Conveying the meaning of your message is without doubt important. How do you do so? Again, it seems so simplethrough words, of course. Ironically, words have the least impact on how your message is ultimately understood. A study done at General Electric reveals that over half the messageapproximately 58 percentis conveyed by body language; 37 percent of the message is conveyed by tone of voice; and a mere 5 percent of the message is conveyed by the words used. In order to send a highly effective message, the words, tone of voice, and body language need to be sending the same message. If the words say one thing and the body language says something else, the body language is believed to be the real message.

It is often said that body language doesnt lie. This is true because body language is an unconscious process interpreted by the right brain of the receiver. Yet, it is difficult to interpret body language because a slight variation can mean many different things to different people. Therefore, it is critical to know what your body language is conveying.

One can, however, make accurate inferences from many body gestures. The eyes and facial expressions convey the majority of body language messages. Flirting is a universally understood form of communication. Since the eyes and mouth are the most distinctive, it is important to study what you are doing with them when making statements. For example:

Positive Body Language:

-Direct Eye Contact (without starring or glaring) Interested, likes you

-Smiling Eyes Is comfortable

-Relaxed Brow Sign of Relaxation

Negative Body Language:

-Limited or No Eye Contact Lying, deceiving by omission, uninterested, too confined, uncomfortable, distracted

-Tension in Brow Confusion, tension, fear

Facial movements are the second most important aspect of body language. The most important facial movement is the mouth. Upward turns in the corner of the mouth are most often positive signs and downward turns or flat lines in the mouth demonstrate negativity. Observe your lips to see if they are pressed together or relaxed and comfortable. Do they show signs of happiness or signs of discontentment? A persons cheeks and dimple structure are also important to watch.

The most important thing to understand about body language is that we all have it--albeit some is extremely subtle. Most people however never pay close attention to their own or others' body language. Effective communication requires you to observe body language as it conveys approximately 58% of the message.

You will need to get feedback from others to determine how your delivery is being perceived. Get several opinions from male and female friends, colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and acquaintances. Although you will receive slightly different reactions, a pattern will emerge which will give you an idea how to specialize your presentation when interacting with specific individuals or groups.