define non verbal communication

8/4/2019 Define Non Verbal Communication

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1. Define Non verbal communication

Nonverbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication through

sending and receiving wordless messages.

2. Elements of Nonverbal communication:

There are different nonverbal communication elements that communicate so powerfully to

the people around you. Some one are quiet familiar to you and some are bit surprising. Let's

examine each nonverbal element in turn to see how we can maximize your potential to

communicate effectively.

2.1 Body Language (Kinesics)

Kinesics is the interpretation of the body language such as gestures and facial

expression and also related to nonverbal movement of the any part of the body or as

body whole.

a) Body movement and postures

Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk,

stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself

communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbalcommunication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.

b) Gestures

Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon,

and use our hands when were arguing or speaking animatedly, expressing

ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of

gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so its important to

be careful to avoid misinterpretation.

c) Facial Expression

The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions

without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication,

facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness,

anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.


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d) Eye contact

Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially

important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can

communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction.

Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for

gauging the other persons response.

2.2 Voice (Paralanguage):

We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words. Nonverbal

speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are important

communication elements. When we speak, other people read our voices in addition

to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide subtle but powerful

clues into our true feelings and what we really mean.

a) Inflection:

Inflection is the modification of a word to express different voice qualities and

vice sounds. Inflection (rising, falling, flat...)i) Volume

When you are speaking your volume will also send nonverbal signals to the

other persons. If you are speaking in high volume it shows eagerness and if

your volume is low it gives different meanings.

ii) Rate:

Your voice rate is also related to nonverbal communication which means that

whether you are speaking fast or slow. If you are vice rate is rapid so thelistener can not be able listen you, so rate is also important in nonverbal

communication.

iii) Pitch:

Pitch is the frequency of sounds. Pitch is also very important in nonverbal

communication. The perceived pitch of sound is just the ears responses to the

frequency. Pitch (high, medium, low, changes...)


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2.3 Space:

We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the

culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space

to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy,

aggression, dominance, or affection.

Standing:

Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other

person was standing too close and invading your space? In nonverbal

communication it is important to look whether you are standing close or far to

the person because it counts allot

Seating

Some aspects of seating arrangements form the nonverbal communication.

Seating position demonstrates the organization way of thinking.

Touching

We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given

by the following: a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear

hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling

grip on your arm.

2.4 Objects

Nonverbal communication can also be communicated through objects such as

clothing, hairstyle or architecture

a) Office Arrangements

Environmental factors such as furniture, architectural style, interior decorating,

lighting conditions, colors, temperature, noise, and music affect the behavior of

communicators during interaction. The furniture itself can be seen as a

nonverbal message.


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b) Dress

Elements such as physique, height, weight, hair, skin color, gender, odors, and

clothing send nonverbal messages during interaction. Some time you

recognized the person with their dress such as in hospitals whether he is a

doctor or not.

3 Improving nonverbal communication

Good communication skills can help you in both your personal and professional life.

While verbal and written communication skills are important, research has shown that

nonverbal behaviors make up a large percentage of our daily interpersonal

communication. We can improve nonverbal communication skills by:

3.1 Practice

Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication

effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often

described as being able to "read people." In reality, you can build this skill by paying

careful attention to nonverbal behavior and practicing different types of nonverbal

communication with others. By noticing nonverbal behavior and practicing your own

skills, you can dramatically improve your communication abilities.

3.2 Arrangements:

Following are the some arrangements through which you can read the non verbal

signals of other peoples and enhance your own ability to communicate effectively.

Pay attention to nonverbal signals

Look for incongruent behaviours

Concentrate your tone of voice when speaking

Use good eye contact

Ask questions about nonverbal signals

Use signals to make communication more effective and meaningful.

define non verbal communication

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