Verbal and non-
Albert Mehrabian is known worldwide for its rules of 7%, 38% and 55%. According to his research communication consists of a verbal part made of two parts of words and nonverbal: tone of voice that makes the words and the physiology of the body.
According to a rule dictated by Mehrabian, the words have a low impact in the transfer of the message, about 7%. Instead, the pitch (including tone, time, timbre, rhythm, volume) has an importance in the transfer of the message, by 38%.
Finally, the physiology (posture, direction and eye movement, gestures, ...) is charged with a higher percentage of 55%.
So, as a general rule of communication, Mehrabian has meant that there can only be based on an analysis of the report, we must analyze the consistency of non-verbal.
If the phrase "I trust you" is accompanied by a voice tremulous and uncertain physiology, which is worth more: the words or nonverbal?
In essence, the rule of 7%, 38%, 55% is general and should be distinguished according to context. It is clear that in a presentation of a scientific paper at a conference of doctors, for example, the report will have much more importance than the mere 7% overall.
See also Rapport, Matching and Mirroring







