Introduction to Non verbal communication

Reading Comprehension. Read the text and discuss with your partner.[5]

If we think of non-verbal communication, one conclusion may be drawn for sure, i.e. the majority of the signal we receive in the communication process is the same in the entire world. No matter where you go, you will see that if people are in a good mood, they smile; if extremely sad, they probably cry; if angry, they  frown.

Now, look at the pictures below. Can you identify the emotions people express? [6]

a)                                                b)                                                 c)

                                                

 Source: https://pixabay.com/

Interestingly, if you show the faces of unknown people expressing different emotions like happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise or anger, these facial expressions will be interpreted well by others irrespectively of their cultural background or the country of origin. Facial expression, however, is not the one and only component of non-verbal communication. There are also gestures (see unit 3 for body languages and posture), paralanguage, i.e. the tone of voice or its loudness, eye contact, distance and time perception as well as even physical appearance. Even though many of these components are produced unconsciously, the moment you realize how important they are, you may try to create a more positive impression, e.g. during a job interview. This soft skill may help you remember to smile and maintain eye contact with your interlocutor to show that you are interested in or pleased with the conversation, maintain proper posture or shake hands firmly.

Let’s now consider the distance between interlocutors. Here, the term proxemics, developed by Edward Hall, is of huge use. He introduced the idea that each person has his or her own personal space in which they feel comfortable and put a specific amount of distance between themselves and other people. The distance depends on the level of intimacy, but is also culture-specific. Take a look at the diagram below:

Rule #1 Read gestures in cluster

  As simple gesture taken out of a wider context may be extremely misleading. And this is the mistake most people make. Hence, one gesture is like a word in a spoken language. Body language has its words, sentences and punctuation (Pease, 2004). Only when you interpret a gesture with a much broader context. Moreover everybody has their own set of gestures either learned or acquired in their childhood. Instead of looking only at one’s hands, also pay attention to their eyes, feet or arms.

Rule #2 Look for Congruence

Pay special attention to both the body language and verbal messages that are conveyed to you. If your interlocutor, for example, disagrees with you, his or her body language should also show congruence. Interestingly, “when a person’s words and body language are in conflict, women ignore what is said” (Pease, 2004).

Rule #3 Read gestures in context

All non-verbal signals should be interpreted  in a wider context. If you cross your arms, it may certainly be interpreted as a closed posture, however, image a window open on a windy and cold day, then your closed arms may mean nothing more than just ‘I am freezing’.                                 

Bearing all this in mind, one may still ask: “What are the benefits of this non-verbal communication?” First of all, you will become more aware of yourself and other people. That will help you express yourself more effectively, but at the same time increase empathy towards other people and their behavior, especially if they represent a cultural background different that yours.