1.

Define Non verbal communication

Nonverbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless messages. 2. Elements of Nonverbal communication: There are different nonverbal communication elements that communicate so powerfully to the people around you. Some one are quiet familiar to you and some are bit surprising. Let's
examine each nonverbal element in turn to see how we can maximize your potential to communicate effectively.

2.1

Body Language (Kinesics) Kinesics is the interpretation of the body language such as gestures and facial expression and also related to nonverbal movement of the any part of the body or as body whole. a) Body movement and postures Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements. b) Gestures Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when were arguing or speaking animatedly, expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so its important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation. c) Facial Expression The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.

d)

Eye contact Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other persons response.

2.2

Voice (Paralanguage): We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words. Nonverbal speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are important communication elements. When we speak, other people read our voices in addition to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide subtle but powerful clues into our true feelings and what we really mean.
a)

Inflection: Inflection is the modification of a word to express different voice qualities and vice sounds. Inflection (rising, falling, flat...)

i)

Volume When you are speaking your volume will also send nonverbal signals to the other persons. If you are speaking in high volume it shows eagerness and if your volume is low it gives different meanings.

ii)

Rate: Your voice rate is also related to nonverbal communication which means that whether you are speaking fast or slow. If you are vice rate is rapid so the listener can not be able listen you, so rate is also important in nonverbal communication.

iii)

Pitch: Pitch is the frequency of sounds. Pitch is also very important in nonverbal communication. The perceived pitch of sound is just the ears responses to the frequency. Pitch (high, medium, low, changes...)

2.3

Space: We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

Standing: Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? In nonverbal communication it is important to look whether you are standing close or far to the person because it counts allot Seating Some aspects of seating arrangements form the nonverbal communication. Seating position demonstrates the organization way of thinking. Touching We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given by the following: a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm. 2.4 Objects Nonverbal communication can also be communicated through objects such as clothing, hairstyle or architecture a) Office Arrangements Environmental factors such as furniture, architectural style, interior decorating, lighting conditions, colors, temperature, noise, and music affect the behavior of communicators during interaction. The furniture itself can be seen as a nonverbal message.

b)

Dress Elements such as physique, height, weight, hair, skin color, gender, odors, and clothing send nonverbal messages during interaction. Some time you recognized the person with their dress such as in hospitals whether he is a doctor or not.

Improving nonverbal communication Good communication skills can help you in both your personal and professional life. While verbal and written communication skills are important, research has shown that nonverbal behaviors make up a large percentage of our daily interpersonal communication. We can improve nonverbal communication skills by:

3.1

Practice Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often described as being able to "read people." In reality, you can build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal behavior and practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others. By noticing nonverbal behavior and practicing your own skills, you can dramatically improve your communication abilities.

3.2

Arrangements: Following are the some arrangements through which you can read the non verbal signals of other peoples and enhance your own ability to communicate effectively. Pay attention to nonverbal signals Look for incongruent behaviours Concentrate your tone of voice when speaking Use good eye contact Ask questions about nonverbal signals Use signals to make communication more effective and meaningful.