LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature Review



Literature Review

The use of non-verbal cues and how we communicate with each other is discussed. Much of today's communication is done non-verbally. A 1969 study by Dr. Moravian from Stanford University proved communication was 93 percent non-verbal and only 7 percent the actual words you use. Differing aspects of the use of body-language are discussed and the cues that one may interpret to help understand what is trying to be communicated. Discussion on the effects culture plays in body-language is touched upon and the caution that should be used while interpreting these cues. The final analyses suggests that a greater level of understanding can be obtained by understanding non-verbal actions and this understanding will play a part in succeeding in communicating with strangers.

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication is widely used but not always recognized. It is suggested that over 90% of communication is non-verbal and there is a number of studies that delve into the role of the senses in communication (Wentzel, 2008, pp. 202-209). In 1969, Dr. Moravian from Stanford University proved communication was 93 percent non-verbal and only 7 percent the actual words. (Pianta, 2008, pp. 84-99)

These studies ranged from the differences in the tone of ones voice to facial expressions to smell. This form of non-verbal communication is often affected by ones culture. With these different factors, many of the acts of non-verbal communication create different meanings among differing cultures and may be gender sensitive. We see in business as well as in day-to-day life, how body language plays a vital role in communication. A frown or a smile in a certain situation could have totally different meanings however; sometimes the meanings are shared across the many cultural boundaries. The use of your hands in business and the cues one sends are often crucial to success. In this paper I will attempt to show the different uses of non-verbal communication and the different aspects of interpreting and transmitting this form of communication. In identifying the different cues exhibited one must remember that all signals are not always verbatim; however, having the insight to interpreting the different signals sent will greatly assist in communicating with strangers (Pianta, 2008, pp. 123-136).

According to Pianta, (2008, pp. 84-99) people need to know different rules and behaviors to survive in different environments. The actions and attitudes that help a student learn and thrive in a low-income community often clash with those that help one get ahead in school. For example, when adult family members have little formal schooling, the student's environment may be unpredictable. Having reactive skills might be particularly important. These skills may be counterproductive in school, where a learner must plan ahead, rather than react, to succeed. If laughter is often used to lessen conflict in a student's community, that student may laugh when being disciplined. Such behavior is considered disrespectful in school and may anger teachers and administrators (Dreu, 2006, pp. 83-107).

Just the uses of your hands and how the ability to interpret the cues projected are a key ...