𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

A recent LinkedIn post by my friend and fellow speaker, the amazing Karen Farrell got me thinking.

She commented about how difficult it is to get a good still image from a live talk, minus a funny or weird expression.

Been there. Done that. Right?

What to do?

I suggested that we should build “modeling moments” into our talks to create natural opportunities for photographers to take flattering pictures.

These natural moments would also need to support our story telling and send a clear and intended message to our audiences.

This LinkedIn exchange took me back to my modeling agent and commercial modeling days at Ford Model Management-Boston in the late 80s and reminded me that our communication options are not limited to the verbal.

Print models (fashion & commercial) tell a silent story with their expressions and body language to inspire a net result, usually sales of the client’s product.

We also see non-verbal communication regularly on LinkedIn, with the many still images, carefully selected to amplify a specific message.

We also use silent communication with our clients, staff, partners, families, and friends, when we choose a facial expression or body gesture, rather than words, to answer a question, make a request or react to a happening.

*Maybe it’s an expression of confidence, resilience, or expectation.

*Maybe it’s a blank stare or a grimace demonstrating disagreement, frustration, or exasperation.

*Maybe it’s a smile signifying celebration, relief or pride.

Communication comes in many different forms.

Depending on the situation, non-verbal communication can be the most effective communication strategy of all, at work, at home and in your travels.

What do you think?

More on this topic in a later post.

In the meantime, below are three ads from my “book” from back in the day, each telling a different story.

And for the record, this is my natural hair color.

Picture: The excited expression for a lottery ad