Non-verbal Communication

Chapter 4
Non-verbal Communication

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M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

INTRODUCTION
The word Non Verbal Communication means communication which does not involve speech or words. By non verbal communication, we mean all communication that involves neither written nor spoken words, but which occurs without the use of words. Thus, this is the wordless message received through the medium of gestures, signs, body movements, facial expressions, tone of

voice, colour, time, space, style of writing and choice of words.

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M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1.
2. 3.

Instinctive
Less conscious Subtle

4.
5.

Complimentary to verbal communication

Forms the larger part of the overall communication activity

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M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

RELATIONSHIP OF NON-VERBAL MESSAGE WITH VERBAL MESSAGE

There are six primary ways in which non verbal message may be related to a verbal one:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. A non verbal message can complement a verbal one It can emphasize a verbal one It can repeat a verbal one A non verbal message can regulate a verbal one It can substitute for a verbal one A non verbal message can contradict a verbal one

Copyright 2006, M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Business Communication

M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

CLASSIFICATION OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non- verbal communication can be classified into the following categories:
1. Kinesics: Body language 2. 3. 4. 5. 4-5 Facial expressions Eye contact Gestures Body shape and posture Appearance

Proxemics: Space language Time language Paralanguage Sign language

Business Communication
Copyright 2006, M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

Proxemics or Space Language & Surroundings

Proxemics is the study of how we communicate with the space around us.

Proxemics is made from Proximity, which means nearness, and includes the
space around us and our physical environment or surroundings.

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M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

Paralanguage
Closer to actual verbal (oral) communication, and always accompanying body language, is paralanguage. While verbal communication consists of the what or the content of words, paralanguage involves the how of a speakers voice or the way in which he speaks. On careful observation and analysis we find that a speaker intentionally and unintentionally uses a vast range of hints and signals. Voice The first signal we receive or use is that of our voice. The message, however, may not be effectively conveyed if we do not take care of the following points in the use of our voice: a) Pitch variation b) Speaking speed c) Pause d) Nonfluencies e) Volume variation Cont. f) Pronunciation
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M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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Non-verbal Communication

Word Stress Word stress is of crucial importance in communication or transmission of the intended meaning. By placing stress or emphasis on here or a word there in the same sentence or utterance can change the entire meaning.

Sign Language
Communication is a process involving the use of mutually understood

signs/symbols between the sender and receiver of a message or piece of information. These signs, symbols, signals and indicators have generally been of two types-visual and audio or sound signals. Smell, touch and taste also communicate because sensory perception and impressions are a necessary part of human existence.

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Business Communication

M K Sehgal, Vandana Khetarpal

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