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.