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• Using gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, etc. can be very helpful for individuals who are illiterate
and physically challenged, especially with hearing and speaking problems.
• It is useful and easy method of communication where no common language is required to master.
• It is a fast method of communication as gestures have more impact than words.
Disadvantages of Non-Verbal Communication
Some of the disadvantages of non-verbal communication are:
• Since it uses gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, signs, sound, etc. for communication, there are
chances of misinterpretation of the message required to be delivered.
• Different cultures use different ways of non-verbal communication. The difference in message can lead to
negativity and offense. For example, people who speak less and are less interactive are considered cold and
arrogant. However, the Japanese admire silence and consider it as a key to success.
• It does not follow any rules or structures, therefore people unconsciously may engage in non-verbal movements
which are considered offensive.
• It is not suitable for long and lengthy messages as the actual message may get lost in a lengthy and
time-consuming conversation.
• Sometimes it is an incomplete form of communication and needs a support of verbal communication for
effective and meaningful delivery of a message.
• Distant communication is not possible using non-verbal communication.
Visual Communication
Another important method of communication is visual communication, which involves sending and understanding
messages only through images or pictures. The main advantage of this type of communication is that you do not
need to know any particular language for understanding it. It is simple, easy to understand and remain the same
across different places. Some common types of visual communication are:
Traffic symbol which Traffic Lights—Red for Stop,
communicate not to blow Yellow for Wait and Green for
horn Go
Sign for ladies and gents toilet Sign showing railway crossing
Sign for flammable substance Sign for slippery surface
Sign used to pause a video or Sign which communicates
audio file in smartphone or that the area is a no smoking
computer zone
Communication Skills-I 27

