Ehab Etman 5484
Ehab Etman 5484
Ehab Etman 5484
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Facial Expression
Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion
of nonverbal communication.1 Consider how much
information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown.
The look on a person's face is often the first thing we
see, even before we hear what they have to say. While
nonverbal communication and behavior can vary
dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for
happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar
throughout the world.
Body movements include anything from swaying back and forth, to using your hands while you
talk, to nodding your head, and everything in between. Certain body movements, such as using
your hands while you speak, may express your enthusiasm in talking about a subject.
In contrast, other actions, such as swaying back and forth during a presentation, can distract
and take away from the message you want to convey. Your body movements may occur
unconsciously, but be mindful of how your actions might affect your listener.
Proximity
People often refer to their need for "personal space," which is also an important type of
nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we
perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms, cultural
expectations, situational factors, personality characteristics, and level of familiarity.
Posture
The way you hold your body can make an impression on those around you. Standing and sitting
are common positions in professional settings, so noticing how you look when you are in either
position is important. When you stand with your head held high and your back straight, you are
nonverbally communicating assurance, strength and confidence. A slouched position with your
back curved and your head facing downward often conveys the opposite, causing you to appear
indifferent or uncertain.
Vocalics
Vocalics, also referred to as paralanguage, includes
the way you speak, such as your tone of voice. No
matter what you might say, the way you say it can
communicate more than the words you choose.
Besides tone, vocalics might include the volume
and pitch of your voice. For example, if you feel
uncomfortable in a situation, you might naturally
speak quietly to draw less attention to yourself.
Conversely, speaking too loudly can make the
person you are talking to feel you are trying to
speak over them or overpower their opinion. High volume and pich makes receiver feel threatened
Our choice of color, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting appearance are also
considered a means of nonverbal communication.8 Research on color psychology has
demonstrated that different colors can evoke different moods. Appearance can also alter
physiological reactions, judgments, and interpretations.
Just think of all the subtle judgments you quickly make about someone based on his or her
appearance. These first impressions are important, which is why experts suggest that job
seekers dress appropriately for interviews with potential employers.
Eye contact
Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type
of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things,
including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining
the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
Touch
We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different messages given by
a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the
arm, for example.
Is body language a nonverbal communication?
In my opinion body language is considered a nonverbal communication Good body language can
send the right message to the receiver and make them feel confident about the verbal sentences
they heard. They can also confuse others, generate tension, and even create an uncomfortable
environment if not done properly. Being able to understand the body language has always been an
important soft skill to have. Non-verbal communication can affect our words as it can reiterate our
message, contradict our words, reinforce our statement, substitute the meaning of what we are
trying to say, and complement what we are trying to say.