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NON VERBAL

Communication

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Nonverbal communication is the interpersonal process of sending and receiving information both intentionally and unintentionally, without using written or spoken language.

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After studying this topic onNVC, you should be able to:

Explain the importance of nonverbal messages

Identify different types of nonverbal messages and discuss their impact on the communication process

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ComplementsComplements

Verbal LanguageVerbal Language

Reveals the TruthReveals the Truth

Conveys InformationConveys Information

EfficientlyEfficiently

Nonverbal Communication

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Characteristics of Nonverbal Messages

The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message is being sent

Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned

Nonverbal messages may be more reliable than written or oral messages

Nonverbal communication is always present

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Personal AppearancePersonal AppearanceGrooming, clothing,Grooming, clothing,

accessoriesaccessories

TactilicsTouching BehaviorTouching BehaviorConveys warmth, comfort,Conveys warmth, comfort,

ReassuranceReassurance

When in doubt, When in doubt, Don’t TouchDon’t Touch

Proxemics & Proxemics &

Chronemics

Space & TimeSpace & Time Can also convey authority, dominance, intimacy, Can also convey authority, dominance, intimacy,

Showing respect by being on time or otherwiseShowing respect by being on time or otherwise

Occulesics FacialFacial

ExpressionsExpressionsShow attention & interest,Show attention & interest,

influencing others, influencing others,

regulating interaction, etc.regulating interaction, etc.

Kinesics

Gestures & PosturesGestures & PosturesConfident, nervous, friendly,Confident, nervous, friendly,

hostile, assertive, hostile, assertive,

passive, powerful, etc.passive, powerful, etc.

VocalVocal

CharacteristicsCharacteristicsTone of voice, volume, Tone of voice, volume,

stressing various words, stressing various words,

accent, etc.accent, etc.

Recognizing Nonverbal Communication

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Kinesics:

Different ways in which people move their bodies that include postures, gestures, head nods, leg movements are kinesics.

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Occulesics: This is the science of the movement /

grammar of our eyes and of facialexpressions

Open – book vs. poker - faceIt is claimed that in the science of bodylanguage, there are 7,50,000 signals, ofwhich 15,000 come from the face alone –Richard Denny

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Proxemics: The cultural Iceberg The science of Space

Violation of spaces, whether personal, social or public can create a wrong impression and lost business opportunities

In multicultural groups, one needs to quietly observe the accepted proxemics of different groups & interact accordingly

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Proxemics:

The language of space is also reflected in the way meetings are arranged

Modern offices project open communication, harmony with environment, etc.

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Chronemics:

The concept of time and its impact on people is the science of Chronemics. This is also culture-bound.

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Tactilics:

The science of touch language.

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To be a better speaker and listener, pay closer attention to nonverbal cues in every situation:

Be aware of the cues you send when you’re talking

Be aware of the cues you send when you’re not talking (through clothing, posture, and so on)

Be aware of the cues you receive when you’re listening

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Note facial expressionsNote facial expressionsWatch gestures and posturesWatch gestures and posturesListen for vocal characteristicsListen for vocal characteristicsRecognize physical appearanceRecognize physical appearanceBe careful with physical contactBe careful with physical contactObserve use of time and spaceObserve use of time and space

Maximizing Nonverbal Communication

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Personal appearance matters :

Matching your style of dress to what people wear where you work

Paying close attention to cleanliness

Following company policy regarding hairstyle

Smiling genuinely at appropriate times

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Be observant in noticing the NVC, but don’t start assuming that you can“read someone like a book”.

NVC are powerful but are not infallible

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When meeting people, learn about their cultural customs beforehand

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Interpersonal CommunicationOral Communication

Advantages: Speed and feedbackDisadvantage: Distortion of the message

Written CommunicationAdvantages: Tangible and verifiableDisadvantages: Time-consuming and lacks

feedbackNonverbal Communication

Advantages: Supports other communications and provides observable expression of emotions and feelings

Disadvantage: Misperception of body language or gestures can influence receiver’s interpretation of message

Barriers to Effective ListeningPhysical distractionsMental distractionsHealth concernsNonverbal distractionsInappropriate timingIneffective speech characteristics

Importance of Nonverbal Messages

The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message is being sent.

Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned.Nonverbal messages may be more reliable

than written or oral messages.Nonverbal communication is always present.

Nonverbal Communication Considerations

Physical appearanceWritten messageThe sender

Body languageSpace

Size of an areaProximity to anotherObstacles

TimeAmount of time spentPunctuality

Listening and Nonverbal Messages

Distinguish between hearing and listening.

Hearing and ListeningHearing is a physiological process and a

passive activity.Listening is a mental process and involves

understanding and retaining the message.

5 Elements of the Listening ProcessHearingFilteringInterpretingRespondingRemembering

Guidelines for Effective ListeningConcentrate on the message.Determine the purpose of the message.Keep an open mind.Provide feedback.Minimize note taking.Analyze the total message.Do not talk or interrupt.

Barriers to Effective ListeningPhysical distractionsMental distractionsHealth concernsNonverbal distractionsInappropriate timingIneffective speech characteristics

Importance of Nonverbal Messages

The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message is being sent.

Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned.Nonverbal messages may be more reliable

than written or oral messages.Nonverbal communication is always present.

Nonverbal Communication Considerations

Physical appearanceWritten messageThe sender

Body languageSpace

Size of an areaProximity to anotherObstacles

TimeAmount of time spentPunctuality