BUSINESS COMMUNICATION - III

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN EVERYDAY LIFE

17th August 2011

Good communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both personally and professionally. But we communicate with much more than words. In fact, research shows that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes our facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice. Communication can be divided into two parts which are verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is explaining with the help of words whereas non verbal communication includes body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements and much more which can be seen through diagram.

Studies have proved that 93% of our communication is non verbal and only 7% is verbal. Of the 93% non verbal communication - 38% is through vocal tones, 55% is through facial expressions and non-verbal acts.

Non-Verbal Communication
Non Verbal Communications are usually understood as the process of communication,

through sending and receiving wordless messages i.e., language is not the only source of communication, there are other means also.
Non-Verbal messages can be communicated through gestures and touch by body

language or posture, by facial expression and eye contact. Meaning can also be communicated through object or artifacts.
Non -Verbal signals are unconscious parts of our behavior which is a deeply rooted part

in our entire makeup. In fact, it is the most basic part of our personality. Behavior has no opposite, i.e. there is no such thing as non-behavior.

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication in Business Environment

account your eyes, your posture, your overall body language, even your appearance at the time the communication is exchanged, and the voice in which you offer the exchange.

 Non-verbal cues are very powerful, making it crucial that you pay attention to your

actions, as well as the nonverbal cues of those around you. If, during your meeting, participants begin to doodle or chat amongst themselves, they are no longer paying attention to you: Your message has become boring or your delivery is no longer engaging. Once again, you need to be mindful of cultural differences when using or interpreting nonverbal cues. For instance, the handshake that is so widely accepted in Western cultures as a greeting or confirmation of a business deal is not accepted in other cultures, and can cause confusion. While eye contact, facial expressions, posture, gestures, clothing and space are obvious nonverbal communication cues, others strongly influence interpretation of messages, including how the message is delivered. This means paying close attention to your tone of voice, even your voice's overall loudness and its pitch. Be mindful of your own nonverbal cues, as well as the nonverbal cues of those around you. Keep your messages short and concise. This means preparing in advance whenever possible. And for the impromptu meeting, it means thinking before you speak.
Understanding ones colleagues intentions in board meetings would let one have a

competitive edge over them in order to convince the board.

others and thus manage his workforce effectively. It is also a useful and powerful tool for handling serious and sensitive situations tactfully.
Experienced managers are alert to notice harmony or dissent in gestures (nonverbal

messages sent through body language) in a group.

advertising is the dilation of pupils. The pupil size unconsciously increases when you see a thing of great interesta sign to the marketing man that the product has been liked.
During a meeting or presentation, you know that you are being listened to intently if the

listener is keeping his left hand over the right one, with his palms down. However, if the right hand covers the left one, the person is probably disagreeing with what is being said and is waiting for an opportunity to interrupt. He may also pull his earlobe at the time he is just about to interrupt.

 By nodding their head, the listener conveys that they are listening and encourages the

speaker to go on. Rapid nods of the head, or a gentle, rhythmic tapping of the head or stomach or any other thing within his approach with the hand may mean that the listener wants the speaker to finish quickly.
The stroking of chin or nose or pulling of beard, accompanied by an occasional

narrowing down of eyes as if looking at a distance, may indicate that the person is evaluating in order to make a wise decision.

Enhancing Your Non Verbal Communications Because gestures can both compliment and contradict your message, be mindful of these. Eye contact is an important step in sending and receiving messages. Eye contact can be a signal of interest, a signal of recognition, even a sign of honesty and credibility. Closely linked to eye contact are facial expressions, which can reflect attitudes and emotions. Posture can also be used to more effectively communicate your message. Clothing is important. By dressing for your job, you show respect for the values and conventions of your organization. Be mindful of peoples personal space when communicating. Do not invade their personal space by getting too close and do not confuse communications by trying to exchange messages from too far away.

