Saturday, October 2, 2010

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Definition (CBC): “nonverbal communication involves those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source [speaker] and his or her use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source or receiver [listener]  (Samovar et al).   Basically it is sending and receiving messages in a variety of ways without the use of verbal codes (words).  It is both intentional and unintentional.  Most speakers / listeners are not conscious of this.   It includes — but is not limited to:
Touch
Glance
Eye contact (gaze)
Volume
Vocal nuance
Proximity
Gestures
Facial expression? Pause (silence)
Intonation
    • dress
    • posture
    • smell
    • word choice and syntax
    • sounds (paralanguage)
Broadly speaking, there are two basic categories of non-verbal language:
1)      nonverbal messages produced by the body;
2)      nonverbal messages produced by the broad setting (time, space, silence)
Why is non-verbal communication important?
 Basically, it is one of the key aspects of communication (and especially important in a high-context culture).  It has multiple functions:
  • Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating directions.
  • Often used to accent a verbal message. (e.g. verbal tone indicates the actual meaning of the specific words).
  • Often complement the verbal message but also may contradict.  E.g.: a nod reinforces a positive message (among Americans); a “wink” may contradict a stated positive message.
  • Regulate interactions (non-verbal cues covey when the other person should speak or not speak).
  • May substitute for the verbal message (especially if it is blocked by noise, interruption, etc) — i.e. gestures (finger to lips to indicate need for quiet), facial expressions (i.e. a nod instead of a yes).
Note the implications of the proverb: “Actions speak louder than words.”  In essence, this underscores the importance of non-verbal communication.  Non-verbal communication is especially significant in intercultural situations. Probably non-verbal differences account for typical difficulties in communicating.

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