CM4203 Communications: Week 5 Tutorial 3

CM4203 Communications: Week 5 Tutorial 3

• Tutor: Paulene Yaranon & Gail Flanagan
• Email: [email protected]
• Module Code: CM4203
• Ensure the module code is in the subject line of all emails.

Non-verbal Communication

• Strong communication skills are vital for both personal and professional relationships.
• Non-verbal communication significantly influences human interactions, often complementing spoken language.
• Non-verbal cues provide insights into a situation, emotional states, how information is received, and appropriate behavioral approaches.
• Developing nonverbal communication skills is valuable throughout a career.

Methods of Nonverbal Communication

• Facial Expressions: Convey a wide range of emotions (e.g., happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, disgust).
• Body Language: Includes posture, gestures, movement, and how someone sits or stands. Open arms might show openness while crossed arms suggest defensiveness.
• Gestures: Enhance or emphasize verbal messages (e.g., pointing, waving, thumbs-up).
• Eye Contact: Indicates interest, attentiveness, or sincerity.
• Tone of Voice: The pitch, volume, and tone of speech communicates emotions and attitudes.
• Posture: Implies confidence, authority, or relaxation; a slouched posture might suggest disinterest.
• Touch: Can convey various emotions (comfort, support, intimacy). The context matters to decode the message.
• Personal Space: Varying comfort zones exist culturally and individually.
• Appearance: Clothing communicates personality, professionalism, and cultural identity.

Professional Use of Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication often comprises 55% of communication.
• Tone conveys 38% and Verbal 7%.
• Being mindful of nonverbal cues is important, especially in a professional context, to avoid misinterpretations.
• Employing confident body language, appropriate eye contact, and open body language can convey confidence and approachability.
• Matching facial expressions with the message aids in clarity and trust.
• Professional attire reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
• Appropriate tone of voice and variation in pitch maintain engagement.
• Maintaining appropriate personal space is respectful.

Paralanguage

• Paralanguage encompasses aspects of vocal communication (pitch, tone, volume, rhythm, and intonation)
• These vocal features can add emphasis.
• They can clarify spoken words and convey authority/credibility.
• They can contradict the spoken words.

Benefits of Nonverbal Communication

• Expressing emotions
• Enhancing verbal communication
• Understanding emotions
• Building relationships
• Conveying confidence and authority
• Facilitating feedback
• Negotiation and persuasion
• Conflict resolution

Suggestions for Improving Nonverbal Communication

• Body Language: Project confidence through body posture and gestures. Employ purposeful gestures.
• Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact to show trust.
• Body Language (Approachability): Open posture to appear approachable.
• Facial Expressions: Use appropriate expressions to convey emotions (empathy).
• Grooming and Dressing: Professional appearance conveys respect and professionalism.
• Tone of Voice: Use a confident tone to engage colleagues.
• Gestures: Use gestures that are appropriate to the situation.
• Proximity & Personal Space: Respect others' personal space, but also offer yourself as approachable.

Group Task

• Students are to identify the benefits and challenges of virtual communication.
• Students need to reflect on a surprising/unexpected aspect discovered during virtual communication.

This week’s tutorial focuses on the importance of non-verbal communication in personal and professional interactions. Explore how facial expressions, body language, and gestures play crucial roles in conveying emotions and influencing conversations. Developing these skills is essential for enhancing overall communication effectiveness.