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The Benefits of Recognizing Social Cues
Louisiana REALTORS • April 28, 2020
We communicate in a variety of ways.
However, there are two distinct ways that we share information with one another; verbal and non-verbal. While verbal communication is pretty straightforward, learning how to read between the lines and pick up on the subtleties of body language can mitigate a lot of problems. Furthermore, the nuances of social cues, which can be verbal and non-verbal, provide a lot of valuable insight. This is especially true for REALTORS®. Because you work with many different people
in many different situations, understanding what isn’t being said can be just as important as what is, for you to make the best decisions.
What are Social Cues?
Social cues encompass a variety of behaviors that communicate different information. Some examples of social cues are:
- Vocal tone
- Hand gestures
- Facial expressions
- Posture
- Eye contact
- Body movement
Depending on any given situation, picking up on these cues can help you better understand what a person means and how they actually feel. Social cues allow us to fuel our intuition and reduce ambiguity during interactions with others.
How Can You Recognize Certain Social Cues?
Here are some common social cues and the messages they are conveying.
Fidgeting – Twirling a pen, playing with hair, and foot tapping are fidgeting behaviors. They can be signs of anxiety or disinterest. While some of these may be unintentional habits, they can put off the wrong signals. They are also signs that you may need to change the subject or find a way to regain their attention.
Crossed arms – Crossed arms are considered a defensive stance. This is a physical representation of being closed or standoffish.
Mirroring – Mirroring behaviors occur when someone is taking the same physical positions as you. Tone of voice and stance are examples of simple things for someone to imitate. When this happens, it is typically a sign of someone trying to genuinely engage with you.
Posture – Your posture speaks volumes about how you truly feel about any given situation. Slouching and other relaxed positions convey being tired or unengaged. Attentive posture shows interest in a discussion.
Tone – The inflection, volume, and register of your voice are emotional responses that directly present how someone feels. Higher registers suggest excitement. Lower registers denote more serious topics. The tone of someone’s voice is naturally easy to gauge and perceive.
While we all communicate differently, understanding how to collect all points of communication and the information being shared is an important skill. Picking up on what is, and isn’t being said, can help you become an even more knowledgeable REALTOR®.
REALTORS® are entrusted with a significant responsibility: to guide clients through one of life's most significant transactions—the purchase or sale of a home.
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on seller disclosures. This guide covers the basics of what home characteristics sellers are required to disclose to help potential buyers make informed decisions and protect sellers from legal liability. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Seller Disclosures Property Taxes Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover tactics for marketing your home.
A skilled REALTOR® does more than list your property; they implement strategic marketing tactics to maximize exposure and attract serious buyers. Here’s how an agent can help market your home effectively.
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Baton Rouge, LA 70802