Communication has two parts,
verbal and nonverbal. Both aspects convey vital information to the listener.
Verbal, of course, is the
portion that is spoken out loud. It includes the words used and how they are
put together.
Nonverbal communication is everything
else — it includes facial expression, tone of voice, eye contact, posture,
hand movements, and other indications of meaning, whether intended or not.
For this reason, it’s important
to be very aware of what tone of voice you are using when you speak to your
children.
Often it’s not what you say but
how you say it that conveys your underlying message.
Children are particularly good
at picking up on these cues, especially with their parents.
Pay attention to how loudly,
softly, quickly, or slowly you speak.
Remember that you also
communicate with eye contact and facial expression.
If you are looking away it can
signal that you are either preoccupied or not being completely direct.
Saying something too quickly,
or too sharply, can undermine the message.
Be sure that all your messages
are consistent, in word and expression.
