Non – verbal Communication issues Chapter 6 Non – verbal Communication issues

Non verbal communication Non-verbal communication – communication through means other than language. It’s not spoken, but expressed through hand gestures, facial expressions etc. Uses of non-verbal communication: Create impressions beyond the verbal element To repeat or reinforce what is said verbally To manage interactions To express emotion Convey messages of affection, power etc. Promote honest communication Provide leadership

Coordinating non-verbal and verbal behaviours Non-verbal behaviours can reinforce, substitute for, or contradict verbal behaviours. Non-verbal behaviours often communicates relational messages about how we really feel about the person. When we smile in greeting, it resonates warmth and reinforces a verbal pleasant greeting. When we give a curt nod or hard handshake, it reinforces a serious approach.

Non – verbal codes Paralinguistics Personal space Eye – contact Facial expressions Gestures Time orientation Silence

Paralinguistics The study of paralanguage – vocal behaviours that indicate how something is said… your tone of voice, the volume, pitch etc. Vocalizations – the sounds we utter that do not form part of the structure of language. A scream, a Yelp! A snort etc.

Personal space The space between us and another person. When someone gets too close we feel as if they should take a step back or we feel claustrophobic or “invaded”. Two types of cultures – contact cultures and non-contact cultures. Contact cultures are those in which people stand close to each other and communicate. They tend to make more direct eye contact, touch frequently and speak louder Non-contact cultures – is the opposite of a contact-culture. People stand further away from each other, touch less and speak in lower volumes.

Silence Do you think silence is a form of communication?

Culture and non-verbal communication How does culture influence our non-verbal communication? Can you relay any personal experiences?