80% Communication, 20% Words

Several years ago I was reading an article on communication. This particular article said that 80% of communication is nonverbal communication, 13% was tone, volume, timber of voice and the remaining 7% was the meaning of the actual words spoken. Crossed arms, furrowed brows, pursed lips and a cynical snarl communicates more richly than saying whatever words come to mind. I do know that if I walk into the house and my wife has "that look," I know I am in trouble without her saying a word. Our nonverbals are stronger indicators of how we really feel than the words we speak.

So....Let's take this lesson to church. What do your nonverbals communicate to God? Crossed arms (detached or angry), hands in pockets (guilt) and somber faces (Are we having fun yet?) may be communicating an entirely different message than our words say. So here is something to help if you are having a hard time connecting during church:

1. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "PRAISE," take that position. Now sing a praise song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one feels the most congruent with what you want to communicate to God. Do this in you own private praise first then take it to church and try it out.

2. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "I need you" take that position. Now sing a worship song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one communicates best the words you are saying. Do this in your own private worship first then take it out to church and try it out.

3. Be conscious of crossing your legs and arms during a sermon or Bible study. Uncross them and see if there is a difference in how you feel....perhaps more vulnerable? Do this for a month.

4. During prayer, nonverbally communicate with God. Learn to be more expressive verbally and nonverbally. Try it. It really makes a difference.

The reason many people raise their hands during praise is to be more congruent with the praise message. I know for myself I can express my praise better in that position. You the body position that expresses what you want to communicate.

So lets start communicating the other 80%. Try it then report back and let others know how it went.