Subtext; The Covert Language During Non Verbal Communication

In any exchange of communication between two persons or within a group, 20% messages are expressed by speaking or vocally or verbally. Rest is expressed through non verbal signals. The message passed through non verbal communication is a covert language and it is called Subtext. Once two persons interact, there is always the obvious texts and subtexts.

Subtext is a combination of each person’s body language, posture, hand position and movements, eye contact and eye ball movements, use of his or her personal space and use of subtle touch. Proper use of subtext during communication plays a very positive impact on audiences. Thereby learning of combining text and subtext is a must for a regular and professional speaker.

Appearance and dress are also an important part of subtext in some specific moments. For example, a formal dinner party or in the executive dinner room, dress bears some professional exposures.

Subtextual messages vary according to gender. Women are naturally better in facial expressions. Men are not. But men have some advantage in another form. They have easy approach to handshake, touch and eye contact.

Regional nativity and same language also have a better exposure of subtext. We feel easy to our native language more.

Assessing, understanding and knowing the chemistry of subtext can help us to understand others better. The person who can match his behavior and subtext, can express with validity to his verbal texts, can convince his audiences better.