Page 25 - AI Ver 1.0 Class 10
P. 25

Appearance  includes our  choice of colour, body cleanliness, properly dressed, hairstyles, etc. When you are
                 speaking in public, you may be representing your organisation or just yourself. You should ensure that you are
                 properly and neatly dressed. It also increases your self-confidence and you will definitely feel good about yourself.

                 Personal Space and Proximity
                 Personal Space refers to the appropriate distance during a conversation or space surrounding each person. Factors
                 like regional culture, gender, age, ethnicity, or topic of conversation affects a personal distance. While going in
                 a lift, if a stranger enters, we feel uncomfortable and try making no eye contact and acting busy. Similarly, if a
                 classmate sits on your seat, you will try your best to convince him to go to some other place as we have a claim of
                 our own space and have a sense of control on it.


                 Paralanguage
                 Paralanguage  includes  tone  of  voice,  loudness,  speed  of  speech,  pausing,  and  even  silence.  This  helps  you
                 understand the context and the meaning of the words used in the communication.

                 A cold tone of voice might suggest that you are actually not fine and don't wish to discuss it. A bright and happy
                 tone of voice will reveal that you are happy with the things going around in your life. Silence or vocal pauses can
                 communicate hesitation, the need to gather thought or serve as a sign of respect.


                 Haptics
                 Haptics is the power of touch in communication. Each touch conveys emotions and feelings in a physical form
                 with a unique message like fear, disgust, love, encouragement, gratitude, sympathy, anger, pain, violence etc.
                 Studies have shown that it plays a very important role in the proper development of babies and in animals it
                 works as a sign of love and care. You may begin your interaction with people by shaking hands and making casual
                 conversation. This interaction can help establish trust before you start addressing your audience.

                 Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication
                 Some of the advantages of non-verbal communication are:
                    • It is used as complimentary with verbal communication to enhance the effect of communication.
                    • Information can  be easily presented in non-verbal communication through  gesture, body  language,  etc.
                   A teacher with a finger on the lips conveys not to talk and sit quietly to the whole class. A person addressing
                   a crowd uses voice modulation to get the attention of the crowd. Sometimes nodding your head to say yes is
                   enough to convey the message.
                    • Using gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, etc. can be very helpful for the 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.
                    • Non-verbal communication 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-

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