Let Me Hear Your Body Talk
Nonverbal Dictionary. Com defines nonverbal communication as
communication behavior that is expressed in any other means besides “words”.
Research suggests that nonverbal communication is more important in understanding
human behavior than words alone–the nonverbal “channels” seem to be more powerful
than what people say. Zig Ziglar is quoted in saying “nonverbal communication can also
be described as dynamic process that engages body, mind and society” . Presenting
You need to be aware of your nonverbal communication from the moment you stand up until your presentation is completed. The importance of positive eye contact and the correct use of posture and hand movement or any nonverbal cue to accompany your presentation cannot be overstated.
Nonverbal cues are symbols with meaning interpretations. In general, nonverbal
symbols perform five functions in communication.
1.Accenting-calling attention to the message source using some device (hitting the table for example)
2.Complimenting-using nonverbal cues to enhance the meaning of verbal symbols,
3.Substituting-a nonverbal symbol replaces a verbal symbol (holding up hand to indicate “stop”)
The Essay on The Importance of Nonverbal Communication
One of the most crucial aspects of nonverbal communication is its ability to strengthen verbal communication. For example, if you tell your spouse you love him and then you follow up your oral communication with loving and endearing actions, the message of love is strengthened. On the contrary, if you tell your teenager not to smoke, yet you smoke in front of them daily, the verbal message and ...
4.Contradicting-the nonverbal symbol sends a message different from the verbal symbols. (agreeing to a subject with your arms folded)
5.Regulating-While engaged in a conversation, you would most likely use nonverbal communication as an indicator of the flow of conversation. (when speaking you may wait a moment for a pause to interject an opinion.
Nonverbal symbols can be arranged among three general categories:
1.Paralanguage–nonverbal enhancements to language symbols
2.Kinesics–nonverbal symbols of body movement (gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, appearance)
3.Proxemics–nonverbal symbols of distance, space, and time
The inflection, tempo, emphasis, or tone adds meaning to oral presentations. Paralanguage includes any device that can be used to modify the meaning interpretation of a verbal symbol. These devices include inflection or emphasis added to spoken symbols or highlighting, bolding, or all capital letters added to written symbols. For example, look at the following sentence and read it while emphasizing each word in sequence.
I didn’t say she stole the money.
When emphasizing the word “I,” the sentence takes on a shaded meaning from its non-emphasized state. Emphasizing the word “didn’t” changes the meaning of the sentence, as does emphasizing the word “say.” Depending on which word is emphasized (paralanguage), the sentence carries a different meaning interpretation.
For maximum speaking effectiveness, learn to vary these six elements of your voice.
·Tone
·Pitch
·Rhythm
·Pauses and response time
·Loudness
A major criticism of presenters is when they speak in a monotone. Listeners perceive these persons as boring and dull.
Gestures are among the most culture-related communication symbols. While verbal languages are specific to cultures, the word symbols typically are different between languages. In the case of gestures, similar hand gestures are found in many different cultures, but the meaning associated differs by culture. Giving the “thumbs-up” in the U.S.A. is a positive symbol, but in the Middle East it means “screw-you”. Be familiar with your audience and use tact with your gestures.
The Essay on Meaning of Life and Happiness
I do not think that there is a single person in the world who can say that knows what happiness actually is and, more importantly, that knows how to achieve it. We sometimes get the glimpse of pure happiness but those moments are so rare and so intense that we only recognise them too late. Each of us understands this feeling in a different way…I, for instance, see it as the one that can make you ...
If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. A lively and animated speaking style captures the audience attention, makes the material more interesting, facilitates learning and provides a bit of entertainment. Head nods, a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement from the audience indicates that you are listening.
Eye contact, an important channel of interpersonal communication, helps regulate the flow of communication. And it signals interest in others. Eye contact with audiences increases the speaker’s credibility.
How you dress, the color and style of clothes, how you fix your hair, your body type, and your posture are among the elements of appearance that send messages. One needs to dress appropriately for a situation.
Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits:
·Happiness
·Friendliness
·Warmth
·Liking
·Affiliation
If you smile frequently you will be perceived as more likable, friendly, warm and
approachable. Smiling is often contagious and your audience will react favorably and
learn more.
The proxemics is how one feels about the space around them and the distance between people that they are talking. Proxemics is culture sensitive. The distances between people reserved for categories of acquaintance will vary depending on the cultural interpretation of the distance. Studies in the United States suggest that the distance as classified as the following:
1.intimate distance (contact to 18 in.)
2.personal distance (18″ to 4 ft.)
3.social distance (4′ to 12 ft.)
4.public distance (12′ to infinity)
In the case of space proxemics, the following are examples of things that can be
interpreted as having symbolic meaning:
1.Room size
2.Odor
3.Color
4.Lighting
5.Room Arrangement
1.The shape and layout of the room provides nonverbal symbolic clues to people using the room of the expectations of roles to be filled.
2.Physical positions in an office layout establish power or status for the employees in the physical positions.
The Essay on Communicating With Nonverbal And Verbal Communication
One thing we all have in common is that we must all communicate in one form or another. Everyone communicates even if they know it or not. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is used during conversations. Using both forms helps convey and support the message you are trying to send. Up to 90% of all communication is nonverbal. Most communicators use body language, gestures, and facial ...
3.Chairs in a circle usually mean an intimate meeting.
4.The dinner table at home; everyone has his or her chairs.
In summary, it is important to recognize to adjust your nonverbal communication based on your audience response. Look for their nonverbal communication. Are they bored or dejecting. It is not only what you say but also how you say it that can make a difference to your listeners. Become aware of your nonverbal actions and surveillance others, you’ll be amazed at what they are telling you.
NONVERBAL BEHAVIORINTERPRETATION
Brisk, erect walkConfidence
Standing with hands on hipsReadiness, aggression
Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightlyBoredom
Sitting, legs apartOpen, relaxed
Arms crossed on chestDefensiveness
Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunchedDejection
Hand to cheekEvaluation, thinking
Touching, slightly rubbing noseRejection, doubt, lying
Rubbing the eyeDoubt, disbelief
Hands clasped behind backAnger, frustration, apprehension
Locked anklesApprehension
Head resting in hand, eyes downcastBoredom
Rubbing handsAnticipation
Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossedConfidence, superiority
Open palmSincerity, openness, innocence
Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closedNegative evaluation
Tapping or drumming fingersImpatience
Steepling fingersAuthoritative
Patting/fondling hairLack of self-confidence; insecurity
Tilted headInterest
Stroking chinTrying to make a decision
Looking down, face turned awayDisbelief
Biting nailsInsecurity, nervousness
Pulling or tugging at earIndecision
