Download Non-Verbal Communication

Non-Verbal Communication
“It will not do merely to listen to great principles. You must apply them in the practical field,
turn them into constant practice.”– Swamy Vivekananda
Introduction
‘Action’ is the most important ingredient of oratory according to Demosthenes, the famous
Greek orator. People tend to believe in actions more than in words. Our actions are a means of
communication, subject to interpretation by others. Even the failure to act is a way of
communicating.
Verbal interaction is cut and dry, whereas Non-verbal communication has the ability to take on
multiple meanings through one simple gesture. It varies between cultures, just like any other
language, and helps shape the personality of each user.
Non-verbal communication is the most powerful form of communication. It is a process of
conveying meaning in the form of non-word messages. It includes all forms of communication
that are not part of the language that we speak or write. It helps to create images in others mind.
We can express our emotions and feelings in front of others, which we are unable to express in
words. There are many ways that we reveal ourselves non-verbally.
Examples of non-verbal communication include haptic communication,chronemic
communication, gestures, body language, facial expression, eye contact, and how one dresses.
Speech also contains non-verbal elements known as paralanguage, e.g. rhythm, intonation,
tempo, and stress. Research has shown that up to 55% of human communication may occur
through non-verbal facial expressions, and a further 38% through paralanguage. Likewise,
written texts include non-verbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial arrangement of
words and the use of emoticons to convey emotion. Overall, Research has shown that between
70 and 90 percent of the entire communication spectrum is non-verbal.
Some of the reasons for Non-verbal communication are to complement and illustrate, to
reinforce and emphasize, to replace and substitute, to control and regulate, to contradict. The
Non-verbal communication contributes more percentage in human communication. They
supplement the ideas/thoughts of the sender. They help the receiver to decode it properly.
Although we continually send and receive non-verbal messages, most of us are not fully aware of
the ways that we communicate non-verbally. We can see with observation that most leading
professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, politicians, corporate chief executive officers, and contract
negotiators) are excellent non-verbal communicators. Some people call it charisma. Others call it
style.
Being aware of both non-verbal and verbal messages will give us an important edge.
Tortoriello, Blott, and DeWine have defined non-verbal communication as:
". . . the exchange of messages primarily through non-linguistic means, including: kinesics (body
language), facial expressions and eye contact, tactile communication, space and territory,
environment, paralanguage (vocal but non-linguistic cues), and the use of silence and time."
Importance of Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal Communication = Communication without words.
Non-verbal communication is a process of communication through sending and receiving
wordless messages.
Verbal communication and non-verbal communication are interconnected and they operate
together in communication.
The difference between verbal and non-verbal communications is that we use our VOICE in
verbal communication and we use BODY SIGNS in non-verbal communication.
Verbal and non-verbal Communication plays a significant role in how people interact with one
another. People are using around 35 percent of verbal communication and 65 percent of nonverbal communication in daily life. Non-verbal communication has also cultural meaning.
To quote Peter F. Drucker “The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t
being said.”
VEBAL 35%
NONVERBAL 65%
Facial Expressions
Tone of Voice
Movement
Appearance
Eye contact
Gestures
posture
Non-verbal communication is the most powerful form of communication. More than voice or
even words, non-verbal communication helps to create our image in others mind and even we
can express our emotions and feelings in front of others,which we are unable to express in words.
Knowledge of non-verbal communication is important for managers who serve as leaders of
organizational "teams," for at least two reasons:
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To function effectively as a team leader, the manager must interact with the other
members successfully. Non-verbal cues, when interpreted correctly, provide him with
one means to do so.
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The team members project attitudes and feelings through non-verbal communication.
Some personal needs such as approval, growth, achievement, and recognition may be met
in effective teams. The extent to which these needs are met is closely related to how
perceptive the team leader and team members are to non-verbal communication in
themselves and in others on the team.
Awareness of non-verbal communication helps people:
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Project an image of confidence and knowledge.
Demonstrate power or influence.
Express sincerity, interest and cooperativeness.
Create trust.
Recognize personal tension in self and others.
Identify discrepancies between what people are saying and what they are
actually thinking.
Change behavior and environment to encourage productive discussion.
In the workplace, people interact with each other throughout the workday using verbal and
nonverbal communication. In essence, the way individuals deliver non-verbal messages can be
just as important as verbal dialogue.
Positive non-verbal communication helps colleagues in the workplace build positive business
relationships, whereas negative non-verbal communication can cause conflicts and other
negative disturbances in the workplace. Many people build positive business relationships by
consistently delivering positive non-verbal communication to others.
