Nonverbal communication

Author: Iloka Benneth Chiemelie

Published: 26th April 2018

Introduction 

Findings from research does indicate that a substantial part of our daily communication nonverbal. On daily bases, people respond to vast volume of nonverbal cues and behavioral patterns that include postures, eye gaze, tone of voice, facial expression and gestures(AAAS, n.d.). Nonverbal details are used to reveal a given individual and this can range from handshakes to hairstyles. In general terms, nonverbal communication are all forms of communication that does not emanate from speech.

Scientific study on nonverbal communication started way back in the 1870s with the publication made in 1872 by Charles Darwin on the expression of emotion in man and animals Following that footsteps, abundant volume of research on types, effects and expressions of nonverbal communication and behavior have emerged(BusinessTopia, n.d.). Although these signs occur in somewhat subtle form that the people involved are not always conscious of it, there have been identification made on different forms of nonverbal communication(Cherry, Top 10 Nonverbal Communication Tips, 2016). In majority of the cases, nonverbal communication are made with the aid of varied group of behaviors. For instance, one can combine frown with crossed arms and a steady eye gaze in order to indicate disapproval. Some of the nonverbal forms of communication are as discussed below.

Facial expression

Facial expression has been described as being responsible for a vast majority of nonverbal communication. For instance, one can convey varied information by making a simple frown or smile(Cherry, Types of Nonverbal Communication, 2016). Even before one hears what is being spoken, the first thing that is noticeable is the look on the person’s face. Although it has bene noted that the form of nonverbal communication can be different across cultures, similarities have been noted in facial expression for anger, sadness, fear and happiness –all seemingly universally acceptable.

Gestures

Important ways of communicating meaning without the use of words are through deliberate movements and signals. Common examples of gestures are pointing, waving and adopting fingers to represent numerical values. Other forms of gestures are considered arbitrary and related to the culture where they are applied(Cherry, Types of Nonverbal Communication, 2016).

Within the context of a courtroom, it has been noted that lawyers made use of varied form of nonverbal communication in their attempt to sway the opinion of the juror. Additionally, an attorney might glance at his watch as a suggestion of the tediousness in the argument raised by the opposing lawyer, or the attorney might roll his or her eye at the testimony that is being presented by the witness as an attempt to define the credibility of such. These nonverbal signs have been described as very powerful and influential that some judge have begun placing limits on the forms of nonverbal signs that can be used within the context of the courtroom.

Paralinguistic

Paralinguistic is used to reference the forms of vocal communication that are different from the actual language. This comprises of factors like the tone of voice used, how loud the voice is, pitch and inflection made by the voice(Crawford, 2016). For instance, one can consider the powerful effect that voice can generate on the actual meaning of a sentence. When sentence are presented in a strong tone of voice, listener will generally interpret it as approval and enthusiasm, while the same sentence or word delivered in a hesitant tone can be interpreted as disapproval and lacking in interest.

Postures and body language

It is always possible to use postures and movement to convey a great deal of information. Although researches on posture and body language has increased over the years, the focus of media has bene on over-interpretation of defensive postures, arms-crossing, and leg-crossing with special reference to the book: Body Language by Julius Fast. Although these nonverbal forms of communication can be used to indicate feelings and attitudes, it has been suggested by research that body language is much more subtle and less definitive than it has bene initially thought(Devaney, 2016).

Besides those discussed above, other forms of nonverbal communication are: proxemics (the need for personal space), eye gaze, haptic (communicating via touch), appearance and artifacts(Matsumoto, n.d.). No matter the kind of nonverbal communication used, overall understanding and decoding of message depends on whether the receiver can read meaning into the message being passed by the conveyer. Some of the tips for reading meaning into nonverbal communications are:

·         Pay attention to the nonverbal signals being conveyed.

·         Search for incongruent behavior from the conveyer

·         Focus on the tone of voice of the conveyer.

·         Establish good eye contact with the conveyer.

·         If necessary, ask questions about the meaning of nonverbal communications being conveyed.

·         Utilize signals for making communications more effective and meaningful.

·         Search for signals as a group.

·         Put the context into proper consideration.

·         One must be conscious of the fact that signals can be misread.

·         Continuous practice will make the ability to read meaning into nonverbal communication much easier(Sudol, 2016).

References

AAAS. (n.d.). Strategies for In-Person Engagements: Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved from AAAS: https://www.aaas.org/page/strategies-person-engagements-nonverbal-communication

BusinessTopia. (n.d.). Non-verbal Communication. Retrieved from BusinessTopia: https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/non-verbal-communication

Cherry, K. (2016, 7 6). Top 10 Nonverbal Communication Tips. Retrieved from VerryWell: https://www.verywell.com/top-nonverbal-communication-tips-2795400

Cherry, K. (2016, 7 19). Types of Nonverbal Communication. Retrieved from VerryWell: https://www.verywell.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397

Crawford, H. (2016, 4 6). 5 Tips to Improve Nonverbal Communication at Meetings. Retrieved from US News: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/2016-04-05/5-tips-to-improve-nonverbal-communication-at-meetings

Devaney, E. (2016, 5 5). 33 Little Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communication Skills [Infographic]. Retrieved from Hubspot: http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/nonverbal-communication-tips

Matsumoto, D. (n.d.). Speaking of Psychology: Nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Retrieved from American Psychology Association: http://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/nonverbal-communication.aspx

Sudol, J. (2016, 3 17). 8 Forms of Nonverbal Communication Actors Must Master. Retrieved from Backstage: http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/8-forms-nonverbal-communication-actors-must-master/