Non-verbal Communication

Presented By: Antra Singh

 Non -Verbal Communication is the message or response not expressed or sent in words hints, suggestions and indications. NVC is the unspoken communication that goes on in every Face-to-Face encounter with another human being. It is recognized as the route to discover what the other side wants, without them ever saying it, like a secret way into their soul. NVC stands for the innermost, instinctual form of human communication.

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

Communication researcher Mehrabian found that only 7% of a messages effect are carried by words ; listeners receive the other 93% through non -verbal means. Birdwhistell suggested that spoken words account for not more than 30-35% of all our social interactions. Over 65 percent of the social meaning of the messages we send to others are communicated non-verbally.

Forms of Non Verbal Communication

Conscious Non-verbal Communication Subliminal Non-verbal Communication (communicated to sub conscious mind) Voluntary Non-verbal Communication (planned physical response) Involuntary Non-verbal Communication (unplanned physical response)

Significance of Non-verbal Communication

To create impressions To manage interactions Expressing emotions To send relational messages (conveying affection, power, respect, dominance, etc) To convey deception To send messages of power and persuasion

Types Of Non-Verbal Communication

Kinesics Facial expressions

Oculesics
Haptics Proxemics Appearance and Artifacts Paralinguistics/ Vocalics Chronemics

Eye contact
Communication of touch Communication of space and proximity Physical characteristics, attire and accessories Variation in pitch, speed, volume and pauses that convey meaning Effects of time on communication

Kinesics
It is the articulation of the body or the movement resulting from muscular and skeletal shift Kinesics acts may substitute language, accompany it or modify it It is informative and directive in nature It comprises of the following: Facial Expression Posture Gesture

 Facial Expressions
It is used to aid or inhibit other peoples communication, to complement your own and to replace spoken messages There are five basic physical descriptions of facial expressions viz.:
Neutral pleasure, mask, respect, thoughtful and quiet attention Relaxed love, pleasure and submission Tensed fear, surprise, determination, contempt and extreme interest Uplifted happiness, anxiety, rage, love, astonishment and attention Droopy distress, suffering, grief, dismay and shock

It also provides information about a communicators thought process It also serves as a source of positive or negative feedback from the receiver

 Posture
Slumped posture low spirits Erect posture high spirits, energy and confidence Lean forward open and interested Lean away defensive or disinterested Crossed arms defensive Uncrossed arms willingness to listen Ambiguous or Unambiguous gesture Unnatural gesture Beneficial gesture Conscious gesture Spontaneous gesture (Iconic; Metaphoric; Deictics; Beat)

Gesture

Oculesics
It is the way eyes are used during a communication exchange It is a direct and powerful form of non-verbal communication The frequency of contact may suggest either interest or boredom Gaze refers to an individuals looking behaviour. It serves four functions: regulatory, monitoring, cognitive and expressive. Mutual Gazing is present when two individuals interact and look at each other, usually in the face Effective guidelines on eye contact:
If you have trouble staring someone in the eye, look at something else on their face When speaking to a group look at everyone Look at people who are key decision makers or hold power Look at reactive listeners Do not look at the floor, scripts or anything that causes you tilt your head away from the receiver Do not look at bad listeners who may distract you

Haptics
Haptics or tactile communication or touch Touch helps the group form bonds and stay peaceful Through touch we learn to relate to people and objects It may be divided into the following degrees of intimacy: Functional/ professional Social/ polite Friendship/ warmth Love/ intimacy Touch is an important way to convey warmth, comfort and reassurance

Proxemics
Study of space/ distance Space is defined as the distance a person maintains between him/herself and his/ her fellows and which he/she builds around him/ her in his/ her home and offices.

Distance

Relation

Volume

Close (8 in. to 12 in.)

Highly personal, seldom used in public Many dyadic social interactions occur Most social gatherings and business transactions Business and social discourse; more formal; desks in offices are placed to hold off visitors

Audible whisper

Near (12 in. to 36 in.)

Indoors, soft voice

Neutral (4.5 ft to 5 ft)

Outdoors, full voice

Public Distance (5.5 ft to 8 ft)

Full voice with slight over loudness

Across Room (8 ft to 20 ft)

Used by teachers and speakers at public gatherings

Public speaking by public figures

Loud voice talking to a group

Hailing distances, publicaddress systems

Far Distance (20 ft and more)

Appearance and Artifacts

Personal appearance is used to judge a person because the first impression of a person is based on appearance Clothing, hair style, attire, physical characteristics of the body like facial shape, body shape, height, skin colour, body odour, hair, etc Adornments (jewellery) Pay attention to good grooming, including a neat hair style, body hygiene, polished shoes and clean nails Invest in professional looking clothing and accessories Avoid flashy garments, clunky jewellery, garish make-up and over powering perfumes Ensure you feel comfortable in your attire and that your accessories suit you before embarking on your business day.

Paralanguage/ Vocalics
Paralanguage refers to all vocally produced sound that is not a direct form of linguistic communication Tone (direct, commanding, loud, harsh, disguised, soft, gentle, comforting, pleasing, volatile, sharp, boisterous, rage, etc) Voice Inflection (stressing stretching - narrow) Pitch (high low) Intensity (loud soft) Articulation (precise imprecise) Rhythm (smooth jerky)

Chronemics
Chronemics refers to the use of time as a message system including punctuality, amount of time spent with another and waiting time.

Tips for effective use of NVC

Observe and understand the non-verbal signals being sent your way on a momentto-moment basis Use good eye contact Stop what you are doing when your listeners look glassy-eyed or bored Use the tone of your voice the way a musician uses an instrument Adopt the most appropriate posture that suits the occasion Express gratitude to your audience when they are being attentive and responsive Soak in the pats/ hugs that others give you When you are confronting someone who you are in a close relationship with, reach out to take his/ her hand in both of yours Understand the cultural nuances of the various forms of non-verbal communication

Thank You!!!