1. Mehrabian et al’s original article was published in 1967, NOT 1971

2. Mehrabian et al most certainly did NOT make the claim you’ve written. Here is the correct information (based on Mehrabian’s book, “Silent Messages” (1981)):

(a) IF the messages conveyed by our three channels (words, vocal characteristics and body language) are NOT congruent, and

(b) IF we are expressing an opinion (e.g. “I really like the way you’ve done your hair”£)

(c) then listeners will give 7% (approx.) credibility to WHAT we say, 28% credibility to our tone of voice, etc., and 55% credibility to our body language ESPECIALLY our facial expression.

(d) Notice, this is NOT about how much of your message people will RECEIVE, it only indicates which channel they are most likely to take notice of – but see next point …

(e) None of thesze statistics apply if what we are saying is supposedly factual (e.g. “The next train for London goes at 12:15″) or if the messages from the three channels are congruent

3. These findings were confirmed in the early 1970s by Argyle et al.

4. To be a good communicator you must:

(i) Be congruent across all three channels

(ii) Plan what you want to say, and how to express it clearly – use your words effectively

(iii) Repeat the onformation three times, about 8-12 minutes apart.

– The first time the brain may register the information but not store it so it can be easily recalled
– The second time the information will be taken more nortice of, but may still not be easy to recall
– The third time, the brain registers that the information is important and does the best job of storing it for later access.

Trainers, teachers, etc. have known about this “rule of three” for a long, long time, but it has only quite recently (1990s) been shown to have a genuine neurological basis.