Monitoring Organizations Non Verbal Communication

Decisions How managers spend resources speaks volumes about what they truly value and prioritize. The decisions they make about how to allocate funds and how they spend their own time demonstrates what they believe will lead to success. Management behavior

 More than anything, employees look at the behavior modeled by management to see if it matches what is officially communicated. The most influential person in this regard is an employees own boss. The attitudes and behaviors displayed by people in authority tell the real story of what is expected. Accountability Employees assess which policies count and which ones are merely guidelines based on how consistently they are enforced. Processes and procedures are generally followed to the extent that they are required. Rewards Rewards in all their forms tell employees how to be successful. Traditional incentive programs signal expectations but may conflict with stated values or even inadvertently motivate a different behavior than what is desired. Furthermore, who gets promoted and what behaviors elicit praise send powerful messages about what is expected.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Crime?

No one wants to be a victim. Being a victim means being on the losing side of an attack

and no one wants that! It can mean bodily injury or even loss of life; it can mean loss of property or damage to property. When walking alone, stand tall and take strong, confident strides. Do not slouch. Aim to come across as assertive or even aggressive. When you appear physically able, a potential attacker is likely to shy away from you; no need creating violence with someone who can put up a fight.
Avoid using cash machines. Even with surveillance cameras people are experiencing

criminal attacks while withdrawing money. Use the nearest bank branch for this purpose and after withdrawing money be alert and keep a vigil around. When making a purchase, do not pull all of your money out of your wallet. When you give people an opportunity to see how much cash you are carrying, you make yourself a target for crime.

 Vary your travel routes. Switching up your route home, parking spot, or jogging route

makes it more difficult for a criminal to mark you. It seems obvious, but never pick someone up in your car. Don't even stop for a stranger who appears to be flagging you down for help. Quickly call and notify the proper authorities but do not make yourself vulnerable by getting out of the car. Always be aware of your surroundings. At night, stay away from alleys, parked vehicles, or trees where someone could hide. Use busy, well lighted streets. Research the crime rate in your area and get a grasp on the neighborhood's crime statistics. Dressing up can really help mischief makers identify their victims easily. Especially women should not wear heavy jewellery in local colonies or while travelling in public transport. Park your car in an authorized area and check it after locking and also check the back seat if you have kept anything valuable like a laptop or cell phone.

Non Verbal Communication around the World

USA Greetings are casual and quite informal - A handshake, a smile, and 'hello'. Stand while being introduced. Only the elderly, the ill and physically unable persons remain seated while greeting or being introduced. Handshakes are usually brief. Light handshakes are considered distasteful. Use a firm grip. Eye contact is important when shaking someones hand. Keep your distance when conversing. Americans are generally uncomfortable with samesex touching, especially between males. Americans smile a great deal, even at strangers. They like to have their smiles returned. People sit with legs crossed at the ankles or knees or one ankle crossed on the knee. It is considered rude to stare, ask questions or bring attention to someone's disability. Arrive on time for meetings since time and punctuality are so important to Americans.

 CHINA Never use your index finger to beckon anyone. If you need to call a Chinese person, face the palm of your hand downward and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Chinese dont point with the index finger but with an open hand. Using both hands when offering something to another person is considered respectful. Touching or pointing to tip of one's own nose with raised forefinger means it's me. When walking in public places, direct eye contact and staring is uncommon. During conversations, be careful about interrupting - Listening is a sign of politeness. Many Chinese consider winking to be rude. Chinese of the same sex have close physical contact with their friends. Chinese tend to smile easily when they feel difficulty or embarrassment. Smile because of embarrassment by a Chinese might be interpreted as being friendly by a westerner, but really they are embarrassed.

INDIA You can also shake hands; Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women. There are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand. Indians value personal space, therefore don't stand close to Indians, allow an arm's length space. Public displays of affection are not proper. Side to side hand wave is frequently interpreted by Indians as "no" or "go away." Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean. Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive. Never point with a single finger or two fingers. Point with your chin, whole hand or thumb. When an Indian answers, "I will try," he or she generally means "no." This is considered a polite "no." Pointing a finger at someone would be considered rude.