Understanding Non- Verbal Communication MRS. DOBBINS

Non verbal communication  A system of symbolic behaviors that includes all forms of communication except words.  Nodding your head  Rolling your eyes  Sigh  What are some other examples?

Functions of NVC  Two functions  Relates to verbal communication  It conveys emotional and relationship dimensions of a message  Reinforces a verbal message  EX: Your posture while you are in an interview.  Contradicts verbal messages  Give an example…  Acts as a substitute for a verbal message.  Putting your finger to your mouth to signal someone to be quiet.

Conveys emotional and relationship dimensions of a message  Most messages have…..  Intellectual component  Emotional component  Relationship component  The first one we almost always use verbal skills, the second two are almost always non-verbal.

Characteristics about non-verbal communication  Subconscious  Contextual  It depends on the situation in which it occurs  Ambiguous  Open to interpretation and often confusing.  Happen quicly  Cultural  Loud voice can be acceptable in one culture but not another

Using non-verbal communication to create a professional image  Characteristics 0f a positive personal image.  Confidence  Poise ( don’t hesitate in their speech, can adapt)  Assertiveness (strong sense of purpose)  Immediacy (approachable, friendly, and open)

Types of NVC  Dress and grooming  Posture  Muscular tone and tension  Movement and gesture  Facial communication  Eye communication

Voice as NVC  Pitch  Volume  Tone  Duration  ***all these components is what makes your voice unique.

Pitch  The highness or lowness of a sound on a musical scale  High: associated with fear, anxiety, tension  Medium: what you use normally in conversation  Low: sadness, uncertainty, concern

Volume  Speakers responsibility to be clearly heard and understood by listeners.  Listeners are sensitive to volume.  Use listener feedback to judge appropriateness of your volume.

Tone  Specific vocal quality  What is the tone in our bell like?

Duration  Rate: how fast or slow an individual speaks  Tempo: rhythmic quality of a persons speech.  Always want to make sure you don’t talk to fast of to slow

Cues that accompany speech  Pause and silence  Laughter  Vocalizations: making sounds without forming words.

Body talk as NVC  Personal appearance: dress and grooming  Kinesics: the use of body in communication ( body language)  Movement and gesture: gait and movement of any part of the body  Facial communication: facial communication and eye communication  How can you tell if someone is lying?

Environmental cues  Spatial communication: perception and use of space.  Intimate distance: up to 8 inches from body.  Personal distance: 8inches-4 ft from body  Social distance: 4-12 ft. shows respect for personal space.  Public distance: ft. ( formal presentations)  Territory  Someone is sitting in your chair in class. What do you do?  Touch  When is it appropriate and in what form? (handshake)

Time communication  “sorry I just don’t have time!”  If you have a friend who is always late what kind of message does that send?  How you use your time reflects your priorities.