Prelim- Kinds of Communication & Non-Verbal Comm. PDF

VERBAL & NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION by: F.B. Soriano Major Types of Communication 1. Intrapersonal Communication- Conversing with yourself by thinking. It is a process by which you convert raw data into information, organize information gathered, evaluate results and reach a conclusion. 2. Inter...

VERBAL & NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION by: F.B. Soriano Major Types of Communication 1. Intrapersonal Communication- Conversing with yourself by thinking. It is a process by which you convert raw data into information, organize information gathered, evaluate results and reach a conclusion. 2. Interpersonal Communication- Conversing with others. A. One-to-one- Communication between 2 people B. Group- Communication among 3 or more people ex. Study Group, Round table C. Public – It is a speaker-audience communication which is used when you wish to address an audience D. Information Technology E. Mass- This is used when you want to reach a bigger audience in different places at the same time. It can be in the form of radio, television, or newspaper F. Nature – It is simply an open-minded and heart-centered experience. You might think of it as befriending a Nature being and having a 'talk' with them. If you have a companion animal, you probably already understand and do this. G. Spatial-With space language you can indicate formal, informal, or intimate distances. Space language is seen in the way you furnish your rooms (a giant desk in an office; a big teacher's desk between the teacher and the students). 4 Reasons Understanding Nonverbal Communication Is Important Understanding different types of nonverbal communication is important in order to control the messages you are communicating and to decode the emotional states of others. Here are a few of the ways understanding nonverbal cues can make you a more effective communicator: 1. To show interest: Nonverbal signals are a great way to communicate attentiveness and engagement to those around you. Controlling your posture and eye contact will demonstrate to others that you are interested in what they have to say. 2. To convey specific meaning: Many words have multiple different meanings, and the things we say can often be misheard. Learning how to complement your words with nonverbal communication can prevent misinterpretation and miscommunication. 3. To establish connection: Nonverbal communication is a great way to establish connection and trust. It’s no accident that many cultures see some sort of physical gesture like a handshake or hug as necessary in certain types of personal interactions. 4. To demonstrate authenticity: Your nonverbal communication goes a long way in establishing the authenticity of your feelings to those you are speaking with. Complementing your actual words with direct eye contact and confident posture will demonstrate to others that you are giving voice to your true feelings. KINDS OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 1. EYE CONTACT Oculesics, which comes from the Latin word oculus, meaning “eye.” The face and eyes are the main point of focus during communication, and along with our ears our eyes take in most of the communicative information around us. The saying “The eyes are the window to the soul” is actually accurate in terms of where people typically think others are “located,” which is right behind the eyes (Andersen, 1999). Certain eye behaviors have become tied to personality traits or emotional states, as illustrated in phrases like “hungry eyes,” “evil eyes,” and “bedroom eyes.” Eye contact serves several communicative functions: A. regulating interaction- we use eye contact to signal to others that we are ready to speak or we use it to cue others to speak ex. “What do you think?” B. monitoring interaction by receiving nonverbal communication from others--- During an interaction, eye contact also changes as we shift from speaker to listener; Signal cognitive activity (we look away when processing information) C. conveying information or intimidation- toward the end of our speaking turn, we make more direct eye contact with our listener to indicate that we are finishing up; that we are paying attention and are interested in what another person is saying D. establishing interpersonal connections--While listening, we tend to make more sustained eye contact, not glancing away as regularly as we do while speaking (Martin & Nakayama, 2010; express flirtation; E. Regulatinhg interactions and providing turn-taking signals---establish rapport 2. APPEARANCE People tend to judge you from information received from your appearance, such as attire, makeup, way of talking, posture, and facial expressions, regardless of whether you wish to be judged or not. If you are aware of this and able to control your appearance, your communication skills will be enhanced dramatically. Researchers have found that appearance can even play a role in how much people earn. Attractive people tend to earn more and receive other fringe benefits, including higher-quality jobs. Examples: A. First impressions last/ are important, which is why experts suggest that job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with potential employers. B. Research on color psychology has demonstrated that different colors can evoke different moods. Appearance can also alter physiological reactions, judgments, and interpretations; C. Culture is an important influence on how appearances are judged. While thinness tends to be valued in Western cultures, some African cultures relate full-figured bodies to better health, wealth, and social status. 3. PARALINGUISTICS This refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language. This form of nonverbal communication includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection, and pitch. For example, consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret a statement as approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a hesitant tone can convey disapproval and a lack of interest. For example, volume helps communicate intensity. A louder voice is usually thought of as more intense, although a soft voice combined with a certain tone and facial expression can be just as intense. We typically adjust our volume based on our setting, the distance between people, and the relationship. In our age of computer-mediated communication, TYPING IN ALL CAPS is usually seen as offensive, as it is equated with yelling. A voice at a low volume or a whisper can be very appropriate when sending a covert message or flirting with a romantic partner, but it wouldn’t enhance a person’s credibility if used during a professional presentation. Speaking rate refers to how fast or slow a person speaks and can lead others to form impressions about our emotional state, credibility, and intelligence. A slow speaker could bore others and lead their attention to wander. A fast speaker may be difficult to follow, and the fast delivery can actually distract from the message 4. BODY LANGUAGE The word kinesics comes from the root word kinesis, which means “movement,” and refers to the study of hand, arm, body, and face movements which are used to express or convey information. Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space. Although body language is an important part of communication, most of it happens without conscious awareness. 