Nonverbal Communication

Milton Erickson developed exceptional observational ability during childhood paralysis. Facial expression, posture, tone, timing, and bodily contradictions can reveal information beyond speech. Visceral empathy is described as sensing another person's experience through observation and bodily resonance. Erickson's perceptual skill is presented as an extreme development of a capacity all humans possess. Nonverbal perception can improve with practice. People often overvalue words and overlook bodily cues.