Week 4 Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Tuesday 1/3/2011

Hello class

The beginning of Week 4 and still going strong (well some of us?). Today I would like to say a few words about NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION.

Don’t get too excited you’ll all get a chance to demonstrate how good your non-verbal communication skills are!

What are Non-Verbal Communication Skills?

Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes our facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice.

The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that will help you connect with others, express what you really mean, and build better relationships at home and work.

Types of nonverbal communication and body language

There are many different types of nonverbal communication. Together, the following nonverbal signals and cues communicate your interest and investment in others.

Facial expressions

The human face is extremely expressive and, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.

Body movements and posture

Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates and this type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.

Gestures

We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we’re arguing, expressing ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so be careful to avoid misinterpretation.

Eye contact

Eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.

Touch

We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given a firm handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.

Space

Have you ever felt uncomfortable because another person was standing too close and invading your space? We need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

Voice

We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words. Nonverbal speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are important communication elements. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide subtle but powerful clues into our true feelings and what we really mean. Think about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.