NON- VERBAL COMMUNICATION:Analysing Nonverbal Communication

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Lesson 6

NON- VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Interpreting the nonverbal part of the message.

Nonverbal communication consists of that part of a message that is not encoded in words. The nonverbal

part of the message tends to be less conscious and often reveals the sender's feelings and preferences more

spontaneously and honestly than the verbal part. If the verbal message does not match the nonverbal

communication, people tend to believe the nonverbal message.

Four types of nonverbal messages

1. Personal (to the individual)

2. common to a group of people or culture

3. universal (to humankind)

4. unrelated to the message (random)

Four types of nonverbal messages

Personal Nonverbal communication involves kinds of nonverbal behaviour that are unique to one person.

The meaning is also unique to the person sending the message. For example, someone may work while

talking, another person may work in silence. One person may laugh due to nervousness or fear, while

another may cry.

Cultural nonverbal communication, by contrast, is characteristics of, or common to, a group of people. It is

learned unconsciously by observing others in the society group. In Aboriginal culture, for example, eye

contact is less acceptable than it is European culture.

Universal nonverbal communication is behaviour that is common to humankind. It shows happiness,

sadness or deep-seated feelings for example, a smile or tears.

Unrelated nonverbal communication, such as a sneeze, is unrelated to the verbal message. It can distract

from the verbal message, but has little effect on the meaning of the verbal part of the message.

Objectives of Nonverbal Communication

Define the Term `nonverbal Communication

List and define the four types of nonverbal communication

Identify its importance to the total message

Distinguish four ways of grouping nonverbal communication

Identify seven aspects of nonverbal behaviour

Highlight the role of nonverbal behaviour in the communication process

Confirm with the sender of a message the meaning of their nonverbal behaviour communication

Interpret and use your own nonverbal communication appropriately

Use nonverbal communication

Analysing Nonverbal Communication

People communicate nonverbally with body movement and with personal relationship behaviours.

This nonverbal communication changes or complements the verbal communication. Nonverbal

communication always occurs in a context, or framework. The context often determines the

meaning of the nonverbal behaviour. On different occasions the same nonverbal gesture may have

completely different meanings. Without context and spoken works, nonverbal behaviour is almost

impossible to interpret with any accuracy.

Analysing Nonverbal Communication

Seven different aspects

· Theoretical writings and research classify nonverbal communication into seven main areas:

1. Body movement (kinesics behaviour)

2. Physical characteristics

3. Touching behaviour

4. Vocal qualities (paralanguage)

5. Space (proximity)

6. Artifacts

7. Environment

Body Movement

Body movement, or kinesics behaviour, includes movement of the hands, head, feet and legs,

posture, eye movements and facial expressions all these affect the message.

Body posture the way a person stands, leans forward, pointing and shaking a finger at someone, is

seen as trying to dominate the other person. The way this is received by others, and the type of

feedback given, determines how the communication will flow.

Physical Characteristics

Physical characteristics such as body shape, general attractiveness, body and breathe odours, weight,

hair and skin colour are important parts of nonverbal communication.

Because people react and respond to these factors, they all determine their responses in

interpersonal encounters. First impressions and images of others can be associated unconsciously

with past experiences of people with similar physical characteristics.

Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)

Paralanguage is that part of language associated with but not involving the word system. It consists

of the voice qualities and vocalizations that affect how something is said rather than what is said.

Voice qualities include:

Pitch range

Pitch control

Rhythm control

Tempo

Articulation control

Resonance.

Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)

Vocalizations also give clue to the total message. Three of these are shown in table. The tones of

voice, rate of speaking and voice inflection are an important part of the total message. A tired

person, for example, will speak more slowly than usual, a disappointed person may speak with a flat

tone, while the tone of voice of someone excited about a coming holiday reflects this excitement.

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