Non-Verbal Communication Meaning and characteristics

Non-Verbal Communication Meaning and characteristics: Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact (or lack thereof), body language, posture, and other nonverbal communication methods are all examples of nonverbal communication.

Your nonverbal communication is nearly as crucial as your spoken replies whether you’re looking for a job or participating in a meeting. Crossed arms might seem to be a protective gesture. Poor posture might make you seem unprofessional. A downward glance or avoidance of eye contact might make you seem less assured.

Employers will analyse both what you say and what you do, and you may create the greatest impression by using your nonverbal communication abilities. If your abilities aren’t up to par, you may improve them so that you leave a great impression on everyone you encounter at work and outside of it.

Non-Verbal Communication Meaning and characteristics

The following are examples of nonverbal communication or body language:

• Expressions on the face

The human face is very expressive, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions without saying anything. Facial expressions, unlike certain other kinds of nonverbal communication, are universal. Across civilizations, the facial expressions for pleasure, sorrow, anger, surprise, fear, and contempt are all the same.

• Posture and mobility of the body

Consider how the way individuals sit, move, stand, or hold their heads affects your views of them. The way you walk and conduct yourself sends out a lot of information to the rest of the world. Your posture, bearing, stance, and subtle motions are all examples of nonverbal communication.

• Gestures

Our everyday lives are tied together through gestures. When debating or speaking animatedly, you may wave, point, call, or use your hands, frequently expressing yourself without thinking through gestures. However, the meaning of certain gestures varies greatly throughout cultures. While the OK sign, for example, transmits a good message in English-speaking nations, it is considered insulting in Germany, Russia, and Brazil. As a result, it’s important to be cautious about how you utilise gestures in order to prevent misunderstanding.

• Make direct eye contact.

Because most people’s major sense is vision, eye contact is a particularly essential kind of nonverbal communication. Many things may be communicated by the way you stare at someone, including attention, love, animosity, or desire. Maintaining eye contact is also vital for keeping the discussion flowing and measuring the other person’s attention and reaction.

• Touch

Touch is a powerful tool for communication. Consider how a feeble handshake, a loving bear hug, a condescending pat on the head, or a dominating grasp on the arm send completely different meanings.

• Space

Have you ever felt uneasy during a chat because someone was standing too close to you and violating your personal space? We all need physical space, yet how much space we require varies based on culture, context, and the intimacy of the connection. Physical space may be used to transmit a variety of nonverbal messages, including as signs of closeness and love, hostility, and authority.

• Voice

It’s not only what you say, but how you say it that counts. Other people “read” your voice in addition to listening to your words while you talk. Your timing and speed, how loud you talk, your tone and intonation, and noises that suggest comprehension, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh,” are all things kids pay attention to. Consider how your voice tone may convey sarcasm, rage, tenderness, or confidence.

Non-Verbal Communication Meaning and characteristics

Any information that is transmitted without the use of words is referred to as nonverbal communication. The following are some of the most essential features of nonverbal communication:

(I) There will be no use of language.

Nonverbal communication, unlike oral or written communication, occurs without the use of words or language. It communicates with people by gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, physical closeness, and touching, among other things.

(ii) Culturally influenced

Nonverbal communication is something you learn as a youngster from your parents and others with whom you interact. You acquire the taints and mannerisms of your ethnic group as a result of growing up in a certain culture.

(iii) Different connotations

Nonverbal symbols may have a variety of meanings. In nonverbal communication, cross-cultural factors offer different interpretations to the same expression.

(iv) Imprecise and hazy

Nonverbal communication is hazy and unreliable. Because no words or language are used in this communication to send a clear message to the recipient.

(v) Could be in contradiction with the spoken statement

You may communicate a verbal message and then instantly contradict it with a nonverbal message because nonverbal communication is so deeply ingrained, so unconscious.

(vi) Mostly unconcerned

Nonverbal communication is unintentional in the sense that it is seldom planned or practised. It appears nearly instantly.

(vii) Expresses emotions and views

The way you utilise your eyes, gestures, and body movements all transmit your sentiments and emotions to others.

(viii) Unpredictability

Nonverbal communication is not governed by the same rules, formalities, or structures as other forms of communication. The majority of the time, individuals participate in nonverbal communication by moving different portions of their bodies unknowingly and routinely.