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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.