BUS101 Week 4: Intercultural communication & non-verbal communication

Worksheet and workshop activities

Non-verbal communication:

Watch the Mr Bean clip and take notes on the following:

1. Body Language: This encompasses Notes:

gestures, posture, facial expressions, and
eye contact. Body language often conveys ------------------------------------------------
emotions, attitudes, and intentions. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
2. Tone of Voice: The way something is said ------------------------------------------------
can carry meaning beyond the words ------------------------------------------------
themselves. Tone of voice includes ------------------------------------------------
elements such as pitch, volume, pace, and ------------------------------------------------
intonation. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
3. Proxemics: Proxemics refers to the use of ------------------------------------------------
physical space in communication. Different ------------------------------------------------
cultures and individuals have varying ------------------------------------------------
comfort levels with proximity, which can ------------------------------------------------
affect communication dynamics. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
4. Touch: Touch can convey various ------------------------------------------------
messages, from support and affection to ------------------------------------------------
power and dominance. Cultural norms and ------------------------------------------------
personal boundaries influence the ------------------------------------------------
interpretation of touch in communication. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
5. Appearance: How a person presents ------------------------------------------------
themselves through clothing, grooming, ------------------------------------------------
and accessories can influence perceptions ------------------------------------------------
and communication dynamics. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
6. Gaze: Eye contact and gaze patterns play ------------------------------------------------
a significant role in communication. They ------------------------------------------------
can signal interest, attention, honesty, or ------------------------------------------------
intimidation. ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
7. Facial Expressions: Facial expressions
------------------------------------------------
are a crucial aspect of non-verbal
------------------------------------------------
communication, as they often reveal
------------------------------------------------
emotions and attitudes that words alone
------------------------------------------------
may not convey.
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
8. Posture and Movement: Posture and
------------------------------------------------
movement can communicate confidence,
------------------------------------------------
openness, nervousness, or defensiveness.
------------------------------------------------
They also contribute to overall body
------------------------------------------------
language cues.
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

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BUS101 Week 4: Intercultural communication & non-verbal communication
Worksheet and workshop activities

Title: The Significance of Non-Verbal Communication Cues in Business Interactions

Non-verbal communication cues, encompassing body language and tone of voice, wield
immense influence in business interactions, often shaping perceptions and outcomes.
Albert Mehrabian's groundbreaking research suggests that non-verbal cues contribute
significantly—up to 93%—to the interpretation of messages, surpassing the impact of
verbal content alone (Mehrabian, 1971). In professional contexts, understanding these
cues becomes paramount for fostering effective communication.

Body language serves as a powerful conduit of unspoken messages. Posture, gestures,

and facial expressions convey emotions, attitudes, and confidence levels, thereby
influencing how individuals are perceived in business settings. For instance, maintaining
eye contact and open body posture during negotiations can convey trustworthiness and
sincerity, enhancing rapport with counterparts (Eunson, 2016). Similarly, a firm handshake
signifies assertiveness and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression in networking
scenarios (Pease & Pease, 2004).

Moreover, tone of voice adds nuance and depth to verbal messages, shaping their
interpretation. Variations in pitch, volume, and intonation can denote enthusiasm,
authority, or uncertainty. For instance, a monotone delivery may signal disinterest or lack
of conviction, undermining the persuasiveness of a sales pitch or presentation (Goman,
2011). Conversely, a confident and articulate tone can captivate audiences and instill
credibility.

Understanding non-verbal cues empowers professionals to decode underlying meanings

and navigate communication challenges adeptly. By aligning verbal and non-verbal
signals, individuals can convey authenticity, build trust, and foster stronger connections
with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Therefore, honing proficiency in deciphering
and leveraging non-verbal communication cues emerges as a cornerstone of effective
business communication.

References:

 Eunson, B. (2016). Communicating in the 21st Century. John Wiley & Sons.
 Goman, C. K. (2011). The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can
Help—Or Hurt—How You Lead. John Wiley & Sons.
 Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent messages: Implicit communication of emotions and
attitudes. Wadsworth Publishing Company.
 Pease, A., & Pease, B. (2004). The definitive book of body language. Orion
Publishing Group.

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