Body language, how much does it really matter as we talk? The rule of 7-38-55 explained

There Rule of 7-38-55 was born from the studies of Albert Mehrabianprofessor of psychology at the University of California, who in the 1960s tried to understand how people play i emotional messages. After a series of experiments Mehrabian concluded that, in situations in which a verbal message is accompanied by non -conflicting non -verbal componentsthe perceived communication It is divided into three parts:

• 7% is determined by words (i.e. from explicit verbal content),
• 38% from the tone of the voice,
• 55% from non -verbal communication (facial expressions, gestures, posture and so on).

This means that when a person expresses feelings And there is inconsistency Among what he says and as he says, human beings tend to believe more tones and behaviors rather than the words themselves.

What (really) this model is for (really)

As evident, Mehrabian’s contribution was crucial in recognizing the role of body language and of the prosody in transmitting moods and intentions. In practice, the rule of 7-38-55 can help better understand others and to be more aware of as we communicateespecially in delicate situations, such as an interview, a negotiation or a personal discussion. Or even emergency situations, alarm, psychologically delicate.

In the world of Training for communicationthis model was used to teach the importance of consistency between word, voice and gestures, crucial element for inspire trust And avoid ambiguity For example, perceived by a potential customer.

The most common incorrect interpretations

Over the years, the rule has often been often poorly interpreted or generalized well beyond the intentions of its author. Of which, on the other hand, already constitutes a significant simplification of thought and his psychological research in itself. One of the more common simplifications It is that “93% of the communication is non -verbal”. This phrase, often cited in coaching manuals of dubious scientific validity, advertising and motivational courses, is decidedly misleading: Mehrabian himself clarified that his results apply Only in specific casesor in the communication of feelings or attitudesAnd only when there is conflict between word and behavior. In short, it does not always apply and does not apply to everyone but in specific contexts.

Use the rule of 7-38-55 to evaluate rational communications or complex contentlike a lesson, a scientific speech or an email, is therefore scientifically incorrect.

A model overcome?

Even if the rule of 7-38-55 has not been refuted, today it is rightly considered a much wider part of a picture. Modern communication theories take into account Many other factors like the cultural contextthe environment, the used vehicle (in presence, online, written) and the individual differences. Moreover, with the advent of digital communication, in which tones and gestures often lack, the weight of words He returned to play a central role.

Today, communication psychology works on more complex models, such as that of pragmatic communication (Paul Watzlawick) or ofemotional intelligence (Daniel Goleman), who offer more suitable tools to read interpersonal dynamics without crushing everything on non -verbal communication.

What can we learn today

Business Colleagues Having a Conversation. They are both Young Business People Casually Dressed in A Modern Office. Could be an interview or consultant working with a client. She is listening and smiling. One Person Has Her Back To Us. Mixed Ethnic Group. One is African American and the other is caucasian

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The rule of 7-38-55, however, remains a powerful reminder: in certain situations, People understand more from how we say things than from the words itself. For this, being congruent Between verbal language, tone and behavior remains fundamental, especially in emotionally loaded or potentially ambiguous contexts.

At the same time, it is important to remember that The words count – And a lot – when it comes to informing, explaining, arguing. For this, the value of Mehrabian’s rule must be recognized, but also contextualizedto avoid harmful simplifications. In other words, the rule is useful if used with intelligence. Emotional, maybe.