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NON VERBAL
Communication

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Nonverbal communication is the
interpersonal process of sending and
receiving information both intentionally
and unintentionally, without using
written or spoken language.
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After studying this topic on
NVC, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of nonverbal messages

Identify different types of nonverbal messages and
discuss their impact on the communication process
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Complements
Verbal Language
Reveals the Truth
Conveys Information
Efficiently
Nonverbal Communication
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Characteristics of Nonverbal Messages
The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message
is being sent

Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned

Nonverbal messages may be more reliable than
written or oral messages

Nonverbal communication is always present
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Personal Appearance
Grooming, clothing,
accessories
Tactilics
Touching Behavior
Conveys warmth, comfort,
Reassurance
When in doubt, Dont Touch
Proxemics &
Chronemics
Space & Time
Can also convey authority, dominance, intimacy,
Showing respect by being on time or otherwise
Occulesics
Facial
Expressions
Show attention & interest,
influencing others,
regulating interaction, etc.
Kinesics

Gestures & Postures
Confident, nervous, friendly,
hostile, assertive,
passive, powerful, etc.
Vocal
Characteristics
Tone of voice, volume,
stressing various words,
accent, etc.
Recognizing Nonverbal
Communication
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Kinesics:


Different ways in which people move their bodies that
include postures, gestures, head nods, leg movements are
kinesics.
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Occulesics:

This is the science of the movement /
grammar of our eyes and of facial
expressions
Open book vs. poker - face

It is claimed that in the science of body
language, there are 7,50,000 signals, of
which 15,000 come from the face alone
Richard Denny
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Proxemics: The cultural Iceberg

The science of Space

Violation of spaces, whether personal, social or public can
create a wrong impression and lost business opportunities

In multicultural groups, one needs to quietly observe the
accepted proxemics of different groups & interact
accordingly


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Proxemics:

The language of space is also reflected in the way
meetings are arranged

Modern offices project open communication, harmony with
environment, etc.
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Chronemics:

The concept of time and its impact on people is the science
of Chronemics. This is also culture-bound.
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Tactilics:

The science of touch language.
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To be a better speaker and listener, pay
closer attention to nonverbal cues in
every situation:

Be aware of the cues you send when youre talking

Be aware of the cues you send when youre not talking
(through clothing, posture, and so on)

Be aware of the cues you receive when youre listening
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Note facial expressions
Watch gestures and postures
Listen for vocal characteristics
Recognize physical appearance
Be careful with physical contact
Observe use of time and space
Maximizing Nonverbal Communication
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Personal appearance matters :

Matching your style of dress to what people wear where you
work

Paying close attention to cleanliness

Following company policy regarding hairstyle

Smiling genuinely at appropriate times
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Be observant in noticing the NVC, but dont start
assuming that you can
read someone like a book.

NVC are powerful but are not infallible

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When meeting people, learn about their cultural customs
beforehand

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Interpersonal Communication
Oral Communication
Advantages: Speed and feedback
Disadvantage: Distortion of the message
Written Communication
Advantages: Tangible and verifiable
Disadvantages: Time-consuming and lacks feedback
Nonverbal Communication
Advantages: Supports other communications and
provides observable expression of emotions and feelings
Disadvantage: Misperception of body language or
gestures can influence receivers interpretation of
message

Barriers to Effective Listening
Physical distractions
Mental distractions
Health concerns
Nonverbal distractions
Inappropriate timing
Ineffective speech characteristics
Importance of Nonverbal Messages
The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message is
being sent.
Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned.
Nonverbal messages may be more reliable than
written or oral messages.
Nonverbal communication is always present.
Nonverbal Communication
Considerations
Physical appearance
Written message
The sender
Body language
Space
Size of an area
Proximity to another
Obstacles
Time
Amount of time spent
Punctuality
Listening and Nonverbal
Messages
Distinguish between hearing and listening.
Hearing and Listening
Hearing is a physiological process and a passive
activity.
Listening is a mental process and involves
understanding and retaining the message.
5 Elements of the Listening Process
Hearing
Filtering
Interpreting
Responding
Remembering
Guidelines for Effective Listening
Concentrate on the message.
Determine the purpose of the message.
Keep an open mind.
Provide feedback.
Minimize note taking.
Analyze the total message.
Do not talk or interrupt.
Barriers to Effective Listening
Physical distractions
Mental distractions
Health concerns
Nonverbal distractions
Inappropriate timing
Ineffective speech characteristics
Importance of Nonverbal Messages
The sender may be unaware a nonverbal message
is being sent.
Nonverbal messages are usually unplanned.
Nonverbal messages may be more reliable than
written or oral messages.
Nonverbal communication is always present.
Nonverbal Communication
Considerations
Physical appearance
Written message
The sender
Body language
Space
Size of an area
Proximity to another
Obstacles
Time
Amount of time spent
Punctuality