Non-Verbal Communication

Your Mouth is Saying Yes, but Your Body is Saying No.

Non-Verbal Communication

Video

Communication (in general)

• The process of sending and receiving messages

• Enables humans to share: – Knowledge– Attitudes– Skills

.

Dimensions• Usually: communication speech • Communication has 2 dimensions:

1.verbal

2.nonverbal

BODILY SPEAKING…

According to the social anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, in a normal conversation,

less than 35% of the social meaning is actually transmitted by words.

So, at least 65% of it is conveyed through the body (non-verbal) channel).

Non-verbal communication includes:

• facial expressions• eye contact • tone of voice • body posture and

motions• positioning within

groups

Non-Verbal Communication

• May also include: – the way we wear our

clothes – or the silence we

keep.

Have you ever heard anyone say, "His actions spoke so loudly I couldn't

hear what he said?"

Categories

• Physical:– This is the personal

type of communication.

– It includes: • facial expressions• tone of voice• sense of touch• sense of smell• body motions

Kinesics (body language)- Body motions such as shrugs, foot tapping, drumming fingers, eye movements such as winking, facial expressions, and gestures • Proxemics (proximity)- Use of space to signal privacy or attraction • Haptics -Touch • Oculesics - Eye contact • Chronemics- Use of time, waiting, pausing • Olfactics- Smell • Vocalics- Tone of voice, timbre, volume, speed • Sound symbols -Grunting, mmm, er, ah, uh-huh, mumbling • Silence- Pausing, waiting, secrecy • Posture - Position of the body, stance • Adornment- Clothing, jewellery, hairstyle • Locomotion- Walking, running, staggering, limping

Physical Aspects of Non-Verbal Communication

CategoriesAesthetic: • This is the type of communication that takes

place through creative expressions:– playing instrumental music, dancing, painting and

sculpturing.

• Symbolic. This is the type of communication that makes use of religious, status, or ego-building symbols.

Facial Expressions

Facial Expressions

• The face is the index of the mind

• The eyes, the lips and the muscles express many feelings

• It can also deceive by manipulation

The Eyes• A stare or fixed gaze• Raised looks • Downcast looks• Direct eye contact

The Eyes• A stare or fixed gaze

– suggests involvement,

– wonder,– or disapproval.

The Eyes

• Raised looks – show dominance.

• Downcast looks– suggest weakness

and submission

The Eyes

• Direct eye contact– communicates

honesty, transparency and a neutral attitude

Gestures and Postures

Gestures• Open Palms/Closed Fists• Eye-to-eye confrontation• Smile• Handshake

Postures• Standing position• Walking style• Hand Movements

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR

INTERPRETATION

Brisk, erect walk Confidence

Standing with hands on hips

Readiness, aggression

Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly

Boredom

Sitting, legs apart Open, relaxed

Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness

Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched

Dejection

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR

INTERPRETATION

Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking

Touching, slightly rubbing nose

Rejection, doubt, lying

Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief

Hands clasped behind back

Anger, frustration, apprehension

Locked ankles Apprehension

Head resting in hand, eyes downcast

Boredom

Rubbing hands Anticipation

Gestures and Postures

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Signs

Use of various signs in non verbal communication

Signs: What They Mean

• Fist Pump-Everything is cool.

• Are we done yet?• You’re late.• My time is precious.

• Look!

Signs: What They Mean

• Ok!• Good job!

• One moment please.

• I can’t hear you.

Signs: What They Mean

• Let me help you.

• Lalala, I can’t hear you.

• Eureka! I’ve got it!

Signs: What They Mean

• Shh! Be Quiet!

• Whoa! Back off!• That’s not for me.

• Everything is OK.

A SMALL CLASS EXERCISE

So What Does This Mean?

• Let me see!• I’m in authority.• Let me ponder

that. • I’m thinking.• I’m considering

it.

So What Does This Mean?

• Can I help?• Trust me!• You’re in good

hands!• Let me give you a

helping hand.

So What Does This Mean?

• I feel dejected.• I’m disappointed.• We lost.• Things are going

badly.

So What Does This Mean?

• Now just stop that!• Get out of here!• It wasn’t me!• You are wrong!• I’m not lying.

So What Does This Mean?

• So tell me more!• I’m open to your

ideas.• I accept you.• Welcome!

So What Does This Mean?

• Hi!• Goodbye!• No pictures please.• No comment.• Wait, please.

So What Does This Mean?

• I have a headache.• I’m tired of this.• I’m confused.• Are you serious?• I want to get out of

here.• This is stressful.

So What Does This Mean?

• I know you!• Look at that!• Great to see you!• That’s awesome!

6 Reasons to Improve Your Body Language

1. Words express only 7% of your feelings and attitudes

2. Increase your attractiveness

3. Emotions are linked to your body language

4. Reduce mixed messages

5. Improve your communication skills

6. Better first impressions

Ways to Improve Body Language

1. Don’t cross your arms or legs

2. Have eye contact, but don’t stare

3. Don’t be afraid to take up some space

4. Relax your shoulders

5. Nod when they are talking

6. Don’t slouch; sit up straight

Ways to Improve Body Language

7. Lean, but not too much

8. Smile and laugh

9. Don’t touch your face

10. Keep your head up

11. Slow down a bit

12. Don’t fidget

Ways to Improve Body Language

13. Use your hands more confidently

14. Lower your drink

15. Realize where your spine ends

16. Don’t stand too close

17. Mirror

18. Keep a good attitude

GROUP MEMBERS

Adapted from the work of:

• Suhas Patel

• Yogesh Patade

• Deepak Agarwal

• Abhijeet Kale

• Deepak Patil