Non-Verbal Communication is a communication which we communicate with the people by some actions and signals. It is a communication which reflects our personal presentation in front of others.
When we travelling by bus or train, We notice and observe the fellow passengers. When we look at them, We form an impression about them in our minds. It influence our behaviour towards them. Our posture, expressions, actions and sometime our silence reveals our state of mind. From our experiences we had seen that the problems arises when one does not receive or understand the message sent in the same manner it was intended, or when a person sends a non verbal message that contradicts the verbal message.
This non-verbal impact comes particularly from the face, eyes, body, clothing, gestures, and touch. Remind the group of the bus/train travelling example. We have to be careful not to assume that just because a person displays one non-verbal signal that we are reading that signal correctly. We must look at the whole picture, at all of the signals to see if these support our impression or thought of that person. For instance, a person who crosses his arms might be expressing defiance, but he might also just be feeling cold. We would need to check out his facial expressions and other non-verbal signs to determine the correct reading.
Non-Verbal Communication includes:
- Facial Expressions
- Head Posture
- Body Posture
- Hand gestures
- Leg or Feet gestures
- Eye Contact
Most of the people can recognise an express six basic emotions
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| Facial Expressions |
Hand gestures: We can observe some hand gestures which we do in our daily life.
1) Hand outstretched – palm facing upwards
2) Finger pointing
3) Palm up-front
4) Hand moving from side to side, palm facing out
5) Both hands raised above the head
6) Fist banging on table
7) Hands joined together (Namaste/prayer)
Think once how kathak or bharatnatyam dancers use their hand movements, facial expressions, and posture to convey powerful emotions. You'll be amazed at how many there are. Facial expressions and other body movements influence the meaning of these hand gestures. However, our gestures can convey our message to others. Being aware of the way we use our hands and body to communicate can influence the results. Many of the gestures we use are habits repeated ones; some are unhealthy, objectionable ones which need to be modified.
Most of us depend on our interpretation of another‘s facial expressions to judge how they feel about us or a particular situation. We depend on the face as the most trustworthy indicator of emotions such as happiness, surprise, fear, anger, joy, sadness, disgust, contempt, interest, concern, and embarrassment. We also look at the face for insight into a person‘s character (for example, an ―open, honest face,‖ a ―strong chin,‖ or ―beady eyes‖).
A man who has a moustache, beard, or long hair might suggest conformity or nonconformity, depending on the time and the context. The grooming of hair says much about a person‘s meticulousness. Narrowed lips or jutted-out chin might mean a person is angry or defiant. It has been said, that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Relate the I-Connect activity experienced in Part 1. The eyes convey much meaning, emotions, etc. Eye contact—or a lack of it—might tell us something about a person‘s confidence, friendliness, honesty, or desire to dominate.
The pupils themselves can signify interest or disinterest, among other things. Pupils dilate when a person is interested or excited; they grow smaller when a person is bored or uninterested. The brow area and the narrowing of the eyes tell a receiver much also. Frowns, scowls, and raised eyebrows might indicate displeasure or intensity. Narrowed eyes can suggest anger, irritation, or doubt. Eye contact may be considered acceptable or unacceptable in some situations depending on the gender, culture, and background of the person.
The body is another rich source of non-verbal confirmation or denial of our verbal message. We consider crossed arms to be a sign of defensiveness, defiance, or withdrawal. Hands on hips say that a person is goal oriented or ready and able to take something on. Leaning back in a chair with hands clasped behind the head can be interpreted as a sign of superiority, smugness, or authority. A slouched posture can be read to mean humiliation, defeat, or submission. Using our arms, bodies, and legs to block in others or things can be a sign of territorial feelings. Turning your shoulder or body slightly away from someone can be a sign of rejection of that person.
People who are better readers of non-verbal messages tend to do the following things:
They look at all of cues rather than isolated ones (remember the crossed arms?).
They take context (time and place) of the message into account.
They attempt to avoid being influence by their own biases and prejudices. Facilitator to give multiple examples of social and work life scenarios that include positive non-verbal cues.
Many of the gestures we use are habits, some are objectionable ones which need to be modified. There are so many body presentations which reflect our attitude.
1. Leg swung over chair
2. Sitting backwards on a chair
3. Hands behind one's back
4. Locked ankles
5. Rubbing palms
6. Thumbs in belt or pants
7. Unconscious throat clearing
8. Hands together pointing toward ceiling
9. One hand above the other on one's lap
10.Sitting with one leg under oneself
11.Covering the mouth while speaking
12.Wiggling a foot
13.Putting objects in one's mouth, such as pencils
14.Rubbing eye or ear
15.Conscious throat clearing
16.No eye contact
17.Feet pointing toward door
18.Rubbing nose
19.Touching ear
20.Hand to throat
21.Clenched hands
22.Clenched fist
23.Pointing finger
24.Sitting on the edge of a chair
25.Moving forward of a chair
26.Arms crossed tightly across chest
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