Classification of non-verbal communication

Channels of non-verbal communication

When we interact, we transmit and receive a variety of verbal and non-verbal signals. This relies on four channels of communication: visual – using eyes; auditory – using the ears; olfactory – using the nose; and tactile – using the skin. In the workplace, most people are restricted to the visual and auditory channels.

There are some basic types of non-verbal signals. In natural conversation, all are commonly used at once. They can reinforce, weaken or perhaps completely contradict our words.

1) Proxemics, or personal space, is nearness in distance: how close together or far apart people stay, as well as how and if they touch each other. Basically, more closeness and touching suggests more intimacy.

Haptics is touch. A firm handshake says, “I care.” A weak handshake says, “I care less.”

2) Kinesics, or body language/movement, isthe way people use their bodies in face-to-face communication. Body language is changes in your body position and movements that show what you are feeling or thinking.

Posture is the way you position your body when sitting, walking, or standing.

Gestures are movements of part of your body, especially your hands or head, to show what you mean or how you feel. Most people use hand movements regularly when talking. While some gestures (e.g., a clenched fist) have universal meanings.

Belief is indicated by nodding, a relaxed mouth and a suitably responsive face. Incredulity produces shaking of the head, a tight mouth and widely opened eyes, or the deliberate touching of the nose.

Liking is shown by wide-open eyes, close continuing eye contact, a pleasant and responsive smile, a posture turned and open towards the speaker. Dislike is expressed by narrowed eyes, tense mouth, shut or turned-away posture and facial expression.

Tension is seen in small movements of the body, especially the hands, or occasionally by complete and unnatural stillness, forced posture and tight expression. Relaxation is readily seen in posture and expression.

Fiddling with things may suggest nervousness or boredom; so may doodling. Some people use these habits as aids to concentrate.

Aggression is seen in facial expression, glaring eyes, clenched fists. Submission is indicated by downcast eyes, nodding or hunched shoulders.

3) Facial expressions usually communicate emotions: anger, disgust, happiness, sadness and fear. The expressions tell the attitudes of the communicator. A smile, frown, raised eyebrow, yawn, and sneer all convey information. There is evidence that the meaning of these expressions may be similar across cultures.

4) Oculesics, or gaze and eye contact. Eye contact is a direct and powerful form of non-verbal communication. It can convey emotion, signal when to talk or finish. The frequency of contact may suggest either interest or boredom. Not to look the other party in the eye weakens communication.

5) Time, or chronemics, means time perceptions including punctuality, willingness to wait, interact, or listen.

7) Paralanguage is the quality of speech. The voice can vary in loudness, speed and tone. Loudness must be appropriate. If we are too loud, we will convey a threat or the feeling that we regard the other person as stupid. If we are too quiet, it will be hard for the other person to hear. We will cause strain and tension and risk misunderstanding.

The speed of speech is important. If we speak too fast, the other party will not be able to follow all we say, and may not bother (or wish) to ask us to slow down. If we speak too slowly, the other party may become bored and edgy.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-20