Classic Communication Myths Video

Video Transcript

Don't believe these communication myths!

Myth #1: Body language is 93 percent of communication.

An often misquoted study by Dr Albert Mehrabian found that 93 percent of emotion is communicated non-verbally. [1] However, body language does not convey 93 percent of your message.

Engage your audience through gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice, but remember to use clear language to get your message across.

Myth #2: Crossed arms indicate resistance.

Crossed arms can signal resistance, but they can also mean many other things, or even nothing at all.

Myth #3: Sandwiching bad news between two pieces of good news will make it more palatable.

People can usually tell when this technique is being used, and it leaves them feeling manipulated.

When delivering feedback, use language that is constructive and objective. Don't muddy the waters by sandwiching it between two slices of "good news."

Myth #4: Eye direction is correlated with lying.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming suggests that looking up and to the right is a sign of deceit.

However, an Edinburgh University study found no correlation between eye direction and lying or truth-telling. [2] True signs of tall tales: hesitation, fidgeting, and avoiding self-reference.

"I seem to have left my wallet in my car. Could you put this on my tab and my driver will return to settle up later?"

Myth #5: More communication is always better.

"In fact, why don't I write you a check?"

The quality of your communication is far more important than the quantity.

Myth #6: You need to have an open-door policy for your team.

This may sound like a good idea, but it can prevent you from getting things done.

Instead, try scheduling a particular time each week when your team members know you're free for a meeting.