Understanding Non-Verbal CommunicationMRS. DOBBINS

Non verbal communication

A system of symbolic behaviors that includes all forms of communication except words.

Nodding your head

Rolling your eyes

Sigh

What are some other examples?

Functions of NVC

Two functions

Relates to verbal communication

It conveys emotional and relationship dimensions of a message

Reinforces a verbal message

EX: Your posture while you are in an interview.

Contradicts verbal messages

Give an example…

Acts as a substitute for a verbal message.

Putting your finger to your mouth to signal someone to be quiet.

Conveys emotional and relationship dimensions of a message

Most messages have…..

Intellectual component

Emotional component

Relationship component

The first one we almost always use verbal skills, the second two are almost always non-verbal.

Characteristics about non-verbal communication

Subconscious

Contextual

It depends on the situation in which it occurs

Ambiguous

Open to interpretation and often confusing.

Happen quicly

Cultural

Loud voice can be acceptable in one culture but not another

Using non-verbal communication to create a professional image

Characteristics 0f a positive personal image.

Confidence

Poise ( don’t hesitate in their speech, can adapt)

Assertiveness (strong sense of purpose)

Immediacy (approachable, friendly, and open)

Types of NVC

Dress and grooming

Posture

Muscular tone and tension

Movement and gesture

Facial communication

Eye communication

Voice as NVC

Pitch

Volume

Tone

Duration

***all these components is what makes your voice unique.

Pitch

The highness or lowness of a sound on a musical scale

High: associated with fear, anxiety, tension

Medium: what you use normally in conversation

Low: sadness, uncertainty, concern

Volume

Speakers responsibility to be clearly heard and understood by listeners.

Listeners are sensitive to volume.

Use listener feedback to judge appropriateness of your volume.

Tone

Specific vocal quality

What is the tone in our bell like?

Duration

Rate: how fast or slow an individual speaks

Tempo: rhythmic quality of a persons speech.

Always want to make sure you don’t talk to fast of to slow

Cues that accompany speech

Pause and silence

Laughter

Vocalizations: making sounds without forming words.

Body talk as NVC

Personal appearance: dress and grooming

Kinesics: the use of body in communication ( body language)

Movement and gesture: gait and movement of any part of the body

Facial communication: facial communication and eye communication

How can you tell if someone is lying?

Environmental cues

Spatial communication: perception and use of space.

Intimate distance: up to 8 inches from body.

Personal distance: 8inches-4 ft from body

Social distance: 4-12 ft. shows respect for personal space.

Public distance: 12-25 ft. ( formal presentations)

Territory

Someone is sitting in your chair in class. What do you do?

Touch

When is it appropriate and in what form? (handshake)

Time communication

“sorry I just don’t have time!”

If you have a friend who is always late what kind of message does that send?

How you use your time reflects your priorities.