Non verbal
Communication

Body-language determines
behaviour
Facial expressions
They show emotions .There is common pattern
of facial expressions from all over the world, the
use of eyebrows, eyes are universal in
expressing emotions like happiness, fear,
sorrow etc.

In Asian countries like India the eyes play a special role,
they convey different emotions and feelings.

Gestures
These are movements of the hands ,the head , the body to
indicate an idea or a feeling.
In other words certain gestures may be acceptable in one
culture while it may be disliked in another. For example-
Laying hand on someone's head in India would indicate
giving blessings but in Buddhist culture one is not supposed
to touch another's head it is considered sacred.

Crossing ones ankles over the knees while sitting is
considered rude in Indonesia ,Thailand .
Pointing your index finger is insulting In Germany,
Netherlands and Switzerland. Gestures are indicative of the
behavioural patterns that are unique to a specific culture.
This calls for developing an awareness as to how to
interpret gestures.

Body movements and Posture
This has to do with the manner in which we carry
yourselves .It is an important element in body language and
is often a key to a person's personality. For example -
Cricket commentators comment on the body language of
the player confidence or diffidence.

 kinesics behaviour which includes all body movements
and gestures mean different things in different
cultures.Sometimes behaviours that are meaningless in
one culture have distinct meanings in another.

Silence
Paradoxical as it may sound , we do communicate with the
help of silence. sometimes we are so overwhelmed by
emotions that we are speechless.
our silence speaks of a strong feelings. Good
communicators are aware of the value of silence.

Silence conveys meanings that indicate the behaviour of a
person -such as lack of interest apathy ,indifference etc.
The following are the functions of silence-
a. To allow the speaker time to think
b. To isolate oneself
c. To hurt someone
d.To prevent further communication
e. To communicate emotional responses
F .To say nothing
In business communication silence is often made use of.

Space and Proximity
Each one of us has a personal space around us that is
guarded against intruders. The influence of space and
proximity on a communication is known as Proxemics.
Space category
Public space more than 12 feet
social space 4 to 12 feet
personal space 1.5 to 4 feet
Intimate space less than 1.5 feet

Dress and grooming
The manner and style of dressing plays an important role in
non verbal communication .
We wish to make a good impression upon people because
people judge you by the way you dress.
The colour of your dress, how well it is unwrinkled the
looks of your shoes etc. Your appearance is also judged by
the tidiness of your hair ,body odour etc

In many developing countries employee‘s in offices and
industries are provided with facilities whereby they can
look fresh and clean
In these countries you may not get a job if you do not dress
well or smell good. It is an essential element of corporate
culture.

Colours
Colours play an important role in our lives ,convey
messages .For example -Hindus wear saffron, Christian
mourners wear black and each country has its own flag with
distinct colours,
so do many regiments, schools and colleges. Besides this,
colours have a psychological impact some colours can have
a soothing effect on people and some colours can excite
and depress.

Activity
What proxemics would you allow yourself in the following
situations –
Talking to your boss
Talking to your colleague
Making a speech
Speaking to your friend

The end