Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication comes into play where verbal communication may not be efficient. Generally, non-verbal communication does not involve the use of oral or written words, and the receivers of information interpret actions to get the information being passed. Furthermore, the use of facial expressions is essential in non-verbal communication since it allows for the interpretation of the intentions of the speaker. The ability to understand and use non-verbal signals is a powerful tool because it allows an individual to communicate their emotions, control experiences, influence others, and form relationships and define them.
Non-verbal communication is vital to meaningful interpersonal communication. Information obtained from non-verbal communication is more effective because it involves more listening than talking. The combination of non-verbal and verbal communication has appeared to be the best form of communication: “Listen with your eyes as well as your ears,” Graham Speechley. In the article “Slaying Dragons,” Richelle E. Goodrich says, “I do listen. I just wait for the words to stop and your eyes to speak.” Speechley and Goodrich argue that non-verbal communication forms the most crucial part of communication. Generally, one should look at the expressions presented during communication to assess the real intentions of a speaker in any communication. Therefore, the value of non-verbal communication should not be ignored in the interpretation of the information passed in communication. Moreover, non-verbal communication does not include oral or written words.
Non-verbal communication takes place without any oral or written words being used. Unlike oral communication, non-verbal communication involves the general use of facial expressions, gestures, posture and body orientation, body language, and visual communication. Individuals who understand and use non-verbal communication are in a better position to express their emotions, control experiences, influence others, and form relationships and define them. An individual should generally be able to make an informed choice of words in the context of the conversation, which is not only meaningful but also important since it provides an understanding of how to express the message through body language. Non-verbal communication skills may be improved by teaching and training actors in drama on the best way to teach and practice the delivery of message through non-verbal skills.
Nonverbal communication impacts the use of verbal communication directly by emphasizing on the choice of words, repeating and contradicting what has already been said. Also, the non-verbal aspect is an essential complement of the verbal communicated message where meaning may not be easily found. Non-verbal communication happens almost everywhere because it comes out every time verbal communication is used. Also, non-verbal communication is used alone to pass information as an alternative for verbal communication. One of the best examples of the application of non-verbal information delivery is in silent films, which were popular in the beginning of the last century. The emotions were delivered to the people through acting and supporting music. The film and the music were inseparable because accompanists needed to improvise every time the film was shown. The visual part of the film enhanced with new fabrics which were developed for the film industry and bright make-up. In the context of non-verbal communication the goal of the film crew were to influence the audience to feel and interact in the way which the crew invented. Another example of non-verbal communication, which also used in the silent film, is a pantomime. An actor transfers information and expresses feelings just with body and face language. Moreover, non-verbal communication signals are sent to second party every time a communication is made.
Non-verbal communication signals are sent every time a communication is made. The primary purpose of communication is to pass information and that is always considered in non-verbal communication. Information in the non-verbal aspect is obtained through interpretation. Therefore, the recipient in the non-verbal setting has to have an understanding of the information that is being passed. For example, painting has been used for several years to pass information. The recipients have to effectively interpret the meaning in the painting to get the message otherwise the information will not be impactful. Painters are characterized by the utilization of the wealthy of the client in using non-verbal communication techniques through the choice of a heroic posture and meaningful body orientation. The presence of various features on the picture always has a particular purpose and meaning. For example the use of animals means kindness of a lady and the bravery of a man. Generally dogs and horses are used to represent characteristics of human beings in the painting field. Also, the presence of the red scarf on a picture with a young lady is used to mean she is virgin, and the newest invention on a table means that a man is educated. Moreover, non-verbal communication is vital to interpersonal communication.
Non-verbal communication is an effective method of overcoming challenges posed by defects in communication abilities of human beings. For example, social-emotional anoxia can be used to express the significance of non-verbal communication to interpersonal communication. Anoxia appears as a defect in an individual and non-verbal communication is always used as a correction attempt. A person with social-emotional anoxia disorder cannot perceive the emotions of others in social situations in a non-verbal manner, restricting normal social interactions. People with this form of anoxia find it hard to identify the motivational and emotional value of interpersonal communication. It would appear that a person is able to communicate because a speech and understanding are preserved and only the non-verbal part is missing, but it turns out to become a critical aspect for full interpersonal communication. Similar symptoms can be observed in people with Autism and Alexithymia. Also, people with deafness, speaking with sign language, might use non-verbal communication to express their feelings. Therefore, non-verbal communication skills are essential in that they provide an effective solution to challenges caused by communication defects. Moreover, non-verbal communication is applied in several forms and the difference in types may be viewed as a challenge.
The primary challenge associated with non-verbal communication is the existence of several types. Non-verbal communication types, such as eye contact have a cultural component and may be perceived differently in different cultures causing a challenge. For example some Asians avoid eye contact and watch to the floor while speaking to the opponent, showing respectability. An individual who has been brought up in a society where eye-contact is essential in communication may be in serious challenges adapting to life in an Asian setting. Another example of misunderstanding in non-verbal communication is the tradition to touch the toes of the foot while greeting the people who are older or in Bulgaria the people showing respect, nodding head. Some of the actions may appear embarrassing to some cultures while other cultures view similar skills as a form of showing respect. The best way to overcome challenges in using non-verbal communication is have a better understanding of various beliefs in different cultures. Also, an individual should remain flexible to ensure that the challenges do not affect the perception in the various cultures.
In sum, the ability to understand and use non-verbal signals is powerful tool because it allows an individual to communicate their emotions, control experiences, influence others, and form relationships and define them. Non-verbal communication skills may be improved by teaching and training actors in drama on the best way to teach and practice the delivery of message through non-verbal skills. Also, non-verbal communication is an effective method of overcoming challenges posed by defects in communication abilities of human beings. Moreover, non-verbal communication is applied in several forms and the difference in types may be viewed as a challenge. The best way to overcome challenges in using non-verbal communication is have a better understanding of various beliefs in different cultures. Also, an individual should remain flexible to ensure that the challenges do not affect the perception in the various cultures.
References
Hillen, M., Haes, A., Verdam, H., &Smets, C. (2018). Trust and Perceptions of Physicians’ Nonverbal Behavior Among Women with Immigrant Backgrounds. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 20(4), 963-971.
Kidwell, B., &Hasford, J. (2014). Emotional Ability and Nonverbal Communication. Psychology & Marketing, 31(7), 526-538.
Richard, A. (2011). Teaching non-verbal communication skills. Education for Primary Care : An Official Publication of the Association of Course Organisers, National Association of GP Tutors, World Organisation of Family Doctors, 22(6), 423-4.