Verbal Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication

Introduction to non-verbal communication

in communication with others only 30 % of the communication is verbal, 70 % is non-verbal

non-verbal communication involves gestures, facial expressions, eye contact …

our non-verbal behaviour is mostly subconscious

Comparing verbal and non-verbal communication

both are symbolic, communicate meaning and are patterned

all societies have different non-verbal languages

the non-verbal communication is more than just body language; the use of time and personal space, our voice etc.

non-verbal communication is learnt through relations with others

non-verbal behaviours can reinforce, substitute for or contradict verbal behaviour

we often trust our non-verbal behaviour to reveal our true feelings

The universal use of non-verbal communication

there is some universality in non-verbal communication, especially in facial expressions

six basic emotions are communicated by facial expressions in much the same way in most societies:

happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, anger and surprise

but what causes the non-verbal behaviours can vary

Non-verbal codes

SILENCE

the use of silence in conversations

HAPTICS

the use of touching

high-touch cultures and low-touch cultures

VOCAL CUES

rate, pitch, loudness, articulation, tone, accent, pronunciation etc.

ARTEFACTS

things, objects, decorations etc.

Misunderstandings can be avoided if we are aware of and understand our cultural differences

The more we know of other cultures, the greater the possibility is of a successful communication!