Non-verbal communication

   NON-VERBAL ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION

“The communication which can be done without a single word is called nonverbal communication. Body language, voice features, distance language, time management, symbols, signs, visuals, etc are the parts of nonverbal communication.”

It is a primitive way of sharing feelings, ideas, etc. Even before language development, people used to use nonverbal clues to share information or emotions. Nonverbal communication is still considered a very effective tool to understand the message clearly. 

Non-verbal communication complements the verbal communication. Hence, we should take care of our non-verbal communication. 

Importance of Nonverbal Communication

 

1. Strengthen the message: The nonverbal cues support the verbal communication as these gestures repeat the message. It strengthens the verbal message.
2. Widens Understanding: Non-verbal cues clarify, emphasize, or contradict spoken words; hence, increase understanding of the intention & emotions of the speaker.
3. Reduces misunderstanding: sometimes, the nonverbal cues are so strong that they minimize the misunderstandings created by verbal communication.
4. Expresses Emotions: Facial expressions, gestures, voice-tine, etc. can express emotions like happiness, anger, sadness, and surprise more effectively and help others connect at a deeper level.
5. Establishes Trust and Rapport: Non-verbal cues like eye contact, open body language, and appropriate touch can convey sincerity, empathy, and interest. Hence, they foster trust and rapport.
6. Influence the perception: A firm handshake, steady eye contact, and an upright posture project confidence, authority, and credibility. These nonverbal cues positively influence the perception of the listener.
7. Helps in Interpretation: When verbal language creates barriers, non-verbal communication helps to interpret the gestures and cues. It bridges the gap in multicultural or diverse environments and allows people to communicate despite linguistic (language) differences.
8. Encourages Communication: Non-verbal cues, such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, and leaning forward, show active listening, engagement, and attention that encourage effective communication and mutual respect.
9. Contextualizes Messages: A speaker’s tone, facial expressions, and body language help the listener determine whether a statement is a joke, a sincere request, or a sarcastic remark.
10. Sooth the interaction: Smiling face, bright eyes, and a positive gesture develop positivity between speaker and listener. This thing makes interaction very smooth.
11. Support Persuasion: Effective use of non-verbal communication enhances persuasion. Presenters easily persuade the audience by maintaining good eye contact, using confident gestures, and modulating their voices.
12. Helps in Conflict Resolution: Open body language and attentive listening show concern and convey understanding, empathy, and willingness to collaborate. It helps diffuse conflicts.

Conclusion

Mastering non-verbal communication involves understanding the various cues and recognizing their significance in different situations. Nonverbal communication is an effective and dynamic tool that Improves human relations and brings effectiveness. Understanding, careful observation, and awareness of these cues help the speaker impress his listeners. If a speaker can refine his communication skills, he can minimize misunderstanding and establish more meaningful connections in both; personal and professional settings.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

It  includes following parts-    

a)     Kinesics- body language

i.  Facial Expressions

ii. Eye movements

iii. Gestures (hints by different body parts)

iv. Postures (position of girdles)

v. Haptics (touch)

b) Apparels (dressing sense)

c) Paralanguage of voice -voice but no word

d) Proxemics-distance language

e) Chronemics- (time language)

f) Visual communication (pictorial communication) -modals, projects, etc.

g) Symbolic communication (signs, symbols and pictures)

h) Behaviour

It includes the following parts-

Kinesics

The study of body language (movements of body parts) is termed as Kinesics which was first used in 1952 by an anthropologist named Ray Birtwistle. Kinesics helps to improve body language in personal as well as professional life.

Importance of Kinesics

1. It helps in effective communication and it improves interaction skills.
2. It helps make the presentation live and win the audience.
3. It helps encourage the audience to participate.

Body Language includes-

1. Facial expressions- Gestures by lips, cheeks tongue, foreheads, etc.
2. Eye Contact and Movement- Eye contact, eye movement, eye behavior.
3. Gestures- A gesture is a movement of the hand, arms, or other body parts.
4. Postures- Posture is the position of a body while standing, walking, or sitting.
5. Touch- As such, handshakes, holding hands, back slapping, high fives, patting, etc.

Paralinguistic Features of Voice Dynamics

“Voice adds a human touch to words.” Paralinguistic features are the vocal effects (beyond the language) that help the speaker to make his oral presentation impressive and give extra life to speech delivery.
Paralinguistic features of voice dynamics are-

1. The pitch: Pitch means the number of vibrations of voice per second. The rise and fall in the voice make the pitch high or low which conveys various emotions.
2. Volume: Volume defines the loudness or softness of speech. Volume must be adjusted according to the size of the locale and audience.
3. Rate: The speed at which you speak is called the rate of speech. The normal rate of speech is 80 to 120 words.
4. Voice Quality: The Voice quality is related to its range of pitch. A voice may be rich or resonant soft or irritating or thin, etc. A good quality sound attracts the audience.
5. Intonation: It refers to the rising and falling of the pitch of the voice. Correct intonation brings praise but incorrect intonation harms the presentation.
6. Articulation: Articulation refers to speaking out all the sounds distinctly. It helps in understanding the speech clearly.
7. Pronunciation: Pronunciation means speaking out sounds in a generally accepted way.
8. Modulation: Modulation takes tone, pitch, & volume. It brings flexibility and vitality to the voice.
9. Pause: It is a short silence. A pause in speaking helps both the speaker and the listener.

Proxemics

Proxemics is derived from the word 'proximity' which means ‘closeness’. It refers to the study of space in interpersonal relations.
The distance between the speaker and listener tells about their relations with each other. It has four zones
i. Intimate space language:
This zone starts with a personal touch and extends just to 18 inches and it allows limited entry. Loved ones, family, close friends, PA, etc. use this zone. This space is used for emotions to congratulate, sympathize, pat, or hug or for confidential purposes in professional life.

ii. Personal space language:
It stretches from 18 inches to 4 feet. Friends, relatives, colleagues, peers, etc. are allowed in it. It is a personal, relaxed, and casual space. It is used for conversation, also. The maximum informal and formal activities, functioning, and coordination takes place in this space.

iii. Social apace language:
Social space ranges from 4 feet to 12 feet. It requires fewer emotions and more planning. The professionals prefer this zone for highly formal business parties. Etiquette and formality are the foremost requisites of this zone. All the social events take place in the radius.

iv. Public space language
This zone starts from 12 feet to 30 feet or to the range of eyesight and hearing. Events are formal and used by large audiences. Amplifiers are used for sound. In industry, more space means more power and status. This zone is used for presentations, speeches, lectures, etc.

Chronemics- (Time Language)

Chronemics is the study of the use of time. Time management is a powerful tool to be disciplined and punctual. It can affect lifestyles and daily routines.
Management of time is the foremost requirement in the workplace. Good or Poor time management communicates the characteristics of a person.

Importance of chronemics:

1. Time is the most valuable thing in this world. Timekeeping in personal and professional life makes us punctual. People in the profession, love time management.
2. Knowledge of different cultures’ use of time can lead to success.
3. It makes people disciplined and punctual It helps them manage activities and set their short-term and long-term goals.

 

VERBAL COMMUNICATION