Non-Verbal Communication Definition

Non-verbal Communication Definition

Any form of communication that doesn’t involve the spoken word is considered nonverbal communication. Although nonverbal communication also refers to how verbal communication is used, such as voice tone, speech rhythm, and pitch, it is most frequently associated with body language.

Beyond the words we use, there are many more signs that we might use to communicate with others throughout every contact. Except for the rare Freudian slip or outburst, most spoken words are normally thought about, but most nonverbal communication is intuitive. Because hiding becomes more difficult, body language often speaks more truthfully about a person’s true feelings than words alone.

Nonverbal communication works both ways; in addition to revealing our actual intentions through our body language (consider facial expressions), we also pick up on these clues from others and are more likely to notice when speech diverges from nonverbal indicators. This can be disconcerting, and we could even feel off-balance.

Nonverbal communication is the exchange of information between people when neither party uses words or spoken language. The use of body language, gestures, and nonverbal facial expressions are only a few examples of nonverbal communication.

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication

The creation and perception of any signal, other than voice, that is used to communicate information to another person is referred to as nonverbal communication. The majority of nonverbal communication is described in terms of speech modification strategies like changing one’s voice volume or pace, but not in terms of the explicit coding and grammar found in spoken language. Nonverbal activities are seen as essential components of the communication process, both in terms of production and perception.

Nonverbal communication can take place through a variety of behavior. Nonverbal signals are often classified by the sensory modalities they need, which are usually aural or visual, however tactile and olfactory signals may also be utilized, according to some psychologists.

Nonverbal emotional noises like laughing or screaming are examples of auditory nonverbal communication, as are speech modification actions like adding sarcasm to a tale, altering one’s tone, or adding a dramatic pause to a phrase. These speech-modifying actions are also known as paralanguage or voice quality cues.

Visual nonverbal communication is a broad group of behaviors that includes gestures, postural signals, and positioning clues in addition to facial expression, eye contact, and facial expression.

Nonverbal communication signals may comprise a variety of information kinds. For instance, certain signals serve as symbols with particular cultural connotations, such as crossing one’s fingers for good luck. However, the majority of nonverbal communication is used subtly as a set of signals.

These cues can be used to emphasize a point, convey feelings, and control the timing of interpersonal actions like who gets to talk next. Additionally, nonverbal cues can project dominance and influence, convey general impressions of the speaker, express a current condition, and reveal attitudes and opinions.

Influence of all types, including those based on impressions of power, attractiveness, empathy, dishonesty, and rapport, may be attained through nonverbal communication.

Types of Nonverbal Cues and Communication

Our faces include 43 separate muscles that may be combined in over 10,000 different ways to create dozens of various facial emotions, which puts into perspective just how intricate nonverbal communication is.

When nonverbal cues like posture, gestures, and body movements are taken into account, it is easy to see how much is spoken before a single word is even said.

Although a lot of nonverbal cues are intuitively understood by us, it can be useful to have examples of various nonverbal communication techniques to sharpen our understanding.

Cultural and Evolutionary Factors

According to research, people from all cultural backgrounds consistently develop and comprehend nonverbal communication signals connected to facial expressions. Thus, these signals do not seem to require learning, suggesting that nonverbal communication involving facial expressions has an instinctive evolutionary origin.

Numerous other aspects of nonverbal communication also seem to be learned and may vary depending on the environment in which a person lives. For instance, nonverbal indications concerning personal space, displays of sorrow or grief, and gestural symbols with specific meanings differ among cultures and are readily misread by someone from outside a particular culture.

Animal nonverbal communication is studied by evolutionary biologists, who have learned a lot about the evolutionary roots of human nonverbal communication. Numerous animal species exhibit patterns of nonverbal behavior that have been identified through studies. The concept of antithesis is one such example, whereby some signals — such as head and body posture — show opposite extremes to express opposing objectives.

Leaning in the opposite direction from an opponent communicates an aggressive stance, whilst leaning away communicates a submissive posture. Some ethnologists concentrate on how the behaviors associated with facial expressions vary among taxa.

For instance, chimpanzees exhibit a wide range of facial expressions and reactions, many of which are similar to human emotions.

Individual Variations

It is generally known that each person differs in their capacity to appropriately create and detect nonverbal cues. It suggests that accuracy in nonverbal communication creation and interpretation is a talent distinct from conventional IQ. Women do better than males in general on a variety of nonverbal communication skills.

Severe impairments in nonverbal communication skills are linked to several behavioral disorders. For instance, in children with autism spectrum disorder, nonverbal communication difficulties may be visible as early as age two.

Young children with autism are less likely to point or look someone in the eye to draw their attention. Occupational therapy is frequently effective in treating such nonverbal communication behavior deficiencies.