Knowledge of non-verbal communication in business plays two roles. Managers use non-verbal
communication to effectively lead other employees and team members. And team members in
the business, whether they realize it or not, use non-verbal cues to communicate information to
individuals outside the business, whether they’re clients, competitors or colleagues in a
complementary industry.
Non-verbal communication in business occurs on a daily basis. Cooperating people tend to sit
side by side, while competitors will frequently face one another. Crossed legs or folded arms
during a business meeting may signify relaxation or resistance to the ideas being presented. Eye
contact with a speaker during a business meeting communicates interest, and a manager in a
company may maintain eye contact longer than a subordinate employee does.
Tactile communication can help or hinder business interactions. A firm handshake might be
interpreted as confidence, while other physical touches, such as a lingering touch on the
shoulder, might be seen as invasive of personal space.
Business owners can gain from learning about non-verbal communication and its potential
benefits. Non-verbal communication can increase the opportunity to interact with colleagues,
competitors, clients and potential clients through avenues outside of explicit word choice.
Posture, vocal tone and eye contact can deliver subtle messages that reinforce what’s being said
to convey consistency and trustworthiness.
Another benefit is that nonverbal communication can help demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm
and professionalism through attire choice, active listening cues and the ability to present a
message. Non-verbal communication can play a special role in international business settings,
where even with the aid of translators there may be a natural wariness about the accuracy of
intentions, details or offers revealed.
Practice beneficial non-verbal communication through effective eye contact while giving a
presentation to large groups of people by alternating various approaches. Scan the audience,
make eye contact with different areas of the audience or make four- to five-second eye contact
with individual audience members. Rather than standing in one spot during the presentation,
stroll around the stage naturally.
Non-verbal messages are significantly influenced by culture. As global markets expand and as
North America becomes increasingly diverse, communicators must remember that non-verbal
signals can no longer be interpreted universally in terms of "American" norms.
Conscious or Subliminal Messages. Non-verbal communications can involve conscious or
subliminal messages.
• Conscious non-verbal communications.
o Senders of conscious non-verbal communications are aware that they are sending a message
and the general meaning of that message. For example, the individuals extending a hug know
that they are embracing someone and that action is normally perceived as indicating affection.
o Receivers of conscious non-verbal communication are aware that they received the message
and the meaning intended by the sender. The receiver of a hug, for example, generally realizes
that the message is a sign of friendship.
• Subliminal non-verbal communications. Subliminal messages are communicated to the
subconscious mind of the receiver. Receivers of subliminal messages are not consciously aware
of the message. However, these messages are important.
o Gut reactions are frequently based upon your subconscious reading of subliminal non-verbal
communications.
o Police and military uniforms subliminally communicate the authority of those wearing them.
o Well-dressed executives project success and credibility.
o Poor dress transmits messages of failure and a lack of credibility.
o Although subliminal messages do not create awareness on a conscious level, they still
influence the receiver. In fact, subliminal messages are often more powerful than conscious
messages. The advertising world is replete with examples of the value of subliminal non-verbal
messages.
o Young, beautiful people are often seen in advertisements to communicate the subconscious
message that the advertised product is associated with youth and beauty.
o Companies pay large sums of money to have their products appear in movies. While these
appearances are not typical product advertisements, the mere association of the product with the
movie transmits subliminal messages that will influence viewers.
Voluntary or Involuntary Messages. Conscious and subliminal messages can both be
transmitted voluntarily or involuntarily.
• Involuntary non-verbal communications. Most non-verbal messages are involuntarily. In
fact, many negotiators are not aware that they communicate non-verbally.
o Body language is one area where the involuntary nature of non-verbal communication is
particularly evident. Every day, people unintentionally convey non-verbal signals by their facial
expressions, gestures, and body postures. For example, people telling falsehoods often
involuntarily send a telltale non-verbal message to listeners by frequently blinking their eyes.
Involuntary non-verbal communications represent unplanned physical responses. This
communication form tends to be particularly revealing and more honest than verbal
communication or even conscious non-verbal communication.
O
• Voluntary non-verbal communications. Non-verbal communication can also be controlled by
a knowledgeable person.
o A person who knows that people telling falsehoods often blink their eyes can take special care
not to blink when telling a falsehood.
o A person who knows that a hug indicates friendship can consciously hug his/her worst enemy
as trick to put the person off guard or as part of an effort to improve their relationship.