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1.0 ACKNOWLODGEMENT

ALHAMDULILLAH. Thanks to Allah SWT, whom with His willing giving us the

opportunity to complete this assignment for the Communication Skills’ class. We have

been asked to do our first assignment by studying Nonverbal Communication by our

lecturer.

Firstly, we would like to express my deepest thanks to our lecturer, Madam Suzie Lagis

that have guided us while doing this assignment, to our parents, family, and others for

their cooperation, encouragement, constructive suggestion and full of support for the

report completion, from the beginning till the end. Also thanks to all of our friends and

everyone that have been contributed by supporting our work and help our group during

we are working on doing this assignment.

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2.0 INTRODUCTION

Communication in general is process of sending and receiving messages that

enables humans to share knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Although we usually identify

communication with speech, communication is composed of two dimensions - verbal

and nonverbal. Good communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both

personally and professionally. According to experts, a substantial portion of our

communication is nonverbal. Every day, we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues

and behaviours including postures, facial expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of

voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles, nonverbal details reveal who we are and

impact how we relate to other people.

The ability to understand and to use nonverbal communication is a powerful tool

that will help you connect with others, express what you really mean, navigate

challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and work.

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3.0 WHAT IS NONBERBAL COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal communication has been defined as communication without

saying words. It includes apparent behaviours such as facial expressions, eyes, touching,

and tones of voice, as well as less obvious messages such as dress, posture and spatial

distance between two or more people. It is a vital form of communication usually a

natural, unconscious language that broadcasts our true feelings and intentions in any

given moment, and clues us in to the feelings and intentions of those around us.

Nonverbal communication is important in many ways. In the case of

relationships, understanding nonverbal communication can help someone know what

his or her partner is really thinking. For example, if a woman tells her boyfriend she is

happy going to a football game instead of shopping, but she is standing with her arms

folded facing away from him, her body language clearly says she is not happy with the

decision.

Furthermore, we continuously give and receive wordless signals when we

interact with others. All of our nonverbal behaviours such as the gestures we make, the

way we sit, how fast or how loud we talk, how close we stand, how much eye contact

we make will send strong messages. These messages don’t stop when you stop speaking

either. Even when you’re silent, you’re still communicating nonverbal.

Oftentimes, what we say and what we communicate through body language

are two totally different things. When faced with these mixed signals, the listener has to

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choose whether to believe your verbal or nonverbal message, and, in most cases, they’re

going to choose nonverbal.

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4.0 TYPES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

4.1 POSTURE & GESTURE

Posture can provide important information on nonverbal communication and emotions.

Psychological studies have shown the effects of body posture on emotions. Currently,

many studies have shown that certain patterns of body movements are indicative of

specific emotions. Researchers studied sign language and found that even non-sign

language users can determine emotions from only hand movements.

Posture is the way you stand or sit, it is the first major influence on the

initial impression you make. Although you may not be aware of it, your posture

indicates your confidence, your openness and your attitude. Many people who write

about nonverbal communication emphasize the center as an important aspect of posture.

The center is that point where a line between your armpits intersects another line

piercing your midchest from front to back.

For example if you shuffle up to the front of the room and slump in front of

your audience, you have hidden your center; you may communicate a lack of interest or

lack of enthusiasm you really do not feel. If you suddenly cross your arms and turn

away from someone sitting in your office, you have closed your center, you might imply

you are disagreeing with him or her, even if that is not what you mean.

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FIGURE 1: STANDING POSTURE

FIGURE 2: SITTING POSTURE

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GESTURE is the term applied to a motion of either the limbs or the body which is

made in order to express or to aid in the expression of thought or often simply to

emphasise speech. The term could be used to refer to the act of moving either the limbs

or body for emphasis or as an expression of thought. It could be an act or even a remark

that is made as a formality or one that is made as a sign of a certain intention or attitude;

such as 'a gesture of kindness'. Gestures allow individuals to communicate a variety of

feelings and thought. Interpretation of body language such as facial expressions and

gesture was called kinesics. Kinesics is a nonverbal behaviour related to movement,

either of any part of the body or the body as a whole. There are basically five different

types of kinesics. They are emblems, regulators, illustrators, affective display and

adaptors.

EMBLEMS

Emblems are non-verbal cues that have a

verbal counterpart. For example “ok” sign

made by forming a circle with your thumb

and forefinger and stretching out the rest of

the three fingers. This may be seen as an

indication for zero or the number three in

some countries. It is considered obscene in

Australia though. Emblems as such are a

bewildering array of different meanings. The list of possible interpretations and

different meanings is, unfortunately, sheer endless. In short, emblems are signs used to

FIGURE 3: “OK” SIGN

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refer to certain words. Its interpretation may vary across different cultures and groups of

people.

