1. Now I Get It! Nonverbal Communication Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Click enter key to advance slide show

2. What are some of the ways you communicate? Everyone communicates in a variety of ways!!

3. Everyone communicates! What are some of the ways the individuals we support communicate? Did you think of these….

4. What is nonverbal communication? The act of sending a message without using any spoken words

5. Examples of nonverbal communication

6. Facial expressions An important tool for communication! Guess what messages these people are sending.

7. Gestures Another way of communicating! What is the meaning of these gestures? How many gestures can you think of?

8. Body Language What is the message in this cartoon?

9. When words say one thing and nonverbal communication says something else, listen to the nonverbal message. It is usually the correct message! Mixed Messages

10. Some nonverbal communication messages are hardly noticeable. Examples:  eyes widen when excited  body tenses when frustrated  shifting in seat when ready to leave Tip: Be observant!

11. Nonverbal communication messages can be very individualized. Example: Hands over the ears may mean different things for different people…  My ears hurt  I want to stop  It sounds better when I put my hands over my ears  I want my earphones Tip: Know the person!

12. When an individual starts a conversation we need to respond. Individuals may start a conversation with a smile, a grunt, a noise, a grab, or by pointing to an object. By responding to these conversation starters, we begin to build a relationship. Tip: Look at all forms of communication as an opportunity for conversation!

13. Tip: Share information! It is important to share the meaning of an individual’s gestures, sounds, and facial expressions with other people.

14. Take Home Message Nonverbal communication is the single most powerful form of communication! Look at all forms of communication as an opportunity for conversation!