Power for Influencing Human Behavior .... What % is Non Verbal?

Power for Influencing Human Behavior .... What % is Non Verbal?

by Kevin Hogan

Author of The Science of Influence

Let me clear something up. As an influence and persuasion expert, I hear people all the time dropping percentages estimating just how much of the influence equation non verbal communication plays. Interestingly enough, it is actually difficult to underestimate the power and impact of non verbal communication. Those who pretend to be experts will often throw about such figures as 75%.. 85%.. even as much as 90% when they try to define how much of a message is communicated non-verbally rather than verbally.

How much DOES Non Verbal Communication Play?

To tell you the truth, it actually differs from context to context and individual to individual. There is no one set or preset number, nor is there even an “average.” The bottom line? The power of even the very best verbal communication pales in comparison to the significance of your non-verbal communication.

More on influence, persuasion, and non-verbal communication to come....