A firm handshake used to symbolize peace and trust—but what has replaced that gesture in the digital age? Studies suggest that 90% of communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal cues include a wide range of body language: facial expressions, eye contact, hand movements, and even the tone of your voice. These significantly impact how an online message is perceived and play a crucial role in connecting online speakers with viewers.
A doctor’s body language in a video can help them appear warm, likable, and reassuring. There is immense emotional and psychological power to this form of silent, but effective, communication. This makes you, the doctor, seem more caring and relatable, even if your body language isn’t ‘positive’ in the traditional sense. For instance, if we see someone sweating, with small beads on their forehead during a speech, this can evoke empathy rather than criticism or judgment.
I remember one of the early speeches delivered by the Princess of Wales. It was in front of a small gathering—not a major event—and her voice trembled slightly. I loved it. It was so endearing. Similarly, if a speaker stumbles over their words, as we all do sometimes, it can enhance their likability. For me, it’s a bit annoying to see those super fluent speakers on stage. Most of us can’t string two sentences together in front of an audience. I’m not sure what I’d do if I were on stage right now!
So, our human flaws that pop up in our online conversations are what help us relate to our audience. There’s a book titled The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help—or Hurt—How You Lead, by Carol Kinsey Goman. She explains how body language influences credibility. In the healthcare domain, your expertise isn’t just conveyed in words—it’s also reflected in your demeanor.
When patients watch your videos, they unconsciously read these small signals to decide if you’re approachable, knowledgeable, and compassionate. In your YouTube video, every micro-expression—a smile, a nod—can foster trust and confidence.
– Written by your host Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 