Navy SEAL training focuses on physical fitness, but communication skills are key. From Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) onward, there’s a strong emphasis on refining communication skills, starting with posture, then hand signals, and commanding.
Leaders’ effectiveness hinges on their communication ability, which is vital in extreme conditions like heavy gunfire or pitch-black environments. “Communication congruency” emphasizes the harmony between body language, tone, and words. It underscores the significance of aligning verbal and nonverbal cues to avoid mixed messages, which is crucial for mission success and building strong connections in the workplace.
The 55-38-7 rule
The 55-38-7 rule by psychologist Albert Mehrabian states that in emotional communication, 55% is expressed through body language, 38% through tone, and just 7% through words. This highlights the importance of aligning nonverbal cues with verbal communication for clarity and impact and applies specifically to situations where emotions or attitudes are communicated.
While Mehrabian’s research wasn’t in Navy SEAL training, its relevance extends to their high-pressure environments. SEAL training emphasizes discipline, precision, and clear communication, aligning with Mehrabian’s focus on nonverbal cues. This research validates SEAL communication strategies and highlights their importance in different scenarios.
To reinforce your grasp of “SEAL” communication principles, I’ve developed an acronym memory aid using “S.E.A.L.S.” It’s straightforward and highly effective, though challenging to implement. I recommend finding a “swim buddy” (a SEAL term for the smallest team) to provide feedback on effectively integrating these five core communication techniques.
S: Stand tall
Posture sends the first message: Before you say a word, others have already judged you. At the Naval Academy, we learn that posture matters. In SEAL POW training, instructors focus on those who seem most defeated. SEAL instructors excel at spotting potential quitters by their posture. In civilian settings, evaluations may differ, but the significance remains. There is a profound effect when someone’s body language lacks confidence in a speech, sales pitch, or meeting.
Tip: From head to foot—chin slightly up, ears over the shoulders, shoulders rolled back with chest out, pull your belly button in gently as you breathe and keep your knees slightly bent with weight on the balls of your feet—take three deep, slow, controlled breaths to set your posture.
In a workplace, posture speaks volumes before words. Leading a meeting, pitching to clients, or interacting with your team—your posture matters. A confident stance boosts your presence and shapes how others see you. It signals engagement, confidence, and readiness for challenges.
E: Eye contact
Eyes are the windows to the soul. In many cases, a SEAL can only see their teammates’ eyes, and instructors assess determination by observing eye contact. Eyes can convey fear, confidence, humor, and more. Mastering this skill takes practice. Establishing and maintaining eye contact is crucial. A friendly gaze is important when meeting someone new, but being direct may align better with your communication. This subtle art can have a big impact.
Tip: Eyes and facial expressions are swim buddies—when greeting someone new, start with soft eyes that match a gentle smile; when seeking buy-in, open your eyes wide while connecting with your audience. Be careful though: there is a delicate balance between connecting with intensity and staring with intimidation.
In professional settings, eye contact is key for building connections and credibility. Whether you’re in a meeting or presentation, keep eye contact to show engagement and interest. It demonstrates your focus and presence, enhancing connections and respect at work.
A: Arms open
Arm (hand) movement speaks volumes: SEALs communicate predominantly with their arms and hands whether underwater, free-falling through the air, or under fire on land. Rarely do they cross or close their arms during these intense operations. Be mindful of your arm placement. Do you tend to cross your arms when engaged in conversation? How do you position your hands during important presentations? Effective communication hinges on nuances, with significant body language signals stemming from your arms.
Tip: Not sure where to keep your hands while standing and delivering a message? Open your palms press them on the side of your thighs, and raise them to bring them together as if you were going to clap. Avoid pointing. Instead, use open-palm gestures while ensuring your arms remain uncrossed.
In the workplace, managing your arm and hand movements affects communication. Keeping arms open signals openness, fosters collaboration, and improves teamwork among colleagues.
L: Lean in
Squared shoulders send listening signals: Active listening is crucial for SEALs, salespeople, and leaders. Your listening impacts trust-building. As a young SEAL platoon commander, my evaluation hinged on listening to experienced NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers). Earning my Navy SEAL trident required being a good listener. Effective listening starts by facing the speaker, and leaning in to show attention. When they sense your respect, they engage with you.
Tip: Imagine a beam of light radiating from your heart toward the person you’re listening to. This gesture naturally aligns your shoulders with theirs. As you shift your bodyweight onto the balls of your feet, you subtly lean in towards them. This nonverbal cue conveys their words are important to you.
Active listening is crucial in any professional setting. Physically leaning in towards the speaker demonstrates engagement and respect for their input, enhancing trust among team members. It’s a key practice for fostering a culture of respect and understanding among leaders and employees.
S: Salute
Saluting is a gesture that signifies respect and it’s not exclusive to the military. Acknowledging people’s contributions, hard work, or creativity can be expressed elegantly through a simple salute. While it doesn’t have to be a formal military salute, lifting your right hand to your head shows respect and can indicate your comprehension of their message. Seek opportunities to “salute” others frequently and promptly. Your gesture of gratitude and respect will contribute to building a high-performing team.
Tip: Connect your four fingers together and tuck your thumb slightly under your right index finger. How you deliver your salute with words, tone, and arm movement can send a friendly message of appreciation and gratitude.
Translating the salute into a workplace gesture of acknowledgment and respect can boost team morale. Recognizing colleagues’ efforts through praise or a simple nod fosters a positive work environment, encouraging a culture of appreciation and boosting team motivation and performance.
Improving communication is more art than science. While science guides our efforts, our unique communication style, body language, and tone determine its impact. Whether leading SEAL teams or salespeople, how you convey your message counts. Effective communication builds trust, a team’s key to peak performance.
Incorporating these principles into your professional life can significantly enhance personal effectiveness and workplace dynamics. Every action, from posture to a simple acknowledgment, nurtures a culture of respect, engagement, and high performance. Embracing these practices boosts leadership and communication, setting a standard for innovation, collaboration, and respect to flourish. Purposefully applying these principles will lead to a noticeable transformation in your interactions and organizational culture.
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