NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What percentage of the impact of a message is attributed to body language?

1. 7%

2. 23%

3. 38%

4. 55%

The correct answer is: 55%

Body language has a significant influence on communication and is estimated to account for a large portion of the message's impact. Research in nonverbal communication suggests that as much as 55% of the impact of a message can be attributed to body language. This encompasses facial expressions, gestures, posture, and overall presence. The power of body language lies in its ability to convey emotions and intentions often more effectively than verbal communication. People may unconsciously react to nonverbal cues, sometimes even overriding the spoken words. Hence, understanding and appropriately utilizing body language is crucial for personal trainers, who must communicate effectively with their clients to build trust, motivate, and ensure proper exercise execution. The lower percentages attributed to other factors, such as verbal tone and the actual words spoken, support the view that while those elements are important, they do not carry as much weight in delivering the overall message as does body language. This insight is particularly valuable in the context of training and interpersonal communication, reinforcing the importance of being mindful of one's own nonverbal cues when interacting with clients.