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Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is defined as communication through physical and physiological cues without using spoken
or written words. The information is transmitted using body language, touch, facial expressions, symbols, signals, etc.
Most of our communication with the people around us throughout the day is non-verbal and most of the time we are
not aware of it. It is helpful when trying to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.
When you are not interested in what the teacher is teaching in the class, you start looking around, disturb the person
sitting next to you, fiddle with a pen or paper and observe little things in the class. Without using words you are able
to give the message to your teacher that lesson is very boring and you are not interested.”
Non-Verbal communication can be further classified into: Facial Expressions, Body Language and Gestures, Eye Contact,
Body Posture, Appearance, Personal Space and Proximity, Paralanguage, and Haptics. Let us discuss about them.
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are a very powerful way of conveying different
forms of feelings and emotions. For effective non-verbal
communication you should smile when you meet someone,
match your expressions with your words and nod while listening.
Being aware of your own facial expressions is very important in
a professional environment. In one of the studies, it was found
that the most trustworthy facial expression involved a slight rise
of the eyebrows and a slight smile. Six basic facial expressions
are—anger, fear, happy, disgust, sad, and surprise.
Body Language and Gestures
Body language means position, gestures, and movement of the body to convey and interpret the attitude and feelings
of a person. Positive body language can help you get what you want if you know how to use it, whereas negative body
language can make you miss out on opportunities or offend people you want to
impress. One theory on the origin of human language is called “Gestural Theory”,
which conveys that speech originated from gestures. Some of the common body
languages and gestures are:
• Arms or legs across the chest
• Rubbing or moving hands around
• Standing with your hands clasped behind your back
• Playing with your hair or nose
• Putting your head in your hands
The first modern book on body language appeared more than 350 years ago.
Eye Contact
Keeping a proper eye contact shows you are mentally present and actively involved in communication. The way you
look at someone will reflect some of the strongest emotions and feelings during a social conversation. Rolling your eyes
express displeasure or unhappiness with a situation.
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