Nonverbal communication

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Successfull communication

In order to communicate successfully people use different languages. What is more, apart from using words or sentences they use different gestures, which can complement or contradict the message sent.

Any communication process requires four elements to be executed successfully (chapter I, p. 12):

- the message is sent by the speaker or writer

- the message is received by the receiver (listener or reader)

- the message is understood

- the speaker receives feedback.

If one of these four elements fails then we can say that communication is not fully successful or the communicative goal has not been achieved. Very often, however, it is not enough to communicate in words. Interpersonal communication involves nonverbal messages, both intentional and subconscious. Furthermore, in some cases words convey a different message than the body, gestures or even facial expression. What to do? How to read the difference? The solution is simple:

If verbal and nonverbal messages are different, you should always focus on nonverbal communication.

There are different forms and channels of nonverbal communication, which you will find described below. They are body movements and posture, eye communica-tion, facial communication, touch communication, silence, closeness or personal space and para-language.

Body language or kinesics

It is important to understand the meaning of body language. One should remember that a gesture, facial expression or body posture should always be analysed in the context of personal behaviour as well as individual preferences.

1. Head nods
   

   Confirmation and agreement are usually expressed by the head moving up and down. One should be careful in Bulgaria, though; in that country nodding means disagreement.

   
   
2. Hand gestures
   

   In most European countries hand shaking is moderate and short (Table 3.1). Both too soft and too hard shake is not appropriate in every day and business settings. You should avoid clapping as not all cultures and situations call for hand clapping.

   
   
   
   SOME BASIC RULES CONNECTED WITH OFFERING HANDS:

TIPS FOR STUDENTS

1. A man waits for a woman to offer her hand.
2. In most countries women shake hands with men; however, there are exceptions to the rule.
3. Some gestures can be used in the place of handshaking, e.g. Namaste or bowing.

Namaste is a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom.

Table 3.1. Types of>handshake – source: after R. Gesteland, p. 72

Country	Type of handshake	Country	Type of handshake
Germans	firm, brisk, frequent	Arabs	gentle, repeated and lingering
French	light, quick, frequent	South Asians	gentle, often lingering
British	moderate	Koreans	moderately firm
Latin Americans	firm & frequent	Most Asians	very gentle & frequent
North Americans	firm & frequent	Poles	firm & frequent
Finns	moderate





3. Eye communication
   

   Oculesics is the study of eyes and eye movement when communicating. It provides information on what we are thinking and feeling, and since we rely heavily on the sense of sight, eye contact is the most prominent of nonverbal communica-tion.

   Situation 1: Two people speaking
   

   When you speak always look straight at the person. The length of eye contact depends on a given culture but usually it is about 2–3 seconds. In some cultures, however, e.g. in Finland, eye contact is not very intense and people may avoid looking straight at you. You should not feel embarrassed or annoyed as it is part of their cultural behaviour.

   Situation 2: One speaker and a group of listeners
   

   When you participate in a discussion or you deliver a talk to a group, you should remember that everybody wants to look at you and wants to feel your eyes on them. Therefore, it is advisable to look around from time to time, paying attention to all participants in a given room.

4. Facial expressions:
   

   Our faces show feelings and moods. Some of us try to hide their feelings and even attend courses to learn how to do it. Facial expressions include: surprise, disbelief, agreement, disappointment, anger. They can also indicate interest, ask for feedback or help synchronise speech with gestures. Today facial expressions are commonly used as icons in emails, text messages or even drawings.

       
Fig. 3.1. Face expressions


5. Appearance
   

   There are many ways of following fashion or your own style. When abroad, one should be careful choosing clothes for work, parties and special occasions. There are certain codes to be followed. For example, at work one prefers more formal clothes compared to weekend parties full of casual style. How you dress signals to your friends or workmates what you think about them. Your image and what impression you make on strangers is also influenced by your appearance.
   

The language of silence

The language of time

Your attitude to time is another element of non-verbal behaviour which forms image of your person as well as your culture. One cannot mix these two elements because you may be very punctual but your culture may be quite reluctant to punctuality. It happens very rarely but should be taken into account.

Space and status

Essential Vocabulary