Verbal and Nonverbal communication.

COMMUNICATION 2

Oral and Non-Verbal Communication.

What is oral Communication?Oral or verbal communication is the use of

any linguistic symbols- spoken, sign, or written language- to accomplish message goals.

Types of Oral Communication

Face to face conversationInterviewMeetingOral briefingPublic addressOral presentationTelephone callConference

Advantages of Oral CommunicationDirect medium of communicationAdvantages of physical proximityInstant interchange of opinion, views and

attitudes.Instantaneous feedbackEasier to convince or persuadeAllows for contribution and participation

from all present

Disadvantages of Oral CommunicationMore difficult to hold ground in face of

oppositionMore difficult to control when a number of

people take part.Lack of time to think things out.Quality of decision making maybe inferior.Often no written record of what was said.

Disadvantages Continued.Sometimes disputes result over what was

agreed.

What is written communication?Written communication is information

conveyed through writing.

Types of Written CommunicationMemorandumReportAbstractMinutesArticlePress ReleaseProposalLetters

Advantages of Written CommunicationProvides written recordCapable of relaying complex ideasProvides analysis, evaluation and

summaryDisseminates information to dispersed

receiversConfirms, interprets and clarifies oral

communicationForms basis of contract or agreement

Disadvantages of Written Communication

Can take time to produceCan be expensiveCommunication tends to be more formal

and distantCan cause problems of interpretationInstant feedback is not possibleOnce dispatched, difficult to modify

message

Disadvantages ContinuedIt does not allow for exchange of opinion,

views or attitudes except over period of time

Non-Verbal Communication: Messages without words.

“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Definition of non verbal communication.

Nonverbal communication refers to body movements or vocal variations that communicate without words.

“Messages expressed by other than linguistic means.” (Adler& Towne, 228)

What have you learned?Communication exists- there are other

languages besides words that convey messages.

All nonverbal behaviour has communicative value.

Nonverbal communication is primarily relational- it defines the relationship we want to have with others.

Types of nonverbal communication.Non-verbal communication maybe divided

into three main areas:KinesicsProxemicsPara-linguisticsChronemicsHaptics

Kinesics

Kinesics are the body movements we useto communicate. Kinesic behaviours suchas leaning or pressing your index finger toyour lips to signal others to be quiet, can regulate conversation, illustrate verbalpoints, reduce anxiety and expressemotion.

Picture This!!

Examples of KinesicsFacial expressions- smiles, frowns,

narrowed eyes transmitting emotions;Gestures- pointing fingers, shakes of the

head;Movements- quick pacing up and down,

finger drumming, leisurely strolling.

ProxemicsThis is the study of how people use space

and distance. Different cultures have different rules

about what distance to maintain.

Examples of ProxemicsPhysical contact- shaking hands, clapping on

the back, transmitting greetings, insistence or friendship.

Posture- standing straight and erect, lounging, leaning forward, transmitting alertness and care, self confidence, nervousness or ease.

Positioning- keeping a respectful distance, looking over someone's shoulder, transmitting awareness of differing status, a close working relationship or relaxed mutual trust.

Para- linguisticsThis involves vocal sounds other than

words. It is how you say something rather than what the words mean. In our interactions with others vocal pitch (highness or lowness of tone), speech rate (speed), volume (loudness) and rhythm (timing and emphasis) can express a variety of meanings.

Para-linguistics continued.For example, you present a speech to your

class and your speech is hesitant, your rate of speech is slow, and you repeatedly use vocal interferences such’ as “um,” “er,” “uh,” and “like, you know” to fill some of the dead air. Your classmates may interpret this paralanguage as insecurity or limited knowledge of the subject matter.

ChronemicsThis is the study of how people use and

perceive time. Time is of great significance in North

American culture. In the United States, time equals money, so the focus is on adherence to deadlines, schedules, promptness, and alacrity when making points, all facets of monochronic time.

Chronemics ContinuedFrom a monochronic time perspective,

arriving 10 minutes late to a job interview may convey a message to the employer that the applicant is unreliable and may cost the company valuable time. It is not unusual for business meetings in the United States and England to begin exactly at the scheduled time.

Chronemics ContinuedIn many Latin American and Middle

Eastern cultures the focus is on interpersonal relationships and a perception that everything has its own time. In this polychronic time orientation, schedules are not strictly observed and expectations about arrival and departure times are less rigid. Being 20 to 30 minutes late is acceptable because the pace is more relaxed.

HapticsHaptics involves touching behaviours.

Touch can communicate a wide variety of messages. If you inadvertently bump into someone at work or school, you may apologize and feel a bit embarrassed because you did not intend to touch the person and touch can imply intimacy.

Advantages of Non-verbal Communication

Repeating- instructions can be repeated by using non-verbal expressions, for example pointing is a on-verbal behaviour that social scientists call emblems- deliberate non-verbal behaviours that have a precise meaning.

Substituting- emblems also replace a verbal message.

Advantages continuedComplementing- non- verbal behaviours

that accompany and support spoken words.

Accenting- Just as we use italics to highlight an idea in print, we use non-verbal devices to emphasize oral messages. Pointing an accusing finger adds emphasis to criticism.

Regulating- controlling the flow of verbal messages.

Disadvantages of Non-verbal Communication

Ambiguity- although non-verbal behaviour can be very revealing, it can have so many possible meanings.

Multiple channels- unlike the spoken word, nonverbal messages don’t arrive in a sequential manner, instead, they bombard us simultaneously from a multitude of channels.

Continuous- it is continuous and never ending.

Disadvantages continuedContradicting- the unconscious nature of

nonverbal behaviour (smiles, frown, slumping shoulders) might convey contradicting messages.

Let’s recap!What is oral and written communication?Do you remember the types of oral and

written communication? List five of each.