UC professor teaches on ‘power of presence’ at 1819

A 1967 study by Albert Mehrabian, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, revealed the following:

• Just 7% of our feelings and emotions come verbal communication, or words said to us
• 38% are from nonverbal cues due to the speaker’s tone of voice, pitch and volume
• 55% are based on nonverbal body language like facial expressions, posture and eye contact

While recent research has questioned Mehrabian’s exact percentages, the importance of nonverbal communication is undeniable. Recognizing this, business leaders gathered at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub in August to explore “The Power of Presence” – learning how to harness body language and presence to lead with greater impact.

D’Arcy Smith, professor of acting at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and director of the school’s Digital Performance Lab, led the latest installment of the NEXT 1819 Leadership Series.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a performance director and dialect coach, Smith brings a deep understanding of the power of presence. He kicked off his session by emphasizing that while people skills are always important, they become essential during moments of conflict and when emotions run high.

When someone regularly glances away mid-conversation, gives a weak handshake or is constantly slouching, it signals to listeners that the speaker may lack confidence. Meanwhile, those who give needlessly forceful handshakes or stand too close to you may be attempting to assert their dominance.

To show maximum respect, aim for a balance between the two extremes. It’s possible to convey confidence without intimidating those around you – and you’ll likely gain their trust and respect in the process.

Smith spoke extensively about the technique of matching and mismatching body language. Following someone’s nonverbal cues reflects a deep connection, fostering empathy and warmth. Meanwhile, mismatching another person’s body language can be a tactic to knock them off-balance, a subtle but effective power play.

Let’s take a closer look at how confidence is expressed through something as simple as a handshake. What at first seems like an innocuous gesture can reveal a lot about a person’s confidence level. We’ll break down the different styles of handshakes that can send very different messages:

• Overbearing handshake: Giving an excessively firm handshake can come across as domineering, signaling a need to assert power over those you’ve engaged with. This could make those around you feel uneasy and intimidated by your presence.
• Weak handshake: A limp or hesitant handshake often suggests insecurity or discomfort. Using this type of handshake could lead others to perceive you as weak or uncomfortable engaging in conversation.
• Balanced handshake: A firm yet not overpowering grip, combined with eye contact and a smile, is the best way to strike the ideal balance. You’ll demonstrate a level of comfort while also proving you are approachable, mutually holding your own in the relationship.

There are far more factors at play just within a handshake. Giving a firmer grasp or taking the upper position in the shake may exude confidence – possibly even a bit too much. To even out this imbalance in a handshake, those on the receiving end can subtly step forward to reclaim an equal sense of balance and control.

Whether through thought leadership exercises like “The Power of Presence” or by getting insights from entrepreneurs and UC students, Cincinnati businesspeople can rest assured that the 1819 Innovation Hub is the region’s magnet for career upskilling – and people skills are just the start.

Featured image at top: Learning Lab director Nicholas Partridge and Smith mid-session. Photo/Gregory Glevicky