NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal communication Basically it is sending and receiving messages in a variety of ways without the use of verbal codes (words)

Non verbal communication It includes  Personal appearance Facial expression Movement Posture Gesture Eye contact Voice

Why is non-verbal communication important? Nonverbal communication, or body language, is a vital form of communication — 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.

Personal appearance Physical appearance is a type of non verbal communication. It is usually associated with one’s dress sense, hairstyle – basically anything on the physical side.

Personal appearance    According to R.A. Hinde “Before any formal introduction is made, we are programmed to prejudge our counterparts strictly by their initial appearance: a practice committed by almost every person on the planet”

Personal appearance Our choice of color, clothing, hairstyles and other factors affecting appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal communication. Appearance can also alter physiological reactions, judgements and interpretations

Facial Expression Facial expressions are probably the easiest form of nonverbal communication to interpret 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 behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger and fear are similar throughout the world.

Facial expression

Body movements perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head.  The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world.

Body movement Tightly clenched hands indicate pressure and stress. If you have your palms open and legs comfortably placed apart while sitting, it means that you are relaxed. Tapping your fingers or leg indicates that you may be tense. Crossed arms send a message that you are an uptight and unapproachable person if you have your hands at your back while talking with another person, it conveys that you are listening and open to new ideas.

Posture Maintaining an erect posture conveys confidence. Never slouch while sitting or walking as this posture may portray a negative impression about your personality If someone has turned his body completely towards you while you both have a conversation, it means that he is interested in what you are saying. If his feet are also turned towards you, it means that you have him in rapt attention.

Posture

Gestures Gestures can be some of the most direct and obvious body language signals Gestures are communications like facial expressions, hand signals, eye gazing, and body postures. Examples include smiles, handshakes, waving, and raising certain fingers to say something

Gestures Waving, pointing, and using the fingers to indicate numerical amounts are all very common and easy to understand gestures.

Gestures The following examples are just a few common gestures and their possible meanings A clenched fist can indicate anger or solidarity. A thumbs up and thumbs down are often used as gestures of approval and disapproval. The V sign, created by lifting the index and middle finger and separating them to create a V-shape, means peace or victory 

Eye contact The eyes are frequently referred to as the "windows to the soul" since they are capable of revealing a great deal about what a person is feeling or thinking 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.

Eye contact Eye contact is a type of nonverbal communication that is strongly influenced by social behavior. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response

Eye contact Eye contact can indicate how interested a person is in the communication taking place. It could also suggest trust and truthfulness. Often, then people are being untruthful, they tend to look away and resist eye contact

Voice The voice is an extraordinary human instrument. Every time we speak, our voice reveals our gender, age, geographic background, level of education, native birth, emotional state, and our relationship with the person spoken to The people we speak to listen not only to the text of what we say but also to the paralanguage with which we say it.  Vocal paralanguage is a powerful, subtle, and vital part of human communication

Paralanguage Para linguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language This includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection and pitch. Consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of a sentence Paralanguage includes the pitch, volume, and, in some cases, intonation of speech.

Voice The voice is used to infer personality traits. • An increased rate of speaking generally infers that the individual is more animated and extroverted.  • A flatness in the tone of voice generally indicates more withdrawn and masculine characteristics.  • A nasal sound in one's voice is generally thought of to be undesirable.