REGULATORS

Regulators are non-verbal signs that regulate, modulate and maintain the flow of speech

during a conversation. These can be both kinesics, such

as the nodding of a head, as well as nonkinesic, such as

eye movements. They are often used as feedback to find

out if one is clear of the instructions given or if the

audience is interested in the e speech. Different cultures

use different forms of regulators to show confusion or

understanding of certain information. Regulators may

modulate the flow of speech when someone who wishes

to interrupt with a point, he/she raises up his/her hand to

indicate that he/she has something to say. This action is a

form of regulator as it controls the flow of speech by an interruption and changes it flow

towards a new speaker.

ILLUSTRATORS

Illustrators are used more consistently to illustrate what

is being said. For example pointing to something that

you are discussing about. Illustrators create a visual

image and support the spoken message. They tend to be

FIGURE 4: RAISE HAND TO INTERRUPT WITH A

POINT

FIGURE 5: HOLDING YOUR HANDS APART

TO INDICATE SIZE

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subconscious movements occurring more regularly than emblematic kinesics

movements.

AFFECTIVE DISPLAY

Affective displays tend to be movements, usually facial gestures, displaying specific

emotions. They’re less conscious than illustrators and occur less frequently. A lack of

such affective displays may well

be understood as a lack of

emotion, which in turn is probably

wrong. Different cultures may

practice the displaying of emotions

differently. Although two people

may be feeling just as angry, their

display of anger may be totally

different. One may blow up in the face while the other may use silence to show

displeasure. Therefore the lack of display may not indicate the lack of emotions.

ADAPTORS

Adaptors include postural changes and other

movements at a low level of awareness,

frequently made to feel more comfortable or

to perform a specific physical function.

Because adaptors are usually carried out a

low level of awareness, they have been hailed

FIGURE 6: THEIR DISPLAY OF ANGER MAY BE TOTALLY DIFFERENT

FIGURE 7: CROSSED LEGS AND ARMS SHOWS

UNWILLINGNESS TO LISTEN

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as the secret to understanding what your conversation partner really thinks. A slumped

posture indicates that you have low spirits, fatigued or that you feel inferior. Whereas,

an erect posture shows high spirits and confidence. If you lean forward it implies that

you are open and interested. Leaning away shows disinterest and defensiveness.

Maintaining a rigid posture may mean that you are defensive, while a relaxed posture

may translate to openness. Crossed legs and arms shows unwillingness to listen while

uncrossed arms and leg indicates that you are approachable.

4.2 FACE AND EYES

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 person’s response. When people encounter people or things that they like, the rate

of blinking increases and pupils dilate. Looking at another person can indicate a range

of emotions, including hostility, interest and attraction.

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Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication.

Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. While

nonverbal communication and behaviour can vary dramatically between cultures, the

facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger and fear are similar throughout the

world.

4.3 VOICE/ PARALANGUAGE

Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal elements of communication used to modify

meaning and convey emotion. Paralanguage may be expressed consciously or

unconsciously, and it includes the pitch, volume, and, in some cases, intonation of

FIGURE 9: FACIAL EXPRESSION

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speech. Sometimes the definition is restricted to vocally-produced sounds. The study is

known as paralinguistic.

The paralinguistic properties of speech play an important role in human speech

communication. There are no utterances or speech signals that lack paralinguistic

properties, since speech requires the presence of a voice that can be modulated. This

voice must have some properties, and all the properties of a voice as such are

paralinguistic. However, the distinction linguistic vs. paralinguistic applies not only to

speech but to writing and sign language as well, and it is not bound to any sensory

modality. Even vocal language has some paralinguistic as well as linguistic properties

that can be seen, and even felt.

It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. When we speak, other people

“read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. Things they pay attention to

include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds

that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how tone of voice,

for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

4.4 TOUCH

Communicating through touch is another important

nonverbal behaviour. There has been a substantial

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amount of research on the importance of touch in infancy and early childhood. 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 , or a controlling grip on your arm. Touch can be used to

communicate affection, familiarity, sympathy and other emotions.

