“Digital Body Language” by Erica Dhawan delves into the intricacies of online communication and provides strategies for building stronger virtual relationships. In our digital age, understanding the cues and signals that replace traditional body language is crucial. Here are the key takeaways from the book:
What is Digital Body Language?
Digital body language refers to the subtle cues we convey through our online interactions.
Unlike face-to-face communication, digital channels lack a common definition for interpreting these cues.
Misunderstandings can arise due to the absence of non-verbal cues, especially as more people work remotely.
Elements of Digital Body Language:
Choice of Medium: The medium you choose reflects your level of priority.
Emotional Expression: Punctuation, symbols, and emojis convey emotions.
Response Time: Timely responses indicate respect, while delays or “ghosting” can be perceived negatively.
Recipient Fields: Who you include in “to,” “cc,” and “reply all” affects inclusion.
Digital Persona: Your online identity, including your name, email, and profile picture, reflects who you are.
Challenges of Digital Communications:
Loss of non-verbal cues can lead to disengagement.
Expressing care and appreciation is harder online.
Distractions and discomfort are easier to hide.
Ambiguity and power dynamics can cause stress.
In summary, mastering digital body language helps us communicate effectively across differences and build trust in a virtual world. Erica Dhawan’s insights provide valuable guidance for navigating this new landscape of communication
For further exploration: - https://ericadhawan.com/books/ - https://www.robertglazer.com/elevate-podcast/erica-dhawan-on-mastering-digital-body-language/ - Non-obvious book review:
- With Dorie Clark: