Regarding the Mehrabian research, I think it’s also important to note that, while the statistic is not necessarily relevant to meaning, it is to ‘likeness’ and first impressions. And because no person is perfect nor exactly alike, it’s easy to send contradictory messages, the focus of Mehrabian’s research. It’s often misused, but still important research that we don’t want to minimize – after all, who hasn’t used sarcasm once in a while?

And thanks for your comments on the Mehrabian research. I’ve blogged about it a couple of times, and I feel that I’m on a mission to clarify this misinterpreted statistic as often as I can.

Some times it is too easy to hear a bit of science, even quote it, and yet it is totally misunderstood as with the Mehrabian myth.

And as you said, “Although it feels awkward…” I can still remember my first talk decades ago and how uncomfortable it was. But my mentor told me just what you said.

Your right, eventually they join in.

Thanks.

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