Albert Mehrabian, known for his pioneering work in the field of nonverbal communication, developed the “7 percent-38 percent-55 percent Rule.”
These three elements account for the meaning of the message:
Words = 7 percent
Tone of Voice = 38 percent
Body Language = 55 percent
🧍🏾♀️🎬 🗣️ TRUST YOUR BODY 🗣️ 🎬🧍🏽
If a person has excellent verbal content but avoids eye contact, stays locked in one position and doesn’t move or gesture, shifts weight repeatedly, or has a closed body position, the listener is less likely to accept or fully comprehend the information.
1. Body, Posture, Movement, Stance, Gestures, and Facial Expressions
2. Tone of Voice
3. Spoken Words
To be impactful and congruent, these elements must support the message based on the highest to lowest 55-38-7 percentages.
📰 WHY DO WORDS PLAY A SMALLER ROLE? 📰
Words are important, of course! Especially when clarity and precision are key components, such as in legal documents, instructions, scripts, books, and written communication.
Whether reading scripted words or speaking extemporaneously, how a person comprehends the message and verbally conveys it is open to interpretation.
Personal relationships, comfort levels, urgency, and experiences change from person to person.
Pitch, volume, and intonation can alter or completely change word meanings.
Body movements, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact can heavily influence how a message is received.
🚨 SPOTLIGHT 🚨 OWNING THE WORDS 🎭
Have you ever been told, “The words are not important”? How you own the words makes a big difference. That’s especially true for voice actors who use audio demos to attract business.
“When I first started working with Elaine I knew how instrumental she’d be in producing my demo. Through her direction, we were able to bring out the far more nuanced and connective characteristics that are so essential in today’s commercial landscape. Those very characteristics shine through in each sample and in the structure of the demo overall. So far, I’ve had no less than 5 VO jobs and 12 auditions that I attribute to the presentation of my demo and I’ve received many compliments on the overall project. Aside from the production, Elaine’s direction is what really makes the world of difference when it comes to this demo. Her wealth of knowledge about writing, to acting, to directing, really helps to bring out the absolute most of what you’re capable of as an actor.”
🎧 Practice Using your Voice & Body! 🎧
With these 3 Books, 2 Apps, and
Real Talking Tips Podcast
RealTalkingTips 🎤 provides free self-guided voice-over and speech communication training. This 52-episode podcast series supports:
As a coach and educator, I understand that people learn differently. You can view, read, watch, move, and improve your Voice-Over, Speaking Voice, Podcast, Presentation, and Communication skills via the RealTalkingTips web, blog, and audio/video podcast platforms. Begin with Episode 1 - Identifying Your Strengths & Weaknesses - and work your way to Episode 52. For maximum benefit, practice each tip and complete each assignment before you move on to the next episode.
