It is so closely linked to emotions that in many cases body language can betray the speaker and contradict the verbal message; for this reason it is important to know that body language can speak louder than words. The ability to understand how body language works can improve an individual's effectiveness in communication; By being able to match the verbal message with the nonverbal message, the speaker can influence how others perceive him or her. Body language is a “powerful tool for expressing our feelings, managing impressions, influencing others, and forming and defining relationships.” (Kidwell & Hasford, 2014, p.526) One of the most important factors of body language is awareness; an effective communicator will pay more attention to how the message is sent both verbally and nonverbally, as well as the nonverbal signals sent by the recipient. By being aware of the power of body language, an individual can use it to gain respect, build rapport and trust which are essential traits when interacting with people, especially in social and professional settings.