4.5 PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS

Our choice of colour, clothing, hairstyles and other factors affecting appearance are also

considered a means of nonverbal

communication. Research on colour

psychology has demonstrated that

different colours can evoke different

moods. Appearance can also alter

physiological reactions, judgments and

interpretations. Just think of all the

subtle judgements you quickly make

about someone based on his or her appearance. These first impressions are important,

which is why experts suggest that job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with

potential employers.

4.6 DISTANCE AND TERRITORY

People often refer to their need for "personal space," which is also an important type of

nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we

perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms,

situational factors, personality characteristics and level of familiarity. There are 4

FIGURE 11: WEARING BLACK ON FUNERAL DAY

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different distance in nonverbal communication. They are intimate distance, personal

distance, social distance and public distance.

INTIMATE DISTANCE: from actual

touching to eighteen inches. This zone is

reserved for those with whom one is

intimate. At this distance the physical

presence of another is overwhelming.

Intimate spaces are likely to be perceived

as intruders.

PERSONAL DISTANCE: from

eighteen inches to four feet. This is the

distance of interaction of good friends.

This would also seem to be most

appropriate distance for teacher and

student to discuss personal affairs such as

grades, conduct, private problems.

SOCIAL DISTANCE: exists from four

to twelve feet. It seems to be an

appropriate distance for casual friends and

acquaintances to interact.

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PUBLIC DISTANCE: outward from

twelve feet a speaker becomes formal.

Classes of teachers who maintain this

distance between themselves and their

students are generally formal, and some

students may feel that the teacher is cold

and distant.

Territoriality, a trait shared by human beings and lower forms of animal life, is

the instinct to secure space for oneself and to defend that space against potential

intruders. Violations of territory, depending how serious is, will produce different

reactions on the part of the person invaded. From tension and nervousness to,

(especially if the situation persists), verbal or physical aggressive response.

4.7 TIME

“Chronemics” is the study of the use of time in nonverbal communication. Time

perception greatly affects our lifestyle, movements, speed of speech, and the amount of

time set for listening. It is also closely linked to a

person’s social status. The higher the status, the

more control the person has over his time. For

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example, a boss can talk to an employee whenever he chooses to do so, while the

employee has to make an appointment to see the boss.

The way a person treats time reveals something about that person. A

person who is consistently late may not be well organized and the person who is kept

waiting may feel that he or she is not highly regarded by the other person. In the

business world of most western countries, a subordinate does not keep his or her

superior waiting (at least more than two or three minutes).

4.8 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The physical environment people create can both reflect and shape interaction. Besides

communicating information about the designer, an environment can shape the kind of

interaction that takes place in. Environment can shape the kind of interaction that

happen. Physicians also shaped environment to improve communication.

4.9 SMELL

“Olfactics” is a non-verbal communication study of smell. We tend to react to people

based on their smell. For both men and women body smell is one of the most important

subconscious factors of choosing a life mate. During interaction body odor or too much

perfume can make even the most attractive person seem repulsive.

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5.0 WHY NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT IN OUR DAILY

LIFE?

The way you listen, look, move, and react tells the other person whether or

not you care, if you’re being truthful, and how well you’re listening. When your

nonverbal signals match up with the words you’re saying, they increase trust, clarity,

and rapport. When they don’t, they generate tension, mistrust, and confusion.

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If you want to communicate better in all areas of your life, it’s important to

become more sensitive to body language and other nonverbal cues, so you can be more

in tune with the thoughts and feelings of others. You also need to be aware of the

signals you’re sending off, so you can be sure that the messages you’re sending are what

you really want to communicate.

Nonverbal communication cues can play five roles:

Repetition: they can repeat the message the person is making verbally

Contradiction: they can contradict a message the individual is trying to

convey

Substitution: they can substitute for a verbal message. For example, a person's

eyes can often convey a far more vivid message than words and often do

Complementing: they may add to or complement a verbal message. A boss

who pats a person on the back in addition to giving praise can increase the

impact of the message

Accenting: they may accent or underline a verbal message. Pounding the

table, for example, can underline a message.

6.0 Sources

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, EDWARD G.

WERTHEIM, PH.D.

3. ESSENTIALS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION, JOSEPH A. DeVito, P90.D85

2011

2. WIKIPEDIA (Nonverbal Communication):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication

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3. ABOUT.COM (Types Of Nonverbal Communication)

http://psychology.about.com/b/2011/08/16/types-of-nonverbal-communication.htm

4. ARINA’S SELF HELP BLOG ( WHAT IS NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION)

. http://www.arinanikitina.com/what-is-non-verbal-communication.html

5. HELPGUIDE (NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION)

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq6_nonverbal_communication.htm