5. GESTURES---There are three main types of gestures: A. Adaptors are touching behaviors and movements that indicate internal states typically related to arousal or anxiety. Adaptors can be targeted toward the self, objects, or others. In regular social situations, adaptors result from uneasiness, anxiety, or a general sense that we are not in control of our surroundings. Many of us subconsciously click pens, shake our legs, or engage in other adaptors during classes, meetings, or while waiting as a way to do something with our excess energy. Common self-touching behaviors like scratching, twirling hair, or fidgeting with fingers or hands are considered self-adaptors. Some self-adaptors manifest internally, as coughs or throat-clearing sounds. B. Emblems are gestures that have a specific agreed-on meaning. are not part of a formal sign system like ASL that is explicitly taught to a group of people. Some examples are: A hitchhiker’s raised thumb, the “OK” sign with thumb and index finger connected in a circle with the other three fingers sticking up, and the raised middle finger are all examples of emblems that have an agreed-on meaning or meanings with a culture. Emblems can be still or in motion; for example, circling the index finger around at the side of your head says “He or she is crazy,” or rolling your hands over and over in front of you says “Move on.” Emblems are gestures that have a specific meaning. In the United States, a thumbs-up can mean “I need a ride” or “OK!” C. Illustrators 2. GESTURES 6. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Facial expressions allow individuals to share a message through the use of their eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and facial muscles.. Facial expressions can enhance a message being shared. When an individual is smiling or frowning, rolling their eyes, or scowling, we may be able to interpret the message further. 7. POSTURE In humans, posture can provide a significant amount of important information through nonverbal communication. Psychological studies have also demonstrated the effects of body posture on emotions. The term posture refers to how we hold our bodies as well as the overall physical form of an individual. Posture can convey a wealth of information about how a person is feeling as well as hints about personality characteristics, such as whether a person is confident, open, or submissive. 8. HAPTICS To learn about the power of touch, we turn to haptics, which refers to the study of communication by touch. Haptic communication is nonverbal communication and interaction via the sense of touch. Touch can come in many different forms, some can promote physical and psychological well-being. A warm, loving touch can lead to positive outcomes while a violent touch can ultimately lead to a negative outcome. TYPES OF TOUCH 1. Functional-Professional Touch Medical examination, physical therapy, sports coach, music teacher 2. Social-Polite Touch Handshake 3. Friendship-Warmth Touch Hug 4. Love-Intimacy Touch Kiss between family members or romantic partners 5. Sexual-Arousal Touch Sexual caressing and intercourse 7. TIME or CHRONEMICS The study of the role of time in communication is known as Chronemics. It is concerned with how human beings communicate their use of time; though it carries implications for verbal communication as well. The way we use time and give or do not give our time to others can communicate different messages. Chronemics can send messages to others about what we value and also send messages about power The way we perceive time, structure our time and react to time is a powerful communication tool, and helps set the stage for the communication process. Across cultures, time perception plays a large role in the nonverbal communication process.Time perceptions include punctuality, willingness to wait, and interactions. Some examples are: 1. A slight pause before finishing an announcement can help to build a sense of anticipation in one's audience. 2. In many companies in the United States, punctuality is emphasized. That is, if a meeting with colleagues begins at 8:00 am, employees are expected to be present and ready at or before 8:00 am. 3. Across Western society, time is often considered the equivalent of money. The value of speed is highly prized in some societies (Schwartz, T., 1989). People around the world have different ways of expressing value for time. 8. ACCESSORIES/ ARTIFACTS In non-verbal communication, artifacts are defined as physical items that can act as implicit communication devices. Artifacts include clothing and other apparel, body piercings, car model and color, interior decoration, and more. Artifacts can be personal objects we use to express our identity and culture, play a crucial role in nonverbal communication. They can include clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and even technology. Communication artifacts are created as expressions of human thought. They include advertisements, art, ceremonial and documentary artifacts, exchange media, and personal symbols. Advertising artifacts are objects that were created to call attention to products, services, or events. The study of how these objects convey meaning in social interactions is commonly referred to as artifactual communication. 9. TERRITORIALITY is a term associated with nonverbal communication that refers to how people use space to communicate ownership/occupancy of areas and possessions (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond 2008). For example, when someone stretches out across the couch because they do not want anyone else sitting on it, they are communicating territoriality. People who “mark their territory” do so as a protective mechanism. By being territorial, it gives them a sense of control or perceived power over others. These territorial behaviors may stem from an inner insecurity or experience where they didn't have control in their past. The way you decorate your home, the colors you choose, and the furnishings you choose based on your preferences, speak volumes about you. The things you display such as photographs or mementos that connect to your values and beliefs show what is most important to you. 3 Tips for Understanding Nonverbal Communication In your everyday life, there are many scenarios where an understanding of nonverbal communication can be used to your advantage. Knowing how to decode nonverbal cues can improve your communication skills in many ways. Here are some ways to improve your awareness of nonverbal cues: 1. Look for inconsistencies. Knowing how to spot signs of nervousness like fidgeting or evasive eyes is a great way to determine whether the person you are speaking with is trustworthy. If nonverbal behavior seems to run counter to the verbal messaging, it’s likely that the speaker is not entirely comfortable with what they are saying. 2. Be conscious of cultural differences. It’s important to be aware of the different mannerisms and physical gestures that are common in different cultures. Nonverbal interpersonal communication varies around the world. Don’t rush into judging the nonverbal cues you are picking up from someone from a different country or culture, as they may connote something entirely different in their culture. 3. Observe nonverbal signals holistically. It’s important to observe a variety of nonverbal cues that are being communicated to you. Just because someone has a sweaty brow doesn’t mean they are nervous. Similarly, a twitch in someone’s hand may just be an unconscious tic. Try to view nonverbal signals holistically in order to get a fuller picture of what a person is communicating. REFERENCES: Important Types of Nonverbal Communication by MasterClass Jun 8, 2021 Effective Speech and Oral Communication By Fe Aquino Grandwater Publication (1997)