NON-VERBAL/GESTURAL COMMUNICATION- Meaning,Role,Functions,Advantages,Disadvantages,Types,Difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

 NON-VERBAL/GESTURAL COMMUNICATION

Non-Verbal communication is a communication without words. It is the process of conveying a message through non-linguistic signs. Non-verbal communication can portray a message both verbally and with the correct body signals. Body signals comprise physical features, conscious and unconscious gestures and signals. The wrong message can be established if the body language conveyed does not match a verbal message. Non-verbal communication strengthens the first impression in common situations like attracting a partner or in a business interview. Impressions are on average formed within the first four seconds of contact. First encounters or interactions with another person strongly affect a person's perception. When the other person or group is absorbing the message they are focused on the entire environment around them, meaning the other person uses all five senses in the interaction: 83% sight, 11% hearing, 3% smell, 2% touch and 1% taste.

Non-verbal communication describes the process of conveying meaning in the form of non word messages. Research shows that the majority of our communication is non-verbal, also known as body language. Some of non verbal communication include the following:

Facial Expressions and Eye Movement: These are used to convey emotions and attitudes through eyes and other facial expressions.

Body Gestures: These are physical movements of the body parts that convey certain moods and feelings.

Body Postures: These are ways we hold ourselves to express different moods and attitudes.

Para-language: This include intonation, emotion and speaking style as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, pause and stress.  

Proxemics: This is the study of how people use and perceive the physical space around them.

Haptics: This is study of touching in communication situations.

Physical Context: This is like room design, furniture, decoration, color, etc. 

Role of Non Verbal/Gestural Communication 

Non-Verbal Communication is a powerful tool to connect with others. Sometimes the communicator can express himself better through non-verbal than verbal communication. Non verbal communication saves him from the linguistic complexities of verbal communication. The listener can study the psychology of the communicator from his physical postures, gestures and other movements. 

Non-Verbal communication is essential to have a successful business or create successful personal relationships. Sometimes we can't express in words exactly what we feel. But non verbal communication clearly reveals the secret of our thoughts and feelings to those around us. Therefore very often the importance of deciphering non-verbal communication is stressed, especially the business area.

Functions of Non-Verbal/Gestural Communication

Non-Verbal communication is very significant. That is why it is said that actions speak louder than words. Non-Verbal communication performs the following functions

1. It helps to express agreement, happiness and anger.

2. It enhances the impact on the listener when speech is accompanied by it. 

3. It is used to greet the other person according to the traditional mode.

4. It helps to present one's personality in a more effective manner.

Advantages of Non-Verbal/Gestural Communication: 

1. The message is easy to convey without even saying a word.

2. The communication becomes effective and interesting.

3. It saves time.

4. It increases the speed of listening and the possibility of misinterpreting is very low.

5. It captures the attention of the audience. 

6. From the para language, the educational background of the speaker can be easily judged.

7. It is easy because it does not require any skill.

8. It is a natural means of communication.

9. A careful listener can learn a lot from the orator or the effective speaker.

10. The Audio-Visual Aids highlight the main points clearly.

Disadvantages of Non-Verbal/Gestural Communication: 

1. The visual aids are suitable for a brief and simple message. 

2. It is effective only when used with oral communication.

3. If the visual message is not attractive then these can be ignored by the people. 

4. The para language is like the language but not the language so it cannot be relied upon.

5. It misguides. It requires extra care to be understood.

6. The body language cannot convey the whole message but only a part of it. 

7. Some of the gestures do not have the same meaning in the different regions and different cultures.

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Kinesics (Body Language)

            (a) Facial Expressions and Eye Movement

            (b) Body Posture

            (c) Gestures

2. Para-language (Physical environment related to voice)

            (a) Intonation

            (b) Tone of Voice

            (c) Pause

3. Proxemics (Distance)

4. Haptics (Physical environment related to touch)

5. Chronemics (Use of time)

6. Physical Context

1. Kinesics: Kinesics is the study of body language to judge inner state of emotions expressed through different parts of the body. These include facial expressions and eye contact, gestures, body posture, etc.

(a) Facial Expressions and Eye Movement: Facial expressions are dynamic features which communicate the speaker's attitude, emotions, intentions, and so on. The face is the primary source of emotions. During verbal communication, facial expressions change continually and are constantly monitored and interpreted by the receiver. Examples are: a smile, frown, raised eye brow, yawn or sneer.

Eye movement is a key part of facial behavior because the eyes are invariably involved in facial displays. The different forms are observed to be cross-cultural. The frequency of eye contact may suggest either interest or boredom or may even betray dishonesty.

The direct stare of the speaker can show candor or openness. Downward glances are generally associated with modesty; eyes rolled upwards are conveyed as a sign of fatigue.

We noticed that certain facial areas reveal our emotional state better than others. For example the eyes tend to show happiness, sadness or even surprise. The lower face can also express happiness or surprise; a smile, for instance, can communicate friendliness or co-operation. As for the upper face, brows and forehead are known to reveal mostly anger.

