Non-Verbal Communication

Business CommunicationBy: Jabriel s.Jordan, John S. Pistulka,

Spencer R. Mallonee, Spencer S. Kidder

Non-Verbal Communication

Why is it important? •First impression – 90% on nonverbal

and 10% on verbal •A message’s impact: 7% verbal,

38% vocal, 55% facial expression •Up to 95% of face-to-face

communication is based on nonverbal

Interpersonal process of sending and receiving information, both intentionally and unintentionally, without using written or spoken language. Nonverbal signals can play a vital role in communication because they can strengthen a verbal message, weaken a verbal message, or replace words entirely.

Nonverbal communication often conveys more to listeners than the words you speak- particularly when they're trying to decide how you really feel about a situation or when they're trying to judge your credibility and aptitude for leadership.

Types of NON Verbal Communication

7 categories 1. Kinesics (body language) 2. Physical characteristics 3. Proxemics (physical space, distance

between 2) 4. Haptic (moving into another’s space;

touching) 5. Artifacts- Objects 6. Paralanguage (how something is said) 7. Environmental surroundings

Recognizing Non-Verbal

communication

Body Movement and Posture/ Gestures

Body movements and posture- Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.

Gestures-Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we’re arguing or speaking animatedly—expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so it’s important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation.

Facial Expressions/ Eye contact Facial

Expressions -While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger and fear are similar throughout the world.

Eye contact-Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.

Touch/Space

Touch-We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given by the following: a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.

Space-Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

Voice

Voice- It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. Things they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

How to use nonverbal communication effectively

Work to make sure your nonverbal signals match the tone and content of your spoken communication.

The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that will help you connect with others, express what you really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and work.

What makes nonverbal

communication matter

The way you listen, look, move, and react tells the other person whether or not you care, if you’re being truthful, and how well you’re listening. When your nonverbal signals match up with the words you’re saying, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. When they don’t, they generate tension, mistrust, and confusion.

If you want to communicate better in all areas of your life, it’s important to become more sensitive to body language and other nonverbal cues, so you can be more in tune with the thoughts and feelings of others. You also need to be aware of the signals you’re sending off, so you can be sure that the messages you’re sending are what you really want to communicate.

Sender/Receiver

Cultural differences in nonverbal communication Nonverbal communication or body language is an

important part of how people communicate and there are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact are a few of the aspects of nonverbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural background.

Ex:

Let's say that you're traveling to a country where you don't speak the language. You didn't have time to pick up a dictionary or a book of common phrases, so you'll have to get around using only hand gestures. At a restaurant, you try to indicate which dishes you'd like by nodding or giving the server a thumbs-up, but all you get is the opposite of what you wanted and an offended look. No one will look you in the eye, and one person seemed downright affronted by your attempts to point out on a map where you'd like to go.

Use your nonverbal communication wisely

Thank you!!!