Nonverbal Dictionary. Com defines nonverbal communication ascommunication behavior that is expressed in any other means besides words.

Research suggests that nonverbal communication is more important in understandinghuman behavior than words alone--the nonverbal "channels" seem to be more powerfulthan what people say. Zig Ziglar is quoted in saying nonverbal communication can alsobe described as dynamic process that engages body, mind and society .

You need to be aware of your nonverbal communication from the moment you stand up until your presentation is completed. The importance of positive eye contact and the correct use of posture and hand movement or any nonverbal cue to accompany your presentation cannot be overstated.Nonverbal cues are symbols with meaning interpretations. In general, nonverbalsymbols perform five functions in communication.

1. Accenting-calling attention to the message source using some device (hitting the table for example)2. Complimenting-using nonverbal cues to enhance the meaning of verbal symbols,3. Substituting-a nonverbal symbol replaces a verbal symbol (holding up hand to indicate stop)4. Contradicting-the nonverbal symbol sends a message different from the verbal symbols. (agreeing to a subject with your arms folded)5. Regulating-While engaged in a conversation, you would most likely use nonverbal communication as an indicator of the flow of conversation. (when speaking you may wait a moment for a pause to interject an opinion.

Nonverbal symbols can be arranged among three general categories:1. Paralanguage--nonverbal enhancements to language symbols2. Kinesics--nonverbal symbols of body movement (gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, appearance)3. Proxemics--nonverbal symbols of distance, space, and time

The inflection, tempo, emphasis, or tone adds meaning to oral presentations. Paralanguage includes any device that can be used to modify the meaning interpretation of a verbal symbol. These devices include inflection or emphasis added to spoken symbols or highlighting, bolding, or all capital letters added to written symbols. For example, look at the following sentence and read it while emphasizing each word in sequence.I didn't say she stole the money.

When emphasizing the word "I," the sentence takes on a shaded meaning from its non-emphasized state. Emphasizing the word "didn't" changes the meaning of the sentence, as does emphasizing the word "say." Depending on which word is emphasized (paralanguage), the sentence carries a different meaning interpretation.

For maximum speaking effectiveness, learn to vary these six elements of your voice. Tone Pitch Rhythm Pauses and response time Loudness

A major criticism of presenters is when they speak in a monotone. Listeners perceive these persons as boring and dull.

Gestures are among the most culture-related communication symbols. While verbal languages are specific to cultures, the word symbols typically are different between languages. In the case of gestures, similar hand gestures are found in many different cultures, but the meaning associated differs by culture. Giving the thumbs-up in the U.S.A. is a positive symbol, but in the Middle East it means screw-you. Be familiar with your audience and use tact with your gestures.If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. A lively and animated speaking style captures the audience attention, makes the material more interesting, facilitates learning and provides a bit of entertainment. Head nods, a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement from the audience indicates that you are listening.Eye contact, an important channel of interpersonal communication, helps regulate the flow of communication. And it signals interest in others. Eye contact with audiences increases the speaker's credibility.

How you dress, the color and style of clothes, how you fix your hair, your body type, and your posture are among the elements of appearance that send messages. One needs to dress appropriately for a situation.

Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits: Happiness Friendliness Warmth Liking Affiliation

If you smile frequently you will be perceived as more likable, friendly, warm andapproachable. Smiling is often contagious and your audience will react favorably andlearn more.

The proxemics is how one feels about the space around them and the distance between people that they are talking. Proxemics is culture sensitive. The distances between people reserved for categories of acquaintance will vary depending on the cultural interpretation of the distance.

Studies in the United States suggest that the distance as classified as the following:1. intimate distance (contact to 18 in.)2. personal distance (18" to 4 ft.)3. social distance (4' to 12 ft.)4. public distance (12' to infinity)In the case of space proxemics, the following are examples of things that can beinterpreted as having symbolic meaning:

1. Room size2. Odor3. Color4. Lighting5. Room Arrangement

1. The shape and layout of the room provides nonverbal symbolic clues to people using the room of the expectations of roles to be filled.2. Physical positions in an office layout establish power or status for the employees in the physical positions.3. Chairs in a circle usually mean an intimate meeting.4. The dinner table at home; everyone has his or her chairs.In summary, it is important to recognize to adjust your nonverbal communication based on your audience response. Look for their nonverbal communication. Are they bored or dejecting. It is not only what you say but also how you say it that can make a difference to your listeners. Become aware of your nonverbal actions and surveillance others, youll be amazed at what they are telling you.

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION

Brisk, erect walk ConfidenceStanding with hands on hips Readiness, aggressionSitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly BoredomSitting, legs apart Open, relaxedArms crossed on chest DefensivenessWalking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched DejectionHand to cheek Evaluation, thinkingTouching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lyingRubbing the eye Doubt, disbeliefHands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, apprehensionLocked ankles ApprehensionHead resting in hand, eyes downcast BoredomRubbing hands AnticipationSitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Confidence, superiorityOpen palm Sincerity, openness, innocencePinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Negative evaluationTapping or drumming fingers ImpatienceSteepling fingers AuthoritativePatting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurityTilted head InterestStroking chin Trying to make a decisionLooking down, face turned away DisbeliefBiting nails Insecurity, nervousnessPulling or tugging at ear Indecision