The importance of nonverbal communications is what I find most interesting. I think that most people undervalue the importance of nonverbal language. We often think of communicating in terms what we are saying or using words. Interpersonal Communication is much more complex than just words and their literal meaning. Nonverbal behavior that conveys implied messages is also included, whether it’s intentional or not. Nonverbal communication can be seen in face expressions or voice tone, body gestures (kinesics), physical distance (proxemics), and even the way people move. Nonverbal communication can be used to provide supplementary information, meaning, and insights beyond oral communication. An anthropologist named Ray Birdwhistell conducted a study on kinesics, which revealed that nonverbal communications account for over 65 percent of communication.
It is possible to have a non-verbal dialogue without using any written or oral words. This type of communication does not use written or verbal words but instead relies upon non-verbal signs and cues. Feelings, attitudes or other information can be expressed using non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not limited to a phrase, but it can communicate many emotions more accurately than verbal communication.
Nonverbal communication is characterized by three aspects: facial expressions, gestures and voice tone.
Facial expressions are universal. To make a good impression on the audience and to grab their attention, it is important to use facial expressions. Faces are often used to communicate fear, sadness, or anger. At first glance, we can easily identify someone’s mood. Consider what we could convey just by looking at the face. As an example, a smiling face may convey approval or happiness, while frowning faces can convey unhappiness. The expressions we make can convey our authenticity to others and build trust if they are well managed. A study suggests that a smile with a slight eyebrow raise that conveys friendliness and confidence is the most trustable expression. In turn, how you communicate will determine the response of your audience.
Gestural signals are second in importance to facial expressions. Around the globe, people use gestures to express greetings, numbers and more. Although gestures are universal, their meaning may vary. The gestures are different in every culture and can be ambiguous. You must have a basic knowledge of nonverbal communication cues in order to be able communicate effectively with your peers from other cultures.
The ‘okay gesture’, for example, means ‘allright’ or a “yes” to most people. Some parts of Europe use it to say that the person is nothing. In South America, the gesture is considered vulgar. A V-shaped gesture can also be used to signify victory. When we celebrate happy moments, this is the gesture that we use. In the United Kingdom or Australia, however, if the hand back is placed in front, it can be offensive.
Many people tend to ignore the tone, pitch and volume of their voice. It can communicate a wide range of emotions, from excitement to disinterest. It is important to pay attention to your voice tone. It can influence how other people react to you. You should also control your volume to highlight certain ideas. Use an animated voice or a tone that is energetic to express interest. You can show interest by using an animated or energetic tone of voice.
How you communicate nonverbally, through your listening, looking, moving, and responding, shows the other person how much you care. It also shows how well you understand them. When you match your nonverbal cues with the words that you use, trust, openness, and rapport will grow. If they don’t, tension, uncertainty, and doubt may arise. Nonverbal signals can be just as important as our words, if they are not even more. Non-verbal communications can be a powerful tool to influence a listener or the outcome of the communication.
Nonverbal communication, in conclusion, is vital to our lives, as it enhances the ability of an individual to relate, engage, and form meaningful relationships. The ability to communicate effectively with others is enhanced by a greater understanding of nonverbal language. Nonverbal Communication is different for everyone and understood differently by each person, particularly across cultures. Nonverbal cues are not always necessary and may be a form of communication. The body’s kinesics and movements such as demeanor, eye movement, limb movements, and facial expressions all send signals to others. These cues might be non-obvious or apparent, but they could also be contradictory. A person may say one word while nonverbally conveying a completely opposite message. The individual may not be telling the truth. Nonverbal communication is less controlled by people than their verbal communication. Because nonverbal communication tends to be instinctual and difficult for someone to fake, it’s a better indicator of a person’s real feelings. When the nonverbal and verbal communication are not in sync, you should trust the nonverbal signs rather than what is being said.
