Awareness of non-verbal signals
Learn how you can read and use facial expressions, gestures and body language.
This page was translated from Dutch with AI.
Non-Verbal Communication
Someone says everything is fine, but their body language tells a different story. In this in-company workshop, you learn to read and consciously use non-verbal signals, online and in person. The workshop consists of 2 half-days for 6 to 12 participants, in Dutch or English.
Do you recognise this?
You are in a video meeting with nine small squares on your screen. You explain a proposal and no one responds. Is that agreement, doubt or just a slow video?
You try to read what is going on, but you miss the signals you would pick up live. You also wonder what your own posture projects, because you do not know how you come across.
We have all been there. Perhaps you recognise this:
- an awkward silence in a conversation, where you wonder what the other person is thinking;
- a meeting where someone says everything is fine, but their body language says something else;
- the feeling that your message does not come across the way you intend it;
- uncertainty about your own signals, especially online.
Non-verbal communication makes up a large part of our daily interactions, but is often overlooked.
Why do I keep missing signals?
Most of what we exchange bypasses words, and we rarely learn to deal with it consciously. As a result, we read signals based on feeling, and feeling can also send us in the wrong direction.
The result is that you notice misunderstandings too late. You take a silence personally, you explain something that was already clear, or you miss that someone is doubting. That costs energy in every conversation, and you start communicating more cautiously than you would like.
It does not have to stay this way. Reading and using signals can be learned.
How do you read and use body language consciously?
Non-verbal communication follows patterns that you can learn to recognise. If you know what to look out for, a silence or a look becomes information instead of a riddle.
Our coaches guide you in this with a keen eye for the situations in which you work, online and in person. You learn to read facial expressions, gestures and physical distance, and to consciously use your own signals.
In two half-days you practise with three components: awareness of signals, spatial awareness and effective interaction. This makes your communication calmer and more in line with what you mean.
What you can do after the workshop
After the workshop you can:
- recognise the different types of non-verbal communication, online and in personal interactions;
- read and consciously use facial expressions, gestures and body language;
- understand how the physical distance between people influences their interactions;
- better understand your own non-verbal signals and interpret those of others;
- use non-verbal signals to strengthen your communication.
This is how we approach it
The workshop consists of 2 half-days, with exercises on three components.
Spatial awareness
Understand how the physical distance between people influences their interactions.
Effective interaction
Practise using non-verbal signals to strengthen your communication.
Afterwards you keep practising
Every training is extended in the THOC Learning Space. Your material remains available and you get an AI Coach who knows the lesson.
We work in an experience-oriented way: you constantly apply the theory in practical exercises that teach you to use your skills in real situations.
Who gives this training
Any of our coaches can give this workshop. Are you an HR professional, L&D manager, manager or business leader and do you want to strengthen non-verbal communication within your team? Tell us what you need, and we will put a programme together.
Frequently asked questions
For HR professionals, L&D managers, managers and business leaders who want to better read and use non-verbal signals, in their team or in conversations with clients. We practise online and in personal interactions.
The workshop consists of 2 half-days, together 1 full day. We tailor the content to your group and your request, so that there is enough time to practise.
With six to twelve participants per group. This provides space to practise with signals and discuss each other's reactions.
In Dutch or English. Let us know which language your team prefers, and we will take that into account in our proposal.
Every training is tailored, so we work with a quote after we have heard your request. Do you want to combine it with other skills? Then take a look at our tailored training.
Practical details
- Formula: In-company training
- Languages: English, Dutch
- Half-days: 2
- Participants: 6 to 12