Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

Years ago, I participated in Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People training. One concept that stuck with me was how people interpret communication, often referred to as the 7-38-55 rule.

Albert Mehrabian’s research is often summarized this way:
● 55% body language (facial expressions, posture, gestures)
● 38% tone of voice
● 7% actual words

In a nutshell, here is what it means (to me).
People hear our words, but they decide whether to trust us by comparing those words with our tone and behavior. Communication is most powerful when the message and the messenger are in alignment.

That captures the spirit of Mehrabian’s research without overstating the famous 55% figure.

Recent: I was walking through the office the other day and a colleague was at the front desk. I waved and said hello. Apparently, I also raised an eyebrow. That eyebrow was the only thing she noticed and quickly announced. Confirmation of some element of Mehrabian’s research.

A number of years ago: Some dear friends experienced a tragic family loss and let us know about it. We dropped what we were doing to be there for them. I’ve questioned myself a thousand times about what I should have said to comfort them. In that moment, words were not the critical element. Our intent was conveyed through our actions.

Going forward, I want to be hyper-conscious of this idea: Communication is most powerful when the message and the messenger are in alignment.

Good morning!
How are you?
What’s on your plate today?
Any plans for the weekend?
Can I help in any way?

The words matter. But my facial expressions, tone, attentiveness, and intent may communicate even more.

How do you communicate?

If someone were to video your interactions, would the replay match how you “see” yourself?

Sometimes the most powerful things we communicate go beyond words.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric