significant. Non-verbal cues can support or undermine what is being communicated and they assist in how messages are understood. These are the top five non-verbal skills of a communicator that every project manager must learn to lead their teams for successful projects effectively.

1. Body Language

For this paper, body language refers to various physical activities including posture, gestures, and facial expressions. A good sense of positive body language can enable a project manager to lead better and motivate his team.

Posture: An open upright posture demonstrates self-assurance and availability. It shows the listener that the project manager is willing to take questions or get engaged in any discussion about the work at hand. However, frowning or slouching might indicate a lack of concern or defensiveness.

Gestures: Planned and measured gestures can help emphasize certain points during conversations or presentations. These can be distracting instead, if not well used as expected by audiences during presentations. Therefore, it would be best for project managers to use gesturative actions that supplement their words such as spreading out arms showing transparency, and inviting nature with an organization like Oxfam.

Facial Expression: It is clear that facial expressions are strong indicators of emotions and attitudes. A real grin can create a positive atmosphere and help in building rapport while a scowl or creased forehead could indicate disapproval or concern. Project managers should be mindful of their facial expressions and ensure they coincide with what they are trying to say.

2. Eye Contact

In non-verbal communication, eye contact is important for establishing trust and rapport. When people communicate, it demonstrates attentiveness and respect toward other participants which may also make a speaker feel valued and understood.

Eye contact must be the norm when speaking to others professionally; this is particularly true for project managers. It demonstrates that they are listening to team members and being involved in their contributions. However, there must be moderation; too much eye contact might appear hostile, while too little may look like a lack of interest or even evasion.

For example, during virtual meetings, one can make eye contact by looking at the camera directly while talking thus giving the impression that you are directly engaging with your remote colleagues.

3. Proxemics (Use of Space)

It refers to personal space usage and how far people stand from each other during an interaction. This can affect how messages are received when sent across and the comfort levels between them.

In project management, personal space understanding and appreciation are crucial. Being intrusive can entail sitting or standing too close to someone during face-to-face meetings and being far away aloof. Cultural norms and the nature of the relationship influence what constitutes an ideal distance hence; project managers should be sensitive to these factors.
In a team setting, designing physical spaces that encourage openness and inclusivity can foster collaboration. For instance, in a circular seating arrangement, all participants have equal status thus encouraging free exchange of ideas.

4. Different Tones of Voice

Although technically it falls under verbal communication, tone of voice carries some non-verbal ingredients that can influence how a message is received. It includes such elements as intonation, pitch, volume, and pace.

For project managers, a calm and steady tone may convey authority and confidence while an enthusiastic tone gets the team inspired and to work well together. Conversely, a monotonous voice can suggest boredom or disinterest whereas a harsh or high-pitched voice may sound aggressive or anxious.

Matching the tone with the occasion is important for this purpose. A clear assertive undertone can communicate progress in one-on-one update meetings with team members for example purposes such as project updates. In contrast, a more empathetic tone is suited for one-on-one discussions about personal or sensitive issues.

5. Active Listening
Nonetheless, active listening is a key nonverbal communication skill that requires full attention to, comprehension of, response to, and retention of what is said to go beyond mere hearing of words provided to communicate nonverbally back to the speaker.

Head Nodding: Occasional head nodding shows that the project manager is keeping up with the speaker and understanding them. This motivates the speaker to continue and also assures the team members that they are being understood.

Leaning Forward: It indicates curiosity and commitment. It implies the participation of the project manager in the discussion and appreciation for contributions made by a giver within it.

Avoiding Interruptions: By not interrupting, he projects an image of respect and endurance. This allows time for all thoughts to be expressed by an individual regarding a subject thus ensuring complete information received by a project manager.

Mirroring: Carefully copying gestures or actions presented through body language in another person may support excellent relationships between both parties involved if it is done naturally without notice.

Final thoughts

To be successful leaders who promote collaboration and high-performance teamwork among employees, project managers should acquire good skills in non-verbal communication. By paying attention to body language, maintaining appropriate eye contact, understanding proxemics, using a suitable tone of voice, and practicing active listening, project managers can enhance their communication prowess. These skills not only help in conveying messages more clearly but also in building stronger relationships, resolving conflicts, and ultimately driving project success. So master them to be a better project manager!

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