(b) Body Posture: Body posture is the bearing or the position of the speaker's body. It is a more or less stable state and thus not to be confused with gestures which are movements. Body posture can be characteristic and assumed for a special purpose or it can correspond to the normal expectations in the context of a particular situation. Obviously one can be lying down, seated, or standing. Normally, these are not the elements of posture that convey messages However, when the speaker is slouched or erect has his or her legs crossed or arms folded, such postures convey a degree of formality or relaxation. Once more, they can also transfer symbolic messages on the orator's attitude or intention with regard to the message.

(c) Gestures: A gesture is a movement made with a limb, especially the hands, to express, confirm, emphasize or back up the speaker's attitude or intention. This non-verbal activity is regularly used in oral discourse. If a body act requires no verbal accompaniment, it is called an "emblem". Examples are: hand signals such as waving good-bye, the "V" for victory sign or the "high five" signaling victory. While some emblems, for example a clenched fist, have universal meaning, there are others that are idiosyncratic or culturally conditioned. The use of the zero shape made by the fingers, for instance, does not mean the same thing in different cultures. Gestures are always perceived and interpreted together with facial expressions.

2. Para-language: Para-language includes intonation, tone of voice, emotion and speaking style as well as prosodic features such as rhythm and stress.

(a) Intonation: Intonation is the way that the sender's pitch of voice rises and falls when speaking. For example, it shows the interpreter whether the speaker expresses his or her message in the form of a question or statement. In the first case, the voice rises at the end of the phrase or the sentence and in the second case, it falls. At the same time, intonation indicates the end of an entity of information which, in written communication, is shown by means of a comma, semicolon, point, exclamation mark or question mark. Another function of intonation is to lay emphasis on a particular word or idea, a detail that the interpreter must not fail to be aware of.

(b) Tone of Voice: The tone of voice is a means by which the speaker implies his or her attitude to the message. It is also a means by which he seeks a reaction from the hearer. In a political debate, for instance, the tone of voice is likely to be rousing, whereas on television the daily news is communicated in a more factual tone. Other examples of tone of voice are: aggressive, critical, nervous, disappointed, monotonous, friendly, enthusiastic, persuasive, etc.

(c) Pause: A pause can have two different functions:

1. It can be a brief suspension of the voice to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts. A pause then assumes a similar function in verbal discourse to intonation.

2. It can consist of a temporary vocal inaction revealing the speaker's uncertainty, hesitation, tension or uneasiness. In this context, a pause can also be judgmental by indicating favor of disfavor, agreement or disagreement. Consequently, the non-verbal cue of a pause can give rise to problems when interpreting it because its meaning can vary considerably. It can have a positive of negative influence on the process of communication.

3. Proxemics: It is basically the study of space. In proxemics, we study how we use space to communicate the message. Four kinds of distances have been observed by psychologists : (i) Intimate (11) Personal (iii) Social (iv) Public.

(i) Intimate: An intimate space of 6 to 18 inches is used to discuss confidential matters. Only family members and close friends are allowed to enter intimate space. 

(ii) Personal: Personal space extends from 18 inches to 4 feet. This is meant for conversation with peers, friends, and trustworthy colleagues. 

(iii) Social: Social space extends from 4 to 12 feet. This space is used for formal and official relationships. Most of the business is done within this area. Communication becomes relatively formal in this space. 

(iv) Public: Public space extends beyond 12 feet or more up to eyesight and hearing. This space is meant for public meetings. In this space, informal talks are avoided as public image has to be maintained.

4. Haptics: Haptics is the study of touching in communication situations. Touching has the connotation of a more active involvement of the person touching the other. How one touches another communicates a lot. An interviewee with a weak handshake may leave a poor impression, whereas a firm handshake conveys enthusiasm.

5. Chronemics: Time plays an important role in life. The usage of time is an important non-verbal element, that is also known as chronemics. By chronemics we study how human beings communicate through their use of time. In a business organization, time is concerned with every organizational work. When someone completes the work of a project within a specific time, it communicates sincerity, hardwork, loyalty and reliability. The concept of time is followed differently in different countries. In Indian tradition if someone comes late, it is taken for granted. In European countries late entrance can be termed the violation of the principle of punctuality. In a business organisation, the employees are expected to arrive on time.

6. Physical Context: The physical context like room design, furniture, decoration, colour etc. conveys a lot of meanings to our sensory receptors. The importance of layout and design of the building and its decoration is evident from the writings of architects and industrial engineers. Similarly colours demonstrate positive as well as negative feelings, particularly in the context of different cultures. One should be aware of these physical contexts of communication to make communication more effective.

Difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication  

(i) In Verbal Communication, our attention is focused on words while in Non-Verbal Communication, it is focused on body language.

(ii) Verbal activity never stands alone-it is always joined by Non-Verbal action. 

(iii) Verbal Communication is bound by the complexities of grammar but Non-Verbal Communication has no such restrictions.

(iv) Verbal Communication is discontinuous while Non-Verbal Communication is believed to be continuous.

(v) Verbal Communication is not everyone's cup of tea, but everyone can learn non-verbal communication.

(vi) Verbal Communication has a fixed form whereas Non-Verbal Communication can take any form.

The difference between the use of verbal elements and the use of non-verbal elements can be described as the difference between doing and communicating about doing.