2. Unit II: Non-verbal Communication
Introduction
• NVC is the transfer of information through the use
of body language including eye-contact,
countenance, gestures and more.
• Verbal Communication is the use of language
transfer information through written text,
speaking or sign language.
• Note: Paying attention to and developing the
ability to read Non-verbal Communication is an
invaluable skill you can leverage.
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3. Types of Non-verbal Communication
They are :
1. Body Language
It is the way someone situates their body naturally
depending on the situation, the environment and how
they are feeling. (For example, someone might cross
their arms if they are feeling angry or nervous).
2. Gestures
While gestures vary widely across communities, they are
generally used both intentionally and unintentionally to
convey information to others. (For example, Someone
might display a “thumbs up” to communicate
confirmation or that they feel positively about
something).
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4. 3. Countenance
One of the most common forms of Non-verbal
communication is facial expressions. Using
eyebrows, mouth, eyes, forehead and other facial
muscles to convey can be very effective when
communicating both emotion and information.
4. Touch etc.
Some people also use touchy as a form of
communication. Most commonly, it is used to
communicate support or comfort. This form of
communication should be used sparingly and only
when others how receiving party feels about touch.
It should never be used convey anger, frustration or
any other negative emotions.
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5. How to read one’s body language?
• Reading body language is a difficult skill that will
continue to develop throug0uht career.
• While each person uses NVC differently, there are several
common cues to pay attention to that will inform
person’s feelings, intentions, motivations etc.
Here are a few uses of body language you can begin to look
out for.
i. Posture: If a person has his shoulders back and spine straight,
this is a sign that they are engaged, listening and spine to the
ideas or information that is being presented.
If he is exhibiting poor posture with their shoulders slouched or
raised and spine bent, they might be nervous, anxious or angry.
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6. ii. Use of Arms
If a person has his arms down to the side, on the table or
arranged in some other open way, this is a sign that he feels
positive and ready to absorb information.
If his arms are crossed or closed, they might feel be
experiencing some sort of negative emotion.
iii. Use of Legs
If a person has both feel placed flat on the ground, this is a sign
that he feels ready and open to hear your ideas.
If the legs are crossed or arranged n some other closed
formation, they might be feeling irritated or stressed.
iv. Use of Countenance
If a person is communicating with someone who is frowning,
has a furrowed brow or tight lips, they might pause to ensure
they don’t feel confused, angry or some other negative
emotion.
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7. How to improve Your Own Body Language ?
1. Do a body language test : Pay close
attention to the ways you use body language over a
business week. Notice your body language, facial
expressions and posture in meetings. Observe how
they respond?
2. Notice how your emotions feel
physically: Emotions are not purely felt in the
mind. They affect physically too. Developing self
awareness of how your emotions affect your body can
give greater mastery over your external presentations.
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8. 3. Be intentional about your NVC
Be attentive when trying to communicate with others
using facial expressions.
Make an effort to display positive body language when
you feel alert.
Mimic NVC you find effective:
If you witness certain facial expressions, you find
beneficial to a certain settings. Use it as guide when
improving your own NVC.
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9. NVC terms and meaning
1.Kinesics
It is the study and interpretation of human body
movements that can be taken as symbolic or
metaphorical in social interaction. According to Ray
Birdwhitshell, who coined this term in 1952. It includes
facial expressions, gestures, posture and gait or
pace.The use of gesture in dance was studied by Natya
Shastra in India about 200 BCE.
2. Haptics
It is a form of NVC used for sense of touch. Some of them
are Handshake, a gentle pat on back or shoulder or high
five.
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10. NVC terms and meaning….
3. Proxemics
It is the study of how humans use space when people are
communicating.The term was coined by Edward Hall
during 1950s and 1960s and has to do with the pace and
spaces. For example,
i.Public space means staying away from 12 – 25 feet
away.
ii. Social space means are getting a little closer about 4-12
feet away.
iii. Personal space means is even closer. In this case,
people stay probably about 1-4 feet away from someone.
This is reserved for talking to friends and family.
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11. NVC terms and meaning….
4.Vocalics
It is also known as paralanguage. It is the study of the
communicative value of vocal behaviour. Vocalics is
important to interpersonal relationships because it has a
large impact of perceptions of the verbal content.
5.Oculesics
Eyes tell more than words could ever say. It is the study of
eye movement, eye behaviour, and eye related NVC
including eye contact, blinking, raise eyebrows etc…
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12. Body Language in
GDs/Presentations/Interviews
• Body Language is one of the most powerful
means of communication and also judging
criteria in a GD.
• It speaks many words and depicts thoughts.
• Positive gestures are a sign of confidence and
security.
• Positive gestures include: Walking upright,
Shaking Hands confidently etc…
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13. Tips to adopt BL for good impression
1. Voracious Reader: One needs t0 make it a
habit to read voraciously on any topic. This
will enable one to be prepared for any topic in
GD.
2. Initiate: Always be the first personality in
the group to initiate the discussion. No doubt,
it gives weightage.
3. Be Polite and Pleasant: One should
always ensure that not conversation or
exchange of thoughts should happen at the top
of one’s voice. Be always audible and clear.
Even if you disagree with others point of view,
do it politely.
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14. 4.Precise: During GD, one should abstain from
using irrelevant information. Speak precisely so
that others get a chance to put across the point of
view.
5. Speak Confidently: One should maintain
confidence as one speaks. Establish eye-contact
with others of the group and do not allow the
voice to tremble.
6.Positive Body Language: One’s body
language should not demonstrate dominance or
low self confidence.
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15. BL in Presentations
• BL comprises gesture, stance, and acila expression.
When he is presenting, strong, positive body language
becomes and essential tool.
• The presenter should consider…
i. Gesture: Do use hands.
• They don’t belong to your hips, pockets or folded across
your chest either or held behind your back.
• Use them to help emphasize a point, to express
emotion, to release tension, and to engage your
audience.
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16. BL in Presentations
• ii. Stance: Your stance can tell the audience that you’re
happy, scared, confident, or uncomfortable.
• Audience read the messages unthinkingly but unfailingly.
• A balanced stance with weight even but slightly forward
tends to say that the speaker is engaged with audience.
• A slumped stance leaning to one side can say the speaker
does not care.
iii. Facial Expression: The movement of eyes, mouth,
and facial muscles can build a connection with audience.
-Eye focus is the most important element.
-Effective presenters engage one person at a time.
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17. BL in Interviews
i. Handshake:
• Don’t wait for the other person to handshake.
• Initiate first handshake if you can.
• Stretch your fingers and a 45 degree angle with your
thumb.
• Let the skin between your thumb and index finger touch.
• Avoid giving a soft handshake. (Gives uncertain
impression)
• Don’t squeeze others hand(s).(gives dominant
impression)
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18. BL in Interviews
ii. Avoid sweaty hands:
-carry handkerchief
-dry your hands often
-wipe your forehead
-avoid clammy hands to avoid nervous impression
iii. Maintain eye-contact:
-ensure a natural smile, a firm voice and constant eye
contact during introduction. Otherwise you may feel
insecure, dishonest, indifferent or arrogant.
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19. BL in Interviews
iv. Sit up straight:
-avoid sitting / leaning left or right
-sit straight and to the backrest.
-respect your interviewer personal space
-don’t wiggle in your chair and keep your legs still
-balance between movement and a formal posture
v. Don’t touch your face:
-avoid playing with hair, ears, nose etc.
-don’t touch face, rub nose,-seems dishonest
-avoid rubbing head or neck.
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