The Way of Nonverbal Communication - Assignment Example

 Nonverbal Communication Communication can be described as the conveying of information from one person to another. It has been estimated that most people spend about 75 percent of their waking hours in communicating their thoughts, and ideas to others and that a great deal of this is in the form of nonverbal form of communication. Nonverbal communication is one of the key forms of communication. Tortoriello, Blott, and DeWine have defined non-verbal communication as an exchange of messages largely through non-linguistic means such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, space and territory, environment, paralanguage and the use of silence and time. Nonverbal communication can be broadly divided into two categories: nonverbal messages sent by the body and nonverbal messages created by the setting that includes space, time and silence. Nonverbal communication takes place not only between people, but can also occur internally. For instance people may grimace, adopt certain postures to communicate their attitudes, beliefs or feelings. Psychotherapists, management training professionals, patients, and persons participating in personal growth training programs can benefit immensely if they have knowledge about the nature and the importance of nonverbal communications. G. W. Porter has broadly divided nonverbal communication into four categories. They are: 1. Physical: This is in one form of nonverbal communication which includes facial expressions, sense of touch, sense of touch and body movements. 2. Aesthetic: This kind of communication takes place in the form of creative expressions such as dancing, playing music, painting, etc. 3. Signs: This is a mechanical type of communication and in this kind of communication objects like signal flags, horns, and sirens are used to communicate. 4. Symbolic: In this type of communication religious, status, or ego-building symbols are used. Of all these categories the physical type of nonverbal communication or body language as it is often known as is the most important form of communication. When a person interacts with another person he is continuously sending and receiving wordless signals. His nonverbal behaviour such as the gestures he makes, the way he sits or stands, how he talks, how much eye contact he makes can send strong messages. The way a person looks, listens, reacts and moves tells the person he is interacting with how much attention he is paying and also one can sense trust, disinterest or confusion from these nonverbal signals. From the body language one can make out whether a person is saying something contradictory to what he really thinks. Sometime a body language can convey more vividly a message. For instance, eyes can convey a message more vividly than words. It also complements a message. For instance when a boss follows his words of praise with a pat on the back, it can make more impact than mere words. At times body language can even substitute a message like the nod of head can replace what you have to say when you agree with someone. It can also emphasize a point. For instance the thumping of tables or throwing of things emphasizes that one is agitated. Again there are different ways by which nonverbal communication can be conveyed. The following nonverbal signals and cues can communicate our feelings and interest to others. Facial expressions: The human face can express innumerable emotions without having to say a word and unlike other forms of nonverbal communication facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions that convey happiness, anger, sadness, fear or disgust are the same across various cultures. Gestures: Gestures such as waving, pointing, calling or beckoning are a part and parcel of our daily lives.  These gestures have many different meanings in different cultures, and what may be friendly in one country or region can be an insult in another ( Maginnis, 1958). Body movements and posture: The way a person walks, sits, stand, holds his head and moves and how he carries himself can tell a lot about the person. These things can tell whether a person is confident, nervous, happy, disheartened, etc. Even small actions like shifting a chair or how one hold a briefcase can convey true feelings or intentions of a person. Eye contact: Eye contact is one of the most important types of nonverbal communication. The way a person looks at another person can convey many things such as affection, interest, attraction, hostility. Eye contact helps in guessing the other person’s response to what you are saying. According to Raudsepp eye movement can be considered as the most powerful and persuasive way that can attract attention and win approval. Touch: A great deal can be communicated through touch. For instance a firm handshake or a tap on the shoulder, a warm hug, or a condescending pat on the head, or gripping an arm are all different ways with which one can communicate. Space: Everyone requires a certain amount of space around him to be comfortable. During a conversation with another person one can feel uncomfortable if a person is standing too close. The physical space between persons can convey many messages, intimacy, aggression, dominance being some of them. Voice: Speech sounds such as volume, tone, pitch are important elements of communication. People can “read” voices as sounds we make provide subtle clues about our true feelings. The tone of our voice can indicate affection, anger, sarcasm or confidence. Studies in communication have shown that a strong, loud voice conveys confidence and that conversation style that has a low pitch and volume indicates that the speaker is pleasant, trustworthy and friendly. The same study has shown that a conversation style that has higher pitch and volume indicates dynamism, dominance and competence. There are many advantages to be had from nonverbal communication. Often something expressed nonverbally may carry more significance and weight than when expressed in words. For instance when a communication is accompanied by a frown or a smile or said with a loud voice or a gentle voice, may have more impact. One of the most important features of nonverbal communication is that it strengthens verbal communication. A verbal communication followed by a gesture has more impact. Nonverbal communication can provide cues, can clarify messages. For instance a policeman can control traffic by just the movement of his hands. Nonverbal communication can help make an environment comfortable and help in building relationships. Nonverbal signals that match the words spoken can help in creating trust and transparency in relationships. When a person responds through nonverbal cues he is demonstrating that he notices and that he understands and cares. The benefits of nonverbal communication are many, but it can create some problems as well. Nonverbal communication can create ambiguity. Sometimes certain gestures, facial expressions or posture can mean different things in different environments or settings or cultures and may not be interpreted correctly. For example, a nod of the head in the United States and in many other cultures signifies that you understand or agree whereas in the Middle East, a single nod signifies that you disagree or reject. Again in n American culture a direct eye contact conveys confidence, honesty and competence whereas in some cultures a direct eye contact with superiors is considered to be disrespectful. Very often we find people sending negative nonverbal signals without even realizing it. And when this happens trust is lost in relationships. Many consider nonverbal communication to be imprecise, incapable of explain complex ideas or two ideas at a time. They also feel that it cannot convey sarcasm or factual information. Nonverbal communication cannot be conveyed through phone lines and most importantly is open to misinterpretation. In conclusion it can be said that nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that helps a person to express himself, connect with others and build good relationships both at home and at work. Good communication is the foundation of all successful relationships. Understanding and effective use of nonverbal communication skills in the modern world is very important. References 1. Maginnis, M. (1958). Gesture and status. Group Psychotherapy, 11(1), 105-109. 2. Porter G.W, Retrieved from http://www.formazionetecnica.it/attachments/grundtvg%20handbook%20ok_bf311.pdf on 16/4/10 3. Tortoriello, Blott, and DeWine, retrieved from www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/regionaldev/Comm_Guide__One.pdf Read More