Debunking a communication "rule"

The Myth of the 7-38-55 Rule in Communication

For years, the 7-38-55 rule has been touted as a definitive guide to how we communicate: 7% of meaning is in the words spoken, 38% in the tone of voice, and 55% in body language. This interpretation, however, is a misrepresentation of the original research conducted by Dr. Albert Mehrabian. It’s time to debunk this myth and clarify what the research truly indicates about communication.

Acknowledgements

I have been taught this “rule” for many years, too many to recall who first taught it to me. In doing the deep dive studying I do, I found a contradiction. That contradiction was by L. Michael Hall. Somewhere in one of the multitude of his books that I have read it was buried – this simply is not accurate. I then found his article on the work he did to find the origins of this “rule”. I am inspired by his article – here is that article.

 

Origins of the 7-38-55 Rule

Dr. Mehrabian’s research focused on the importance of non-verbal cues in communication, particularly when there is inconsistency between words and non-verbal behavior. His studies were not meant to be generalized to all communication scenarios but were specific to situations where there is a discrepancy between verbal and non-verbal messages.

The frequently cited formula stems from Mehrabian’s two studies published in the 1960s. These studies aimed to understand how people decode mixed messages—where verbal and non-verbal cues are not aligned. In such cases, Mehrabian found that people tend to rely more on non-verbal elements (tone of voice and facial expressions) than on the actual words spoken.

Misinterpretation and Misuse

The 7-38-55 rule has often been misunderstood and applied incorrectly in broader communication contexts. Many have incorrectly generalized it to mean that these percentages apply universally to all types of communication, which was never Mehrabian’s intention. This myth has led to the oversimplification of communication dynamics, disregarding the complexity and context-dependent nature of human interactions.

In his own words, Mehrabian clarified the scope of his findings, emphasizing that they only apply to situations involving feelings and attitudes. When people communicate in normal situations, especially when the content is clear and unambiguous, the words themselves carry much more weight than the non-verbal cues.

Insights from Neuro-Semantics

The article from Neuro-Semantics further elucidates the limitations of the 7-38-55 rule, explaining that it is a simplification that fails to account for the multifaceted nature of communication. It stresses that Mehrabian’s findings are often taken out of context and overgeneralized. The article emphasizes that effective communication relies heavily on the congruence of verbal and non-verbal signals, and that the specific context and relationship between communicators are crucial factors in determining the impact of different communication elements.

Correcting the Record

To understand communication more accurately, it’s essential to recognize the following:

  1. Context Matters: The impact of non-verbal cues varies significantly depending on the context of the conversation. In high-stakes negotiations, emotional discussions, or when conveying empathy, non-verbal cues can play a significant role. However, in straightforward, factual exchanges, the words are the primary carriers of meaning.
  2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Integration: Effective communication involves a harmonious blend of verbal and non-verbal elements. Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can enhance and reinforce the spoken words, providing a richer and more nuanced understanding.
  3. Clarity and Consistency: The alignment between what is said and how it is said is crucial. Discrepancies between verbal and non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings and mistrust. Ensuring that your verbal messages align with your tone and body language can enhance clarity and trustworthiness.

Conclusion

The 7-38-55 rule has been misinterpreted and overgeneralized in many communication training programs and popular media. It is essential to approach communication with a nuanced understanding that considers the context and integrates both verbal and non-verbal elements effectively. By doing so, we can move beyond the myths and embrace a more comprehensive view of how we truly connect with one another.

Sources for Further Reading:

By examining and addressing these misconceptions, we can foster a deeper and more accurate understanding of communication, ultimately improving how we interact in both personal and professional settings.