Download Non-verbal communication

How necessary is it to use and interpret it?
Non-verbal Communication
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Nonverbal communications is the process of
communication through sending and receiving wordless
messages
Research shows that the majority of our communication is
nonverbal
The ability to understand and use nonverbal
communication is a powerful tool that will help you
connect with others
It can be communicated through gestures, body language
(posture), facial expression and eye contact
All of our nonverbal behaviors (the gestures we make, the
way we sit, how fast or how loud we talk, how close we
stand, how much eye contact we make) send strong
messages.
Non-verbal Communication
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Object communication such as clothing, hairstyle etc is
also a non verbal communication
Speech contains nonverbal elements known as
paralanguage, including voice quality, emotion and
speaking style
Dance is also regarded as a nonverbal communication
Vocal sounds that are not considered to be words, such
as a grunt, or singing a wordless note, are nonverbal
Nonverbal communication can occur through any sensory
channel - sight, sound, smell, touch or taste.
Non-verbal behavior varies from culture to culture, which
means it is specific to each culture and may be
interpreted differently.
Non-verbal Communication
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“When we speak (or listen), our attention
is focused on words rather than body
language. But our judgment includes
both. An audience is simultaneously
processing both verbal and nonverbal
cues. Body movements are not usually
positive or negative in and of
themselves; rather, the situation and the
message will determine the appraisal”
(Givens, 2000, p. 4)
Non-verbal Communication
Importance
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It is believed that non-verbal communication is
continuous, while verbal communication is
discontinuous
A successful interpretation of non-verbal elements
conveyed by the speaker requires the same
understanding of the symbols shared between
interpreter and speaker
If the participants have a shared understanding of
non-verbal meanings, the interpreter can also predict
the non-verbal action of the speaker
Predictability of meaning in the field of interpretation
is not only a result of the interpreter’s general
culture, but also a result of his ability to interpret nonverbal communication
Importance
Non-verbal communication is crucial for
every kind of interpreting where the
speaker cannot be seen because even
in such situations the voice itself can
express non-verbal paralinguistic
messages
 If someone can’t communicate with
people using different languages, then
non-verbal communication will be a
useful tool
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Examples
The manner of shaking hands conveys a lot of things about
someone’s personality. A palm-to-palm handshake suggests the
honesty and confidence of the person
 Depending on the society that a person lives in, people’s
personal space of comfort and interpretation of gestures tend to
vary. Hence, one should always consider the society factor
before drawing conclusions about others through their body
language
 Avoid crossing your arms while conversing with someone as it
creates a conversation barrier between two people and conveys
negativity, close mindedness and defensiveness. Crossing the
legs while conversing should also be avoided for the same
reasons
 Avoid continuous shaking of your ankles or legs, rubbing your
palms or drumming the table with your fingers while talking or
listening to someone as it displays your nervousness and
frustration about something
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Research Note
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It has been found that when people
communicate with each other, 55% of
the message is transmitted as body
language, 38% by the manner of
speaking which includes accent, voice
quality, emphasis, voice projection,
pace, expression, pitch and volume, and
the remaining 7% is conveyed through
the spoken words
“The most important
thing in communication
is to hear what isn't being
said.”
Peter F. Drucker
Bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_com
munication
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq6_nonv
erbal_communication.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/selfimprovement-articles/importance-ofnonverbal-communication-687848.html
http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/page166
2.htm#42