Nonverbal CommunicationActions DO speak louder than words

DefinitionThe process of sending and receivinginformation, both intentionally andunintentionally, without using written orspoken language, is NonverbalCommunication. (Bovee & Thill)

FeaturesUses no words.Takes place extensively at every level individual, family, social and organizational.Oldest form of communication.It is usually considered more reliable and more efficient than verbal communication

InterpretationSmilesFrownsWho sits where at a meetingSize of an officeHow long a visitor is kept waiting all these communicate pleasure or anger, friendliness or distance, power and status

Significance

PurposeNonverbal communication is usedTo express emotionsTo convey interpersonal attitudesTo present ones personalityTo accompany verbal communicationIt can reinforceIt can substituteIt can even contradict

ComponentsTime - ChronemicsPersonal space - ProxemicsTouch - HapticsFacial expressions - KinesicsEye contact - KinesicsGesture and body movements - KinesicsParalanguageClothing

TimeBeing on time is seen as a sign of dependabilityCultural differences arise due to differences in measurement blocks (5 min, 15 min) Monochronic and polychronic cultures

Personal SpaceIt is the physical distance between people who are engaged in communicationUse of this space indicates a great deal about social relationships within a culture

Personal Space

TypeDefinitionIntimate zone (skin contact to 18 inches)With family members and close friendsPersonal zone (18 inches to 4 feet)Personal or private interactions with other employeesSocial zone (4 feet to 12 feet)Normal and greatly used in business settingsPublic zone (12 feet and beyond)Presentations

TouchConveys warmth, comfort and reassuranceTouching behaviour is governed by strict normsIn business, the most important form of touch is the handshake conveys involvement or weakness based on firmness

Facial ExpressionsThe face is said to be capable of displaying more than a thousand different expressionsSix facial expressions understood all around the globe anger, fear, surprise, sorrow, joy, disgustSome people mask emotions and expressions well so as to avoid misinterpretation

Eye ContactShows interest & attentivenessSignals a wish to participateControls & persuades othersHas different meanings in various culturesBreaking eye contact may be interpreted as avoidance or refusal or end of conversation

Gesture and PostureGestures are physical movement of our arms, legs, hands, torso, and head.Gestures show if you are positive or otherwisePosture is the position of your body as you sit or standPosture has the ability to communicate many meaningsTurning your body away from a speaker snub, non involvementBoredom head drop, leaning back, supporting head with handOpen posture head and body to one side, legs uncrossed agreementWalking rapidly, hands moving freely confidence, goal orientation

Body language factsIf you are interested in someone that is talking to you, your feet will usually be pointing towards them even if youre not actually talking to them.

Lots of body language gestures are about how others follow a leader. Watch what happens when you cross one leg, put your hand on your chin or move forward in your chair. Others will start to copy you! This technique is often used in interviews and it can help the candidate to feel more relaxed.

What message are they conveying?

What message are they conveying?Im happy and things are goodThumbs upSmiling

What message are they conveying?

What message are they conveying?Eyes looking awayFinger on faceIm thinking

What message are they conveying?

What message are they conveying?Frowning with angerNo smileStaring down at the girlHand pointingHead and eyes downArms crossed in defenceMouth slightly down turnedIm annoyedIm in trouble

ParalanguageNonverbal vocal messages are called paralanguageVocal Characteristics:Tone rising or fallingVolume & Pitch- high and lowAccent - stressSpeedUms & ahs (disfluencies)

Clothing and Personal AppearanceYour general appearance tells others a great deal about yourself and your organizationDress code interviews, formal occasions, company uniformsIn the world of business in general, your clothes should say nothing about you except that you are part of a group

Maximize your nonverbal communication skillsSmile genuinelyBe aware that people may give false nonverbal cuesKeep appropriate distance between you and othersRespect status with your eye contactAdopt posture, gestures and handshake that matches your personality and intention

Body Language of a Confident PersonPosture standing tall with shoulders backEye contact glancing with a smiling faceGestures purposeful and deliberateSpeech slow and clearTone of voice moderate to low

Signals of disengagementHeads are downEyes are glazed, or gazing at something elseHands may be picking at cloths or fiddling with pensPeople may be writing or doodlingSitting slumped in chairs

*