Non Verbal Communication

Wordless message received through the medium of gestures, signs, bodily movements, facial
expressions, tone of voice, colour, time, space etc.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication: Relationship
• Non-verbal communication accompanies the Verbal communication.
• The verbal and the non-verbal together form the total meaning of the communicated
message.
• For a full understanding of the message, one must know what has been communicated
through words and also the thing implied along with what is said.
Prominent Non Verbal Communication
• Non-verbal communication primarily exists in the form of:
– Kinesic Communication, &
– Meta Communication
• One’s response to these communications influences the interpretation of the message
received through verbal communication.
Kinesic Communication/Kinesics
Kinesics is the conveyance of message through non-verbal acts in the form of body
movements such as gestures, winking, smiling, postures, style of dressing and grooming.
It influences one’s perception and understanding of the message.
Leakage
• A Non-verbal act is usually unconscious.
• It transmits the unstated feelings, attitude and hidden intentions of the speaker.
• Such a Non-verbal message conveyed through bodily movements is known as Leakage.
• A successful receiver is one who is able to observe and interpret the Leakage.
Meta Communication
• Meta Communication is an implied meaning conveyed by the choice of words, tone of voice,
fumbling, silence or omission.
• It is the message communicated not through words but along with words.
• It can be intentional or unintentional.
• It occurs through the use of Paralinguistics.
Non Verbal Communication Can be improved by:
• Monitoring one’s own Non-Verbal Communication
• Learning to interpret others
• Developing self-awareness
• Developing observational skills
• Asking for feedback
• Videotaping oneself and then improving accordingly
Principles
• Supplements verbal communication
• Regulates interaction
• Establishes relationships
• Reflects cultural values
Forms of Non Verbal Communication
• Conscious Non-Verbal Communication
• Subconscious (Subliminal) Non-Verbal Communication----------------------------------------------- 1
 Purpose
• To create impressions through body language and Para-language
• To initiate and manage interactions
• To express emotions
• To convey deception
• To convey power
Broad Category
• Body Language
• Para Language
• Space Language
• Time Language
• Sign Language
Commonly Used Forms: KOPPACT
• K Kinesics
• O Oculesics
• P Proxemics
• P Para-linguistics
• A Artifactics
• C Chronemics
• T Tactilics/Haptics
2.Para-linguistics
The study of extra-linguistic noises that accompany the language
These noises are also called vocalizations
Manner of Communication: Non-Verbal Vocal Cues
• Voice Delivery( Quality, Tone, Pitch, Rate, Volume, Speaking Speed/tempo)
• Voice Modulation
• Articulation
• Pronunciation
• Accent
• Stress
• Intonation
• Pauses
• Vocalized Pauses
• Silence
Voice Delivery
• Quality
– Characteristic that distinguishes one’ voice from another
– Varies:
• Rich & alluring
• Hoarse & husky
• Thin & Nasal etc.
• Tone
– The quality of voice
• Pitch
– Rise and fall in the voice------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
 – Essential to convey the varieties in emotion
– Well-balanced & well-suited pitch results in a clear and effective tone
– High-pitched voice is often unpleasant and suggests immaturity or emotional
disturbance
– It is always better to begin softly in a low pitch and raise the volume and pitch as and
when required
• Rate
– Speed of words per minute
– Normal rate: 120-180 WPM
– Depends on:
• the complexity of the material
• Mood of the speaker
• Will to create an impact &
• Composition of the audience
Volume
• Loudness or softness in voice
• Adjusted according to these two factors:
– Acoustics of the room
– Number of the audience
• Too high volume exhibits: boorishness, insensitivity & lack of self-command
• Too low volume exhibits: shyness
Speaking speed/tempo
– The factor of speech
– Speaking speed is increased when something interesting is being told
– Speaking speed is reduced when a difficult idea is being explained
– Rapid speech indicates excitement
Voice Modulation
• Modulation:
– Conveys varieties in emotions
– Brings flexibility and vitality to the voice
• Absence of Modulation leads to monotony
• Modulation is regulated by Varying and adjusting the tone, pitch & volume of the voice
Articulation
• One of the several causes of mispronunciation
• Speaking sounds according to the accepted norms
• Speaking words with clarity and forcefulness so that they are individually audible and
discernible
• Avoiding sloppiness in speech
Pronunciation
• Accepted standard norms of Speaking the sounds
• It is R.P. (Received Pronunciation)
• Also known as Queen’s English/Oxford English
• Correct and clear pronunciation is important
• Indicates that the speaker is careful and has consideration for the audience------------- 3
 • To pronounce correctly, individual sounds should be enunciated in the correct manner giving
proper word stress
Accent
• The way in which a person pronounces the sounds of a language.
