Non-Verbal Communication
Language is a common symbol system which we use for sharing our experience with others. Communication through words is called verbal communication and communication through other symbols is called non-verbal communications Graphics in a written document, body language and voice equalities in speech
Non-verbal methods of communication include all things, other than words and language. Non-verbal communication can be independent of verbal communication; but verbal communication is always accompanied by the non-verbal communication. It is mostly involuntary and unconscious and difficult to control. Or in other words, in non-verbal communication messages are sent through actions and behaviors rather than words Not what you say, but how you say it.
75-90% of our information is from non-verbal communication.
Is it possible to communicate without words? Studies show that over half of your message is carried through nonverbal elements: Your appearance Your body language The tone and The pace of your voice.
We know the importance of first impression But first impressions happen everytime we initiate the communication. Before someone processes our verbal messages, She has taken in our appearance, Registered our enthusiasm and sincerety Noted our tone of voice and processed all into nonverbal message.
Uses of non-verbal methods Speed in conveyance and response makes non-verbal methods extremely useful in critical situations like traffic signs and signals It is necessary for conveying information or plans related to geography, locations, data and most of the sciences. It makes the information available conveniently, at glance for comparison.
Uses of non-verbal methods It is used in films, TV news and serials. It is the best method to convey information to illiterate people. It can overcome the barriers of language
Methods of non-verbal Communication Non-verbal communication occurs through visual and auditory symbols and other senses like smell, touch or taste
Non-verbal Aspects of Written Communication A document has an appearance which is the consequence of font size and style, margins, spacing, quality of paper. The appearance and the feel of a document convey impressions about the status of the sender and also make tit more readable and attractive to the receiver
Colour It has psychology effect; it is associated with diff. moods and feelings It is an important means of communication; used for classification and identification of different products; make products attractive; different colored papers are used for different departments to distinguish the copies; used in uniforms of the members; gives an added dimension to maps, chart, graphs etc; used in clothing design and decoration
Pictures It can be tackled in any order These are used in brochures, posters and exclusively in advertising because they can attract the eye and convey instantly even when the reader just glances at them
Diagram A diagram is a figure consisting of simple line drawing made to accompany and illustrate the parts and the operation of something. The different types of diagrams are: Graphs and charts: The different graphs and charts are bar graphs, line graph (Compares two variables), pie chart (Displays percentage), flow chart (Indicates the procedures).
Maps These are representations of territory and are said for conveying the space relationship between places. Conveys geographical information, transport routes, climatic conditions, distribution of population, crops, animal life and vegetation, sociological factors etc
Signs and Signals It is used to represent something. It has a fixed meaning. Signs may be made with hands, lights, cloth, smoke, drums, whistles or anything that can be heard or seen at a distance
Auditory symbols Sirens, whistles, bells and buzzers, beeps, tunes are used as auditory symbols.
Body Language It is involuntary and unconscious, omnipresent, emotionally expressive, dominates interaction and seems trustable and includes facial expressions, posture, gestures and other body movements, general appearance, clothing, accessories worn and so on.. Non-verbal communication can accent, complement, repeat, and substitute for verbal communication
Body Language It is complex and is influenced by many factors like: biological, habitual and cultural. Body language can be divided into conscious and unconscious. One should enlarge one s awareness of one s body and gain a good deal of control of postures, movements and voice modulation
Appearance It makes the first impression; lack of neatness, carelessness in grooming, clumsy gait or clothes make a negative impressions. Grooming and personal hygiene are the factors affecting the appearance.
Clothing and accessories Being an important aspect of body language, it requires good taste/judgment to make a subtle impression by what you wear. The color, design, cut and fitting, appropriateness for the occasion, the time of the day, season, the cultural background of the people going to be present there are the aspects to be considered. Whatever you carry on your person or in your hands ought to look comfortable and gracefully carried.
Posture Graceful posture is a great asset in any business Posture is the way we hold ourselves, the way we stand or sit which indicates something about our feelings and thoughts, attitudes, moods and health. Four types of postures are i) forward lean ii) drawing back or turning away iii) expansion iv) forward leaning body, bowed head, drooping shoulders and sunken chest.
Facial Expression It is the most obvious aspect of body language A cheerful or appreciative smile, a displeased frown, a look of surprise, and several other expressions of the face can convey, with or without words, the attitude, feelings and reactions of the communicants
Smile It is an Universal Chamber It is understood by everyone, generally unmistakable and clears the atmosphere, believed to release chemicals which create feelings of happiness
Eye contact It is an Communicating Factor Eye movement is a key part of facial behavior, directing other s attention or showing surprise or happiness and other emotional displays.
Gestures Gestures are movements of hands/head/body; they are a natural accompaniment of speech and the occasion, the size and nature of the audience influence speaker s gestures
Energy An energetic person maintains the certain level of enthusiasm in work and it is reflected in the style and is usually infectious and makes listeners feel enthusiastic.
Space The way the space is structured by people conveys the meaning The distance we keep from the other person while speaking indicates the relationship. Four types of distance indicates the relationship between persons: intimate space is 0 to 18 inches, personal space is 18 inches to 4 feet, social distance is 4 feet to 12 feet and public distance is 12 feet to hearing and seeing distance
Time Time given to listen or to speak to people creates a sense of self esteem in them; it is equated with care and concern
Paralanguage The voice has characteristics like tone, volume, and pitch The non-verbal aspects of the spoken word are known as paralanguage. It includes the qualities of the voice, the way we use our voice, as well as the sounds we make without uttering words.
Speed and Stress Rapid speech indicates excitement. Reduce speed to explain idea Correct pronunciation shows speaker s carefulness and consideration for the audience Don t carry the mother tongue intonation to a new language you learn
Silence Silence can be a very effective way of communication. It is not a negative absence of speech but a positive withdrawal of suspension of speech. Some feelings like anger or displeasure can be expressed by keeping silent. The term dead silence, stony silence, embarrassing silence, show that silence has a quality that communicates itself. In a negotiation, silence and non-response is a useful strategy; it could make other person speak more
A person who can control all facial expression can really puzzle the other