Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication (NVC)

between people is communication
through sending and receiving
wordless clues.
Non Verbal Includes:
• Kinesics – body language
• Oculesics [ocalics] – use of eyes
• Proxemics – use of space
• Haptics – touching behavior
• Vocalics [paravocalics or paralanguage] not what you say but HOW you say it
nonverbal categories continued
• Objectics [artifactics] – use of objects/artifacts
• Chronemics – use of time
• Olfactics – use of smell
• Gustorics – use of taste
Why is Non Verbal Communication
important?
 Functions of non-verbal communication

There are also six (6) functions of non-verbal communication. That is, we use non-verbal
communication for six main reasons:

Substituting is where we use non-verbal communication to replace verbal communication.

Waving goodbye instead of saying it out loud is one example of this.

Reinforcement. We also use non-verbal communication to reinforce or complement our

verbal communication. Pounding your hand onto a table when arguing may reinforce
whatever point you’re making.

Regulating. The regulating function of non-verbal communication is used mostly in

conversation to control the flow of messages. Raising your hand to answer or ask a question
in class helps to regulate the communication going on in the room.
Functions of non-verbal communication

Contradiction. Sometimes we use non-verbal communication to contradict

our verbal communication. The most common example of this is using vocalic
sarcasm – when you say one thing, but your tone of voice says the opposite.

Manage Impressions. We often manage impressions through the use of non-

verbal communication. The way we dress, for example, often coincides with
the impression we want others to have of us.

Establish Relationships. Finally, we use non-verbal communication to

establish relationships. The wearing of a wedding band is a non-verbal
indication that the person is married.
Activity Time: With your Pair give one
message to the class through non verbal
technique.