• Every language has its own accent or way of forming sounds as it includes one’s own MTI
• Good accent is not imitation of someone but speaking with clarity so that one is understood
• Good accent is learnt by listening to native speakers of the language
Stress
• The prominence given to a particular syllable when speaking a word
• It changes the meaning and implication of the word
• Stress on a different syllable gives a different implied meaning
Intonation
• The sound pattern of sentences
• Each language has its own intonation
Pauses
• Pauses are used at the end of certain thought units
• Pauses:
– Lead to better comprehension
– Exhibit confidence & control
• Pauses should be timed properly
Vocalized Pauses: Speech Breakers/Non-fluencies
• Vocalized pauses should be avoided
• e.g. um-ur, ah, uh, ahem, huh, ah-ha, oh hesitations, prolonged pauses
• Vocalized pauses:
• Make the speech evasive & untruthful, and
• Make the speaker appear deceptive or circumspect
Silence
• Very effective way of communication
• Not a negative absence of speech but a positive withdrawal or suspension of speech
• A difficult method of communication as it takes a good deal of self-control and self-
confidence to be able to hold one’s tongue
• Can be very embarrassing if it is not possible to interpret it
• May indicate several things:
– acceptance
– Uncertainty
– Sympathy
– Anger or displeasure
– Much discomfort
– Puzzle
Benefits
• Closely allied to language. Messages are incomplete without it
• Sufficiently dependable indicator of the speaker's place
• Tells quite clearly about the speaker's educational background
• Speaks volumes about the speaker's regional background
• Gives us useful clues regarding the speaker's mental state----------------------------- 4
 • Has important educational value
3.Proxemics: The Space Language
The Cross-cultural study of humankind’s perception and the use of space
• Extremely important for Non-Verbal Communication
Spatial Dimensions
• Edward T. Hall has specified Zones for Spatial Dimenions:
– Intimate Zone
– Personal Zone
– Social Zone
– Public Zone
Intimate Zone
• Physical touch to 18 inches
• Includes family members, closest friends and special people
• Communication is more of non-verbal
• Verbal is in the form of whispers, monotones or at a low pitch
Personal Zone
• 18 inches- 4 feet
• Includes close friends, colleagues, associates and visitors
• Normal conversation, mostly personal or casual
• Permits unprogrammed talk or discussion
• However, certain important decisions are also taken.
Social Zone
• 4 feet – 12 feet
• Formal conversation and official relationships
• Reason and prior planning is required
• Paramount importance is given to this zone in Business
Public Zone
• 12 feet-30 feet
• Extremely formal conversation
• Attachment of the previous zones is substituted by detachment of perception, objectivity of
approach and formality of communication
• Voice is raised so as to be heard
Kinds of Spaces
• Researchers have observed two kinds of spaces:
– Fixed Space
• Considers permanent features like walls, room sizes etc.
– Semi-fixed Space
• Considers physical features that are changed or likely to be rearranged.
• This flexibility permits a variety of spaces that can be used to conduct
different types of communication activities
4. Kinesics
The study of entire nonverbal behaviour of the communicator by analyzing her/his body movements
as a systematic node of communication
Importance
 • People trust their eyes more than their ears----------------------------------- 5
• When a speaker’s body language is inconsistent with their words, the listeners tend to
believe their eyes.
Aspects of Kinesics: Visible Codes
• Personal Appearance
• Facial expressions
• Posture
• Gestures
• Eye contact
Negative Gestures
• Nervousness
• Aggressiveness
• Rudeness
• Self-centeredness
• Superiority
Nervousness
• Hands in pocket
• Biting nails
• Scratching
• Looking at the ceiling
Aggressiveness
• Staring
• Pointing at someone
• Showing a fist
Rudeness
• Shaking hands too hard
• Whisopering
• Yawning
• Looking at the watch
Self-centeredness
• Eyes closed while talking
• Head bent backwards
Superiority
• Not acknowledging greetings
• Shouting orders
• Continuing to work while others speak
• Reclining in chair---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6