4. Téma 2

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NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

When we talk about ‘communication’, we often mean ‘what we say’: the words that we use.
However, interpersonal communication is much more than the explicit meaning of words, and
the information or message that they convey. It also includes implicit messages, whether
intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours.
Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using
words, either spoken or written. Nonverbal communication refers to gestures, facial
expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, body language, posture, and other ways people
can communicate without using language. The term nonverbal communication was introduced
in 1956 by psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch and author Weldon Kees in the book "Nonverbal
Communication: Notes on the Visual Perception of Human Relations."

Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in our lives, as it can improve a person’s
ability to relate, engage, and establish meaningful interactions in everyday life. A better
understanding of this type of communication may lead people to develop
stronger relationships with others. Often referred to as body language, nonverbal
communication can take many forms and may be interpreted in multiple ways by different
people, especially across cultures.

When you’re interviewing for a job or participating in a meeting, your nonverbal


communication is almost as important as your verbal responses. Crossed arms can seem
defensive. Poor posture may appear unprofessional. A downward gaze or avoiding eye
contact can detract from you being seen as confident.

Types of nonverbal communication

Forms of nonverbal communication are many and varied and can provide extensive insight
into a person’s thoughts and/or feelings. Forms of nonverbal communication can be
categorized to better understand their place in everyday interactions:

● gestures include motion of the head or limbs,


● posture refers to both the position of the body by itself and in relation to others,
● body movements may include any motion of the body,
● eye contact and movements are the direction and focus of a person’s eyes,
● tone of voice is the range of pitch in the voice that may communicate something other
than the words being spoken. For example, sarcasm may give an individual’s words an
entirely different meaning,
● facial expressions refer to any movement and changes of the facial composition,
● appearance includes choice of colour, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting
appearance,
● proximity refers to people’s need for personal space,
● haptics is communicating through touch.

Nonverbal communication is often used in conjunction with verbal communication to repeat,


emphasize, support, or contradict a verbal message, or to serve in the place of a verbal
message.
Cultural differences in nonverbal communication
Certain forms of nonverbal communication have different meanings in different cultures. For
example, a gesture or motion that means one thing to people in the United States may mean
something entirely different in Japan. Whereas an American is likely to point with an index
finger, a Japanese person will more likely gesture with a hand, as pointing with an index
finger is considered to be rude in many Asian cultures.
An important cultural difference when it comes to nonverbal communication is the display
of emotions: some cultures are more restrained than others and refrain from excessive
displays of emotions in public or at all. Some cultures may also suppress facial emotion,
believing an animated face to show a lack of control over one’s emotions.
Eye contact is another aspect of nonverbal communication that differs across cultures. In the
United States, direct eye contact is generally considered to be a sign of trustworthiness and
interest in an individual’s words. However, in some instances, a prolonged gaze may be
considered by some to be a sign of sexual interest or attraction. In countries such as Africa
and Japan, eye contact is generally avoided, as direct eye contact may be considered to be
disrespectful. Yet in Arabic cultures, the opposite is true: eye contact is believed to show
interest and honesty.
Why does nonverbal communication matter?
Your nonverbal communication cues—the way you listen, look, move, and react—tell the
person you’re communicating with whether or not you care, if you’re being truthful, and how
well you’re listening. When your nonverbal signals match up with the words you’re saying,
they increase trust and clarity. When they don’t, they can generate tension, mistrust, and
confusion.
If you want to become a better communicator, it’s important to become more sensitive not
only to the body language and nonverbal cues of others, but also to your own.
Based on:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-
communication.htm
https://www.issup.net/knowledge-share/resources/2019-10/nonverbal-communication
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-nonverbal-communication-1691351
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/nonverbal-communication.html
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/nonverbal-communication-skills-2059693
https://inenglishpleasemarina.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-are-you-today-adjectives.html
https://sites.google.com/site/fooetok/home/wok/emotions

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