The functions of non-verbal communication

Introduction

THEME 5. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

READER.

Non-verbal communication is communication without using words (language). It is believed that over 55% of face-to-face communication is non-verbal. Some researchers say that in a conversation or verbal exchange:

® Words are 7% effective;

® Tone of voice is 38% effective;

® Non-verbal clues are 55% effective.

Culture of non-verbal communication means the ability of a person to use non-verbal signals and methods to communicate the message or to emphasise it. Non-verbal signals are especially important in expressing our feelings; they transmit emotional information.

In other words, WHAT you say is not as important as HOW you say it!

The impression of people is to a great extent based on non-verbal communication. A dull message delivered by a charismatic person, filled with energy and enthusiasm will be accepted as brilliant. An excellent message delivered by someone who is not interested in the topic, will not engage the enthusiasm of the audience.

We may think the man was nice because he smiled, made good eye contact, leant forward to show he was listening and so on. He’ll get the contract. His rival won’t because he spent too much time glancing at his laptop when we were talking, didn’t smile at all and had difficulty meeting our eyes.

Non-verbal communication frequently works with speech. Non-verbal communication supports the verbal message in two ways:

First, it substitutes speech, as with a head nod.

Second, it complements speech and helps qualify, contradict, or expand verbal messages.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-20