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VERBAL AND NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.’Peter F. Drucker

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

It’s not what you say, it's how you say it.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:DEFINITION

The types of interpersonal communication that are not expressed verbally are called non-verbal communications.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Interpersonal communication not only involves the explicitmeaning of words, the information or message conveyed, but also refers to implicitmessages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviors.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

When we communicate things that we care about, we do so mainly using nonverbal signals.

Wordless communication, or body language, includes facial expressions, body movementand gestures, eye contact, posture, the tone of your voice, and even your muscle tension and breathing.

The way we look, listen, move, and react to another person tells them more about how we are feeling than words alone ever can.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Developing the ability to understand and use nonverbal communication can help you connectwith others, express what you really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build betterrelationships at home and work.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communications include facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, gestures displayed through body language (kinesics) and the physical distance between the communicators (proxemics).

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

These non-verbal signals can give clues and additional information and meaning over and above spoken (verbal) communication.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal Messages Allow People To:Reinforce or modify what is said in words. For example, people may nod their heads vigorously when saying "Yes" to emphasize that they agree with the other person, but a shrug of the shoulders and a sad expression when saying "I'm fine thanks,” may imply that things are not really fine at all!Convey information about their emotional state.Define or reinforce the relationship between people.Provide feedback to the other person.Regulate the flow of communication, for example by signaling to others that they have finished speaking or wish to say something.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Many popular books on non-verbal communication present the topic as if it were a language that can be learned, the implication being that if the meaning of every nod, eye movement, and gesture were known, the real feelings and intentions of a person would be understood.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Interpersonal communication is further complicated in that it is usually not possible to interpret a gesture or expression accurately on its own.

Non-verbal communication consists of a complete package of expressions, hand and eye movements, postures, and gestures which should be interpreted along with speech.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

When we communicate, non-verbal cues can be as important, or in some cases even more important, than what we say.

Non-verbal communication can have a great impact on the listener and the outcome of the communication.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

BODY LANGUAGE OR BODY MOVEMENT

Body movements include gestures, posture, head and hand movements or whole body movements.

Body movements can be used to reinforce or emphasize what a person is saying and also offer information about the emotions and attitudes of a person.

However, it is also possible for body movements to conflict with what is said. A skilled observer may be able to detect such discrepancies in behavior and use them as a clue to what someone is really feeling.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

POSTURE

Posture can reflect people's emotions, attitudesand intentions. Research has identified a wide range of postural signals and their meanings, such as:

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

Open and Closed Posture:

Two forms of posture have been identified, ‘open’ and ‘closed’, which may reflect an individual's degree of confidence, status or receptivity to another person.

Someone seated in a closed position might have his/her arms folded, legs crossed or be positioned at a slight angle from the person with whom they are interacting.

In an open posture you might expect to see someone directly facing you with hands apart on the arms of the chair.

An open posture can be used to communicate openness or interest in someone and a readiness to listen, whereas the closed posture might imply discomfort or disinterest.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

EYE CONTACT

Eye contact is an important aspect of non-verbal behavior. In interpersonal interaction, it serves three main purposes:

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

To give and receive feedback: Looking at someone lets them know that the receiver is concentrating on the content of their speech.

Not maintaining eye contact can indicate disinterest.

Communication may not be a smooth process if a listener averts their eyes too frequently.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

To let a partner know when it is their 'turn' to speak: This is related to the above point. Eye contact is more likely to be continuous when someone is listening, rather than speaking. When a person has finished what they have to say, they will look directly at the other person and this gives a signal that the arena is open.

If someone does not want to be interrupted, eye contact may be avoided.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

To communicate something about a relationship between people:

When you dislike someone, you tend to avoid eye contact and pupil size is often reduced.

On the other hand, the maintenance of positive eye contact signals interest or attraction in a partner.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TYPES

PARA-LANGUAGE

Para-language relates to all aspects of the voice which are not strictly part of the verbal message, including the tone and pitch of the voice, the speed and volume at which a message is delivered, and pauses and hesitations between words.

These signals can serve to indicate feelings about what is being said.

Emphasizing particular words can imply whether or not feedback is required.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

HOW TO IMPROVE?

Practice observing people in public places, such as on the train, café, restaurant, or even on a television talk show with the sound muted.

Observing how others use body language can teach you how to better receive and use nonverbal signals when conversing with others.

Notice how people act and react to each other. Try to guess what their relationship is, what they are talking about, and how each feels about what is being said.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION:TIP

Use nonverbal signals that match up with our words.

Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it.

If we say one thing, but our body language says something else, our listener will likely feel we are being dishonest. Such as when we can not say ‘yes’ while shaking our head no.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Use body language to convey positive feelings even when we are not actually experiencing them. If we are nervous about a situation – a job interview, important presentation we can use positive body language to signal confidence, even though we are not feeling it.

Instead of tentatively entering a room with your head down, eyes averted, and sliding into a chair, try standing tall with your shoulders back, smiling and maintaining eye contact, and delivering a firm handshake. It will make you feel more self-confident and help to put the other person at ease.

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

‘Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words.’Deborah Bull