Download 1315 - Nonverbal Delivery

1315 - NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION - SPEECH DELIVERY
Nonverbal communication is all elements of communication other than the spoken word. It includes:
1. Body language - facial expression, eye contact, gestures, posture, and movement.
2. Appearance
3. Paralanguage (vocal variations)
4. The communication environment
50-90% of messages are nonverbal in everyday communication.
As much as 93% of the message is nonverbal in Public Speaking.
(55% physical 38% vocal
7% message)
Four Functions of Nonverbal Communication
1. To compliment verbal messages
2. To emphasize verbal messages
3. To replace verbal messages
4. To contradict verbal messages
Three Functions of Gestures
1. To replace verbal messages
2. To emphasize points
3. To heighten description
Four Types of Gestures
1. descriptive
2. locative
3. emphatic
4. transitional
Gestures must be controlled throughout the performance. There must be a reason for your movements. If
they do not assist your message in any way, don't use them. Avoid any unnecessary movement.
Posture: refers to your body position. Different body positions can be useful in delivering your message.
Coordinate your positioning to the tone of your message.
Appearance: Your appearance is the first contact your listeners have with you. First impressions are based solely
upon your appearance. Make sure it presents the best possible image.
Appearance is vital in;
1. Forming impressions
2. Establishing identity
3. Showing the speaker's attitude
4. Showing the speaker's level of self-regard/self-image
Appearance includes:
1. Clothing- Your clothing should provide a tasteful and unobtrusive frame for your personality and your remarks.
It is best to lean toward conservative, businesslike clothing. Remember that the audience can be distracted by
gaudy colors, busy patterns, eye-catching jewelry, unorthodox combinations of apparel, and any clothing they
associate with seduction or courtship.
2. Hair style - Your hair style should not draw attention to itself. Make sure your hair is pulled away from your face
and not covering your eyes. Try to look as professional as possible.
3. Artifacts (jewelry)- Your jewelry should also not draw attention to itself. Rings, earrings, bracelets, watches,
necklaces, etc. are permissible as long as they do not distract the listeners from your presentation. It is best to be
conservative. Avoid any jewelry that may rattle, jingle, move about, or reflect light.
4. Shoes- Probably the most overlooked aspect of a person's appearance. The shoes should compliment the attire
and be color coordinated. They must be kept clean and polished. A pair of dirty or poorly coordinated pair of
shoes can become very distracting. The shoes also need to be ones that do not make noise when the speaker
moves about the room. Socks or hose should always be worn when performing. The socks should also
coordinate with the overall attire. Brightly colored socks are to be avoided.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a vital part of any presentation. It helps the speaker to:
1. Establish credibility
2. Monitor feedback
3. Make up for distance
4. Reinforce the message
5. Control nervousness
Be familiar enough with your material that you can look at your audience as much as possible. Try to
involve all of the audience with your eye contact. Look at the eyes, not over the heads. An alert person will
know whether or not you are looking at them. If you don't focus, neither will they.
Paralanguage (Vocal variations) - Three areas
1. The sound of your voice
-Pitch (High/Low)
-Volume (Loud/Soft)
-Quality (Richness in tone/resonance)
2. The use of a pause to add emphasis
3. The use of vocalized fillers (To be avoided at all costs!!!)
"um", "ah", "you know", "like", "and stuff", etc.
Always articulate you words clearly, pronounce your words properly, speak with balanced pitch, volume,
and quality, and avoid using fillers.
Environment
The Communication Environment includes the coloring in and of the room, lighting, sound, and space. It
influences your behavior and your feelings. As a communicator, you can't control all of the elements of the
environment but you can influence some, such as lighting and space.
Guidelines for Physical Delivery
(from The Speaker's Handbook)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be conscious of your appearance
Eliminate distracting mannerisms
Stand or sit with a relaxed but alert posture
If you move about during the speech, make the action purposeful and relevant
Keep your hands free so you can gesture if it feels natural
Avoid these hand positions:
The Bear Hug
Ten-Hut!
The Flesh Wound
The Firing Squad
The Choirboy/girl
The supplicant
The Fig Leaf
The Lady Macbeth
Happy Pockets
6. Maintain Eye Contact
7. Use facial expression to reflect of forecast mood and tone.