What Does Your Digital Body Language Say About You? Pitfalls to Avoid and How to Build Trust

Key facts

• 70% of team communication is now conducted virtually rather than in person, according to studies cited by Fearless
• Albert Mehrabian's 1967 research suggested only 7% of communication is via the spoken word, 55% is physical body language, and 38% is tone of voice
• Erica Dhawan's book 'Digital Body Language: How to build trust and connection no matter the distance' explains how digital messages are often misinterpreted by recipients regardless of sender intent
• The article was written by Natalie Forkin, a Fearless communication skills coach and marketing expert
• Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking
• The article was published by Fearless on August 23, 2023

What is digital body language?

Digital body language, a term used in Erica Dhawan's book referenced by Fearless, refers to the tone, timing, formatting and word choices used in emails, texts and messages that stand in for the physical cues normally read in person. Since the sender's intent isn't visible, the recipient's interpretation shapes the message's actual meaning.

How much of communication is lost when it moves online?

Fearless cites research showing that as communication shifts online, a large share of meaning can be lost: Albert Mehrabian's 1967 research found only 7% of information is conveyed through spoken words, 55% through physical body language and 38% through tone of voice, and studies suggest 70% of team communication is now virtual.

What are the common pitfalls of digital communication?

• A short, to-the-point email can be misread as rude or as the writer taking a bad mood out on the recipient, even when no offence was intended
• A delayed reply to a text, such as one that takes three days despite repeated checking, can be interpreted negatively by the person waiting for an answer
• Messages full of emojis, abbreviations and exclamation marks may come across as unprofessional to some recipients rather than friendly or upbeat
• Digital messages depend heavily on the recipient's interpretation rather than the sender's original intention, according to Erica Dhawan's book cited by Fearless
• The digital world is often less personable than in-person interaction; a virtual 'open door' is effectively blocked by the sheer volume of daily emails

How can you build trust through digital communication?

• Recognise that everyone has their own digital body language and that it's up to each person to interact positively and effectively online
• Check in with colleagues or friends for feedback on how your digital communication comes across and what could be improved
• Keep the audience in mind when crafting a message: consider how formal the situation is, how well you know the recipient, and how they might perceive the tone
• Avoid replying immediately when upset; give yourself time to calm down before responding to an emotionally charged message
• Don't ignore messages entirely; a quick acknowledgement can buy time if you can't give a full reply straight away
• Be mindful of capital letters (which can read as shouting), emoji use, and coloured fonts, particularly red, which can be perceived as anger
• Turn your camera on for video calls so you appear present and engaged rather than absent
• Treat video calls like an in-person meeting by smiling, maintaining eye contact and looking into the camera rather than out of the window or at your phone
• Avoid signing off messages with an 'x' unless the recipient is a friend or family member, erring on the side of professionalism to keep boundaries clear

Who wrote this article for Fearless?

This article on digital body language was written by Natalie Forkin, described by Fearless as a communication skills coach and marketing expert. Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking, that provides courses and coaching to businesses, individuals and schools.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of team communication is now virtual, according to Fearless?

Fearless cites studies suggesting that 70% of communication amongst teams is now conducted virtually rather than in real life, reflecting the shift away from daily office commutes and in-person interaction.

What did Albert Mehrabian's 1967 research find about how we communicate?

Fearless references Albert Mehrabian's 1967 research, which suggested that only 7% of the information we deliver is conveyed through the spoken word, 55% through physical body language, and 38% through tone of voice.

Which book does the Fearless article reference on digital communication?

The article references Erica Dhawan's book 'Digital Body Language: How to build trust and connection no matter the distance', which explains how virtual communication is easily misinterpreted despite the sender's good intentions.

Should you sign off a professional digital message with an 'x'?

No. Fearless advises avoiding signing off with an 'x' unless the recipient is a friend or family member, erring on the side of professionalism so as not to blur boundaries in a work context.

Who is Fearless and what does the company do?

Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking, that provides courses, coaching and bespoke programmes to businesses, individuals and schools to build confidence, presentation skills and leadership presence.