Non-Verbal Communication

Introduction
1.

Communication is generally defined as has having both verbal and nonverbal

components. Whereas verbal communication often refers to the words we use in

communication, nonverbal communication refers to communication that is produced by
some means other than words. Good communication is the foundation of successful
relationships, both personally and professionally. But we communicate with much more
than words. In fact, research shows that the majority of the messages we send are
nonverbal. Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes our facial
expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice.

Nonverbal Communication
2.

Nonverbal communication, or body language, is a vital form of communication, a

natural, unconscious language that broadcasts our true feelings and intentions in any
given moment, and clues us in to the feelings and intentions of those around us. When
we interact with others, we continuously give and receive wordless signals. All of our
nonverbal behaviors, the gestures we make, the way we sit, how fast or how loud we
talk, how close we stand, how much eye contact we make send strong messages.
These messages dont stop when we stop speaking either because even when were
silent, were still communicating nonverbally.

3.

Non verbal communication plays a vital role in our overall communication with

the people around us. It is one of the biggest misconceptions to think that what is being
said is more important than how it is being said. In reality only 7% of information is sent
through words, the remaining 93% of communication is non-verbal. In this regards, the
expression that actions speak louder than words seems very true. If we fail to read
and de-code non-verbal messages we set ourselves up for constant misunderstandings
and various communication problems. The way we listen, look, move, and react, tells
the other person whether or not we care, and it tells them if were being truthful, and
how well were listening. When our nonverbal signals match up with the words were
saying, they increase trust, clarity, and understanding. When they dont, they generate
stress, mistrust, and confusion.

4.

Non-verbal communication or sign language is of prime importance in clinical

therapy, where patients can communicate more effectively through gestures as

compared to words as per their condition. Psychoanalysts apply non-verbal techniques
to cure patients, like providing them the suitable environment for their cure.

5.

Sign language is also employed on the traffic system. The pictures and arrows on

sign boards indicate directions for everyone, whether literate or not. For example, the
picture of a tree and a mountain on a small triangular board might indicate a hill station,
whereas a moon or a red cross may show a hospital. In both cases, pictures, not words,
are displaying the location. Traffic lights also control a vast flow of traffic, hence
becoming part of a very important application of non-verbal communication.

6.

As words have limitations, non-verbal communication is more effective in

situations where a person has to explain shapes, directions, inner feelings and
personalities and serve to make the message more powerful and convincing. Nonverbal
communication makes up about two-thirds of all communication between two people or
between one speaker and a group of listeners. Nonverbal communication strengthens a
first impression in common situations like attracting a partner or in a business interview.
Now let us discuss the various types of this sort of communication.
Types of Nonverbal Communication and Body Language
7.

There are many different categories of nonverbal communication. Together, the

following nonverbal signals and signs communicate our interest and speculation in
others.

(a)

Facial expressions.

The human face is extremely

able to express countless emotions without saying a word.

nonverbal communication, facial expressions
happiness, sadness, anger,

expressive,

And unlike some forms of

are universal. The facial expressions for

surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across

cultures and they serve as one of the basic types of nonverbal communication
(b)

Body movements and posture.

The way we move and

ourselves communicates a wealth of information to the world. This

type

of

carry
nonverbal

communication includes your posture, bearing, stance,

perceptions of people are affected by the way

(c)

Gestures.

and

subtle

movements.

they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head.

Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

wave, point, summon and use our hands when were arguing or
expressing ourselves with gestures often without

Our

speaking

We
animatedly,

thinking. However, the meaning of gestures

can be very different across cultures and regions, so its important to be careful to avoid
misinterpretation.

(d)

Eye contact.

Since the visual sense is dominant for most people,

contact is an especially important type of nonverbal

someone can communicate many
attraction. Eye

eye

communication. The way we look at

things, including interest, affection, antagonism, hostility or

contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for

determining the other persons response.

(e)

Touch.We communicate a great deal through touch. A firm

timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring

the head, or a controlling grip on

handshake, a

pat on the back, a patronizing pat on

your arm can give a lot of messages and can serve in

better communication.

(f)

Space.We usually feel uncomfortable during a conversation

other person is standing too close to us and invades our space.

physical space, although that need differs
closeness of the

the

We all have a need for

depending on the culture, the situation, and the

relationship. We can use physical space to communicate many different

nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression,

affection.

when

dominance,

or

(g)

Voice.

Its not just what we say; its how we say it. When we

other people read our voices in addition to listening to our words.

attention to include our timing and pace, how loud we
sound that convey understanding. Our

Things

speak,
they

pay

speak, our tone and intonation, and

tone of voice can indicate our emotions, e.g.

sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

Conclusion
8.

In the end we can conclude that nonverbal communication is the process of sending and

receiving messages from another person. These messages can be conveyed through gestures,
engagement, posture, and even clothing and hygiene. Nonverbal communication can convey a
very different message than a verbal conversation and we can improve our effectiveness as a
non-verbal communicator by observing and analyzing both the physical environment of
interactions and the body language, appearance, gestures, vocal cues, eye contact, and
touching behavior of the participants. Nonverbal communication is an important aspect in any
conversation skill people are practicing.

(1070 words)