Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Introduction

Nonverbal Communication is regarded to be those nonverbal stimuli created within communication setup that are originated through the source and his or her implications of the environment and that have strong message value for the receiver or source (listener). Basically it is regarded to be sending and receiving messages in a variety of patterns without implications of verbal codes (words). It is intentional as well as unintentional. It comprised of, but not limited to:

Eye Contact

Gestures

Facial Expression

Touch

Smell

Postures

Volume

Dress

vocal nuance

intonation

sounds (paralanguage)

Discussion

Nonverbal communication can be more telling sometime of our actual thoughts that the words we speak. It is a crucial part of the way we communicate yet it is often neglected. Nonverbal communication includes such things as eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and hand gestures. Even though, we primarily focus on our verbal message our nonverbal message is the first thing other sees. In Communicating in the Workplace it states that “nonverbal messages are sent in advance of verbal messages. Before you even open your mouth, your facial expressions, your clothes, your walk, your body posture, your skin color, your hairstyle, etc. are communicating much about you” (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2010, p. 89). When we speak we are also nonverbally communicating whether we want to or not. That is why it is so important that our nonverbal message is aligned with what we are actually saying. If the two do not match then our message can be misinterpreted or lost completely to our audience.

Your message can come across as negative or positive depending on how it is communicated. For it to come across as needed it must be presented in a way that is easy to understand for your listeners. It seems that as we technologically advance our communications skills have declined. According to Cheesebro, O'Connor, and Rios (2010), “a more common concern is our lack of clarity and purposefulness when we speak rather than our inability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally”. Today not only are most young children not able to verbally communicate but their writing skills are atrocious. Shorthand communication used in texting is becoming the norm. This form of nonverbal communication is promoting ignorance in basic writing skills and promoting things like bad spelling and grammar.

Non-verbal Elements

Eye- Contact

A very important part of nonverbal communication is eye contact. Not only can eye contact show your audience that you are actively engaged in what you are saying but it can also be an indicator to the speaker of how the message is being received. Good eye contact can relay honesty and attentiveness. Where, any lack of it can be perceived as a lack of respect. Eye contact can add credibility to you and your message when used appropriately. Unfortunately as pointed out our text Communication in the Workplace, what is considered good or bad eye contact can vary depending on your audience. That is why it is always a good idea to research your audience and then tailor any speech or presentation ...