How Non-Verbal Communication Can be Misunderstood - Research Paper Example

Understanding Non Verbal Communication Introduction People have various ways of expressing their thoughts, which are determined by their age group,gender, and most especially, culture. The key word is communication. Communication is vital in the nourishment of one’s interpersonal needs; significantly, people use 75% of their time in the entire day communicating. Verbal communication, as frequently used by most people, enriches sociability; however, non-verbal communication aids in delivering the exact message, including the emotion of the speaker. Misinterpretation is usually the end point of an unsuccessful communication using non verbal signals. In this research paper, an expounded knowledge about non-verbal communication (emotions, body language, and vocalics) and the problems concerning the use of this type of communication will be discussed. Nonverbal Communication: A Definition To say that communicating only concerns about the things ought to say would not satisfy the purpose of communication, since it also acknowledges the use of the non verbal cues. Non-verbal communication is the generating of “non verbal stimuli” used by both the sender and the receiver (“Non Verbal Communication Modes”). In a study by UCLA, 93% of successful communication was aided with non-verbal cues (Heathfield). In addition, Motley explained that facial expressions are there to “support the verbal approach” (qtd. in Dunn), which means that there is more possibility in achieving a successful communication if non-verbal communication is being used simultaneously. Non-verbal cues would include facial expressions, eye contact, haptics, vocal variety, and other non-verbal elements which would largely develop the message being conveyed; these are definitely culturally based and people would distinguish the meaning of each non-verbal cues according to what they have known in their culture. Furthermore, Henman contends that non-verbal communication is an excellent way of transmitting emotional connection--then, enters the problems in using non-verbal communication. As multiculturalism gets in the way, communication may not seem to be a problem in the presence of the universal language in both parties engaged in a conversation; however, body movements and gestures would likely to cause communicative inconvenience. It is important to note that non verbal elements are subject to incongruence and misinterpretation (Samuels). Henman also agrees that there are several problems which might be encountered if non verbal messages would be transmitted, generally because “it is not a precise language;” and there are no dictionaries of nonverbal elements which can provide a standard meaning for each non verbal cue. Types of Nonverbal Communication Non-verbal communication has different forms and modes. It can be classified into four categories according to how it is being presented. Gestures, facial expressions, other physical movements and senses fall under the physical category. Creative expressions such as dancing, singing and painting, if used as a communicative tool, is called the aesthetic aspect of non verbal communication. Non verbal signals which make use of objects such as flags, flowers, and horns to convey a particular instruction or message belong to the signs category. The last classification concerns about symbols which represent a universal message. This can be exemplified with the dove, which is a universal symbol for peace. Cultural Factors As Henman suggested, it is difficult to rely on non verbal communication because people would differ in their interpretation of its meanings--cultural differences would be the main cause. Although non verbal communicative tools are best in showing emotions, this is not the case all the time. Culture plays a factor when it comes to communication of individuals. It affects a person in terms of his belief system and much more in the act of communication. Dressing up, for instance, is one of the determinants of identifying personal qualities, depending on the cultural background of a person. There is a tendency of prejudging the set of values of someone without even investigating and acquainting with that person. This case can cause more complex problems such as alienating other people to the point of discrimination and indifference towards them. Although popular interpretations are helpful aids in achieving the meaning of non verbal cues, cultural diversity would entail several redefinitions. A careful use of body language, gestures, and the like is required when the target receiver is a stranger or has a different culture to the speaker. Ambiguity of Emotions According to Dunn, emotions have an “ambiguous nature,” making it more difficult to interpret it than expected. He identified few emotions such as “happiness, sadness, anger and fear can be distinguished cross-culturally.” For example, the smile is an indication that a person feels happy; however, in the Asian culture, the act of smiling can have more than one meaning such as a means to cover up humiliation or a way to hide grief. This is parallel to what Samuels argued about non verbal communication. The incongruence of non verbal cues to what a person is actually saying is a hindrance in successful communication since the receiver could not determine how and what to response. There is a certain irony in the language that directly opposes the facial expression or the gesture the speaker uses. Like what Heathfield said, covering someone’s real emotion would be a quite difficult job; wherein what is said is not congruent to what is being shown. Furthermore, misinterpretation of message is likely to stem out from the inappropriateness of non verbal signals in a specific situation. Body Language “There are over 700,000 motions” that an average person can do (“Non Verbal Communication Modes”). Such statistics would significantly suggest that body movements are the most common means of nonverbal communication--where posture, gesture, eye contact, and the like falls. Interpretation of motions in connection to the message is highly culturally determined. In intimate conversations, in the United States, if someone would talk to somebody without looking into her eyes would mean lack of sincerity, and therefore should not be trusted. On the other hand, Asian countries like Japan would regard looking someone straight in the eye as rude and disrespectful. This is the same case with facial expressions where diversity of culture would mean a plethoric interpretation of facial expression and in terms of how it is being expressed. Africans would have intense expressions of emotions, where exaggerated facial expressions are made to convey a feeling of happiness. Asians, on the other hand, tend to suppress facial expressions. Vocalics In a persuasive speech or argumentation, the tonal quality of the voice represents the strength of the speaker’s conviction, making it an important element in delivering such speech. It is the same with casual communication. The tone of the voice can suggest different things contrary to what the person is actually saying. It can provide a denotative meaning of sarcasm, sincerity, humor, and such emotions hidden between the lines. Samuels said that the tone of the voice can have an effect on how the receiver would respond to the speaker. Vocalics should be used very carefully, as people would have variety of interpretation and would lead to miscommunication. The unspeak, as defined by Henman, is the vocal inflection made when the speaker makes a statement in a way that it sounds like he or she is asking a question. This can provide a vague message wherein the receiver could not determine how to respond. Conclusion Self-expression through communication is an important element in building a relationship. Non-verbal communication, though it does not possess linguistic qualities, is an aid in improving one’s message. However, cultural implications have much to do with the communication process, and sometimes, disorientation about one’s cultural background especially when using non verbal cues would lead to miscommunication. The key is to be culturally aware. Respect and understanding are needed in any kind of communication, whether verbal or not. Works Cited Dunn, Laurel J. “Nonverbal Communication: Information Conveyed Through the Use of Body Language.” National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse. Missouri Western State University, 14 Jan. 1999. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. . Heathfield, Susan M. “Listen With Your Eyes: Tips on Understanding Nonverbal Communication.” About.com. About.com, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. . Henman, Linda. “It’s Not Always What You Say.” Relationships911.org. Robert Bacal/ Bacal & Associates, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. . “Non Verbal Communication Modes.” Andrews University. Andrews University, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. . Samuels, Sumerlee. “Are You A Mime Reader?: Non Verbal Communication.” University of Calgary. Sumerlee Samuels, 2007. Web. 02 Dec. 2010. . Read More