Non Verbal Communication

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Introduction
In this section, we shall examine the categories of non-verbal communication

and the functions of non-verbal communications. We will justify the
significance of non-verbal communication skills in the communication process.
1.1 Objectives of the topic
Upon successful completion of the topic, the student will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the areas of nonverbal communication.
2. Articulate the functions of nonverbal communication.
3. Describe the relationship between nonverbal and verbal communication.
4. Demonstrate an ability to adapt to various nonverbal communication

situations including workplace, education, home environment, interpersonal
relationships, gender, and intercultural contexts.
What is Non-verbal communication?
Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or

information through nonverbal cues rather than spoken or written words. It
encompasses a wide range of behaviors, expressions, and gestures that can
convey meaning, intention, and emotions. Nonverbal communication plays a
crucial role in human interaction and can significantly impact how messages
are interpreted.
Some common forms of nonverbal communication include:
1. Facial expressions: Facial expressions convey emotions such as

happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, or disgust. Smiles, frowns, raised
eyebrows, and squinted eyes are all examples of facial expressions that
can communicate various meanings.
2. Body language: Body movements, posture, and gestures can

communicate different messages. For example, crossing arms may
indicate defensiveness or resistance, while open and relaxed body
posture can signal approachability and receptiveness.
3. Eye contact: The way people look at each other can communicate
interest, attentiveness, or even dominance. Sustained eye contact is often
1
associated with active listening and engagement, while avoiding eye
contact may suggest discomfort or disinterest.
4. Proxemics: Proxemics refers to the use of personal space in

communication. Different cultures have varying norms about personal
space, and the distance maintained during interactions can convey
intimacy or formality. For example, standing too close to someone may
be considered invasive, while standing too far away might indicate
detachment.
5. Touch/Haptics: Physical touch can communicate a wide range of

emotions and intentions, from comforting and expressing affection to
asserting power or dominance. However, the appropriateness and
meaning of touch vary greatly across cultures and individual preferences.
6. Voice tone and intonation (paralanguage): The way words are spoken,
including tone, pitch, volume, and rhythm, can significantly impact the
message being conveyed. A calm and soothing tone may convey
reassurance, while a harsh tone might indicate anger or frustration.
7. Use of space and environment: The arrangement of objects, furniture,

and the use of space in a particular environment can convey meaning.
For example, an organized and well-decorated office might suggest
professionalism, while a cluttered and messy space may imply
disorganization.
8. Chronemics: The time those we communicate with take to respond to us,

gives us more information on how we are valued in the relationship.
It is important to note that nonverbal communication is influenced by cultural

norms and individual differences, so interpretations may vary. Understanding
and being mindful of these nonverbal cues can enhance communication, foster
better understanding, and facilitate effective interactions with others.
Functions of Non-verbal communication
Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in our everyday interactions,

often complementing or even outweighing verbal communication. Here are
some key functions of nonverbal communication:
1. Expressing Emotions: Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body

language, and tone of voice allow us to convey and interpret emotions.
2
They provide insight into our feelings, whether it's joy, anger, surprise,
sadness, or fear, enhancing the overall understanding of a message.
2. Conveying Intentions and Attitudes: Nonverbal communication helps us

express our intentions and attitudes towards others. For example, a
warm smile and open posture can indicate friendliness and
approachability, while crossed arms and a frown might signal
defensiveness or disagreement.
3. Establishing Relationships: Nonverbal cues play a vital role in building

and maintaining relationships. Through gestures, touch, eye contact,
and proximity, we establish connections, demonstrate interest, and build
trust with others.
4. Enhancing Verbal Communication: Nonverbal cues complement verbal

communication by providing additional context, emphasis, or
clarification. They can reinforce or contradict spoken words, influencing
the overall meaning of a message.
5. Regulating Interactions: Nonverbal communication helps in managing

conversations and interactions. For instance, we use cues such as head
nods, eye contact, and hand gestures to signal when it's our turn to
speak or indicate that we are listening attentively.
6. Conveying Cultural and Social Norms: Different cultures have distinct

nonverbal communication patterns and norms. Understanding these
cues allows us to navigate intercultural interactions effectively and show
respect for cultural differences.
7. Signaling Deception or Dishonesty: Nonverbal cues can sometimes reveal

deception or dishonesty. Inconsistent body language, avoidance of eye
contact, fidgeting, or changes in vocal tone may indicate that someone is
not being truthful.
8. Providing Feedback: Nonverbal communication enables the exchange of

feedback during conversations. It allows us to gauge others' reactions
and adjust our message accordingly. Nonverbal cues like nodding,
smiling, or maintaining eye contact can show agreement, understanding,
or disagreement.
9. Communicating Power and Status: Nonverbal cues can convey power

dynamics and social status. For example, confident body posture,
assertive gestures, or the use of personal space can signal authority,
3
while submissive behavior or avoiding eye contact can indicate lower
status.
10. Substituting for Verbal Communication: In some situations,

nonverbal communication alone can convey a message without the need
for verbal language. For instance, traffic signals, hand gestures, or facial
expressions can effectively communicate directions or warnings.
Remember, the functions of nonverbal communication can vary across cultures

and individuals, so it's essential to consider context, cultural norms, and
individual differences when interpreting nonverbal cues.
Self-assessment exercise
1. Using a diagram discuss the communication process

2. Explain any five barriers of communication
3. Elaborate on the following categories of non verbal communication:
a. Chronemics
b. Proxemics
c. Para-language
d. Haptics
e. Oculesics
4. Using illustrations discuss the functions of non-verbal
communication

Non Verbal Communication

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Non Verbal Communication

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Non Verbal Communication

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

In this section, we shall examine the categories of non-verbal communication

1.1 Objectives of the topic

1. Identify and describe the areas of nonverbal communication.

2. Articulate the functions of nonverbal communication.

3. Describe the relationship between nonverbal and verbal communication.

4. Demonstrate an ability to adapt to various nonverbal communication

What is Non-verbal communication?

Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or

Some common forms of nonverbal communication include:

1. Facial expressions: Facial expressions convey emotions such as

2. Body language: Body movements, posture, and gestures can

4. Proxemics: Proxemics refers to the use of personal space in

5. Touch/Haptics: Physical touch can communicate a wide range of

7. Use of space and environment: The arrangement of objects, furniture,

8. Chronemics: The time those we communicate with take to respond to us,

It is important to note that nonverbal communication is influenced by cultural

Functions of Non-verbal communication

Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in our everyday interactions,

1. Expressing Emotions: Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body

2. Conveying Intentions and Attitudes: Nonverbal communication helps us

3. Establishing Relationships: Nonverbal cues play a vital role in building

4. Enhancing Verbal Communication: Nonverbal cues complement verbal

5. Regulating Interactions: Nonverbal communication helps in managing

6. Conveying Cultural and Social Norms: Different cultures have distinct

7. Signaling Deception or Dishonesty: Nonverbal cues can sometimes reveal

8. Providing Feedback: Nonverbal communication enables the exchange of

9. Communicating Power and Status: Nonverbal cues can convey power

10. Substituting for Verbal Communication: In some situations,

Remember, the functions of nonverbal communication can vary across cultures

1. Using a diagram discuss the communication process

You might also like