How the 7–38–55% Mehrabian Theory Reveals the Secrets to Successful Communication
Have you ever been so excited to tell your friend something, but they were too busy on their phone, and suddenly your enthusiasm to share just faded away?
Or, have you ever heard a friend say that their first impression of you was that you seemed strict, rude, or quiet, but after getting to know you better, they realized that wasn’t true?
Or maybe, you’ve carefully prepared beautiful and organized words for a presentation, but the audience just seemed bored?
These phenomena are closely related to the research conducted by Professor Albert Mehrabian in 1967. His research introduced the 7–38–55% Rule, explaining that nonverbal communication plays a crucial role, accounting for 93% of the entire communication process.
What is the 7–38–55% Rule?
- 7% — Influenced by the words we use.
- 38% — Determined by the tone of our voice.
- 55% — Dependent on body language.
When someone first meets us, the first thing they notice is our body language. It is often used to assess the consistency between what we say and what we show. For example, when someone invites us to hang out, and we respond with “Sure,” but with a flat face, they might get a different message. Body language is often more honest than our words.
“Your body speaks louder than your words ever could.”
However, mismatched body language can lead to misunderstandings. For example, staring at someone intensely might feel intimidating, while avoiding eye contact could seem dismissive. Too many hand or body movements might indicate discomfort.
Intonation: The Key to Effective Delivery
Managing intonation is also critical. The speed, pitch, and articulation of our speech should be adjusted to match the situation and the person we’re talking to. For instance, when someone shares their sadness with us, we wouldn’t respond with a high-pitched or overly cheerful voice. Intonation helps convey emotions more accurately.
Another example is when a person with a speech disorder communicates using sign language. Even though they’re not using spoken words, their message is still understood. This shows that words alone are not enough for effective communication.
“Effective communication happens when words, tone, and body language all work together in harmony.”
Synergy of All Components for Effective Communication
Each component in communication plays a role. However, to create effective communication, we need to maximize the combination of all these components. Effective communication occurs when a message is fully conveyed and understood as intended by the sender.
Therefore, creating a comfortable environment and providing positive feedback during a conversation is essential. This will facilitate better two-way communication.
Practice and Consistency are Key
Good communication skills don’t come instantly. Public speakers, debaters, or poets spend a lot of time practicing and performing in front of an audience.
For instance, when we speak with the right words and controlled intonation but have stiff body language, we only achieve 45% effectiveness in communication (7% words + 38% tone). However, if we add natural hand gestures and enthusiastic eye contact, our communication effectiveness can rise to 62% (7% words + 55% body language).
“It’s never too late to learn and improve yourself. Communication is a skill that can always be enhanced with practice.”
Conclusion
Believe me, it’s never too late to learn and improve. Effective communication is a valuable investment for both our personal and professional lives. As the saying goes:
“The key to good communication is not just what we say, but how we make others feel when they listen to us.”
Let’s keep learning, because failure only belongs to those who stop trying.
