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METTA: The Impact of Nonverbal Communication on Daily Interactions There are many nonverbal elements that exist in every encounter we have with others that has a substantial, yet often not noticeable impact on our emotions and affect on us. The nonverbal elements include what we and others do both intentionally and unintentionally while also including elements outside of the individuals. For example, and to be described further below, environmental factors such as the location can have a substantial impact on the interaction. Admittedly it can very daunting to try and be aware of each of these elements as it is easy to concentrate on one particular channel at the expense of the other nonverbal channels and elements as well as the words being spoken. It is from this perspective that I created a few years ago the METTA acronym. I created it with the intention to help others be more effective at having a positive interaction with others. At the same time it can also raise awareness of all the nonverbal elements present while also being mindful of the nonverbal cues the other person(s) use. The METTA acronym allows non-researcher and academics who are interested in nonverbal communication to have a greater understanding of the impact of such key terms including kinesics (body movement), proxemics (spatial distance), oculics (visual), haptics (touch), and chronemics (time). Instead of using terms that are ostensibly not part of most people’s everyday language, METTA acknowledges their importance while offering it in an acronym to increase the awareness of the above-mentioned areas of nonverbal communication. Instead of using those terms, METTA refers to movement, environment, tone, touch and appearance. Below each element is described. Movement. Movement is what most people think of when the word nonverbal communication is mentioned and is often referred to as body language. Movement includes head nodding, head tilt, eye contact and gaze, blinking, facial muscle movement (eyebrows, lips, the area near the eyes and nose), hand gestures, gait, body orientation (direction), posture, and smiling. The movements people make can be used strategically or often times, especially during stress, they can leak out important information that was not intended to be shared offering insight to the person’s current emotional state. Environment. Nonverbal communication is not limited to the people involved in the interaction. The environment includes important elements such as time. Time refers to the speaking person’s time used to talk as well as the time used not talking. Silence is very important to be aware of. Time also includes the moment of the day when the interaction is taking place. Consider the impact of having a meeting in the morning compared to just prior to the end of the workday. Other important elements the concept of the environment include the location the interaction is taking place. Consider the role the location has when choosing where to have, for example a meeting compared to the conference room or the coffee shop. Also, the layout of the location is important. How close chairs are placed as well as their positioning can create a collaborative or combative atmosphere. And that is if there is even seating compared to standing. Finally, the environment also includes the spatial distance between the people involved in the interaction. Think about how you feel when people “invade” your space. Notice the distance between people based on the situation. Tone. We have all heard the saying, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it,” right? Firstly, what you say is important and should not be discounted or even worse disregarded. The tone a person uses gives insight into the emotions and intentions of what a person is experiencing. Tone also includes the use of back-channel utterances such as “mmm” “uh-ha” that let people you agree or are paying attention. A professional presence relies on your tone. Utterances such as a frequently using “ummm” or “ahhh” can have an adverse effect that can display the perception of not being knowledge of the subject matter or prepared. Touch. Touch is a very powerful and can be a violent form of nonverbal communication. Often, I primarily refer to touch as a method of developing rapport, such as the use of shaking hands as well as gaining compliance. Shaking or not shaking someone’s hands can impact the interaction, especially when a person exchanges a handshake with one person of the group and not the other. Additionally, contact based on the location someone makes contact with the other person can create different emotional states. Consider the difference between touching your forearm compared to your upper arm tri-cep area. Another example includes noticing where a man touches a woman on the back. Making contact with the small of a woman’s back is usually reserved for someone close to that person as it a more intimate area compared to the back of the shoulder. Appearance. I have a saying, “The first step to looking good is looking good.” Does it make sense, well maybe not grammatically but in regards to nonverbal communication it emphasizes the importance of our appearance has on others. Police officers wear a uniform for a reason. You don’t wear shorts and a tee shirt to an important meeting for a reason. One survey says over 80% of a first impression is made before you even start speaking. The way we dress impacts the impression, both positively and negatively, others make of use as well as the impression we make of others. Appearance also include accessories and adornments such the type of watch we wear (Hello Kitty or Rolex), a backpack or briefcase and the use of jewelry. It is important to note that each of the METTA elements should not be viewed as operating in exclusion or in a vacuum void of other elements. Rather, while observing each element, it is important to also be aware of the interdependent nature of each has and the impact each one has on others. Using METTA is intended to help people be more effective communicators and as such, it is note worthy to add a disclaimer that although yes, nonverbal communication is important, one should not negate the importance use and choice of the words others and we use along with the nonverbal elements. Additionally, it is also important to know the context of the situation. For example, a certain gesture can have a particular meaning in one situation while having another meaning in a different situation. Finally, METTA has worked, and continues to work for me. I use it to help me with preparing for speeches, during my police work, during negotiations, training sessions, during mediations, and it plays a pivotal role in my PhD research. The best way to see it’s potential effectiveness is to try it yourself so I invite you to use and provide feedback. Let me know your thoughts as part of the becoming more aware of nonverbal communication and using it effectively is engaging others in dialogue to discuss what we observe and have learned.