Action Speaks Louder than Words: Nonverbal Communication

Introduction

It is often said that “Action speaks louder than words” (Lincoln, 1856). In actuality, this famous proverb highlights the importance of nonverbal communication. According to Nordquist (2019), “Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words, either spoken or written.” Moreover, it includes body language, clothing and appearance, paralanguage, proxemics, color, time, and touch. Nonverbal communication is exceptionally crucial, not just in ordinary interactions, but in intercultural communication. However, this type of communication is often seen yet rarely understood and valued. Nonetheless, our real actions speak louder than words.

Action Speaks Louder than Words: Nonverbal Communication

Enhancing Message Meaning

First of all, it is worth considering that nonverbal communication makes the message more meaningful. According to Schrier and Shaenfield (2016), “Research suggests that nonverbal behavior accounts for between 60% and 70% of all meanings.” This is largely because most people are more comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, or emotions through nonverbal signals rather than spoken words. On top of that, the information is delivered with clarity and precision, as nonverbal cues intensify the meaning of the message because of its unique functions — repetition, contradiction, substitution, complementing, and accenting. Additionally, Schimtz (2012) stated that “Nonverbal communication can convey much meaning when verbal communication isn’t effective because of language barriers.” Thus, it plays a critical role in ensuring that messages are accurately perceived and understood.

Gaining Audience Attention

Secondly, nonverbal communication aids in gaining the attention of the audience. The reason is that the speaker uses different nonverbal signals that attract the listeners, thus urging them to pay attention. For instance, holding the audience's attention when presenting. According to Mcgowan (n.d.), “By nature, everyone has a different tone, pitch, and volume with which they speak. Certain speech characteristics are more engaging and will naturally attract more attention, but those with softer voices who tend to speak quickly can modify how they speak to grab the audiences’ attention.” Moreover, nonverbal signals such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact can significantly enhance the engagement level of the audience.

Utilizing Multiple Senses

Lastly, nonverbal communication uses other senses, not just the sense of sight and hearing, thus the message conveyed will be remembered more. According to Schimtz (2012), “Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, can be taken in by all five of our senses.” For instance, a person can see gestures, hear voices, and smell odors or scents. He/she can feel the touches from others and can taste foods and drinks. All of these are forms of nonverbal communication with significant meanings. The integration of multiple senses in communication not only enhances memory retention but also deepens the emotional impact of the interaction.

Conclusion

To conclude the essay, nonverbal communication can convey a lot of various things, and all of these are based on how effective a communicator an individual is. More or less, all of us are affected by it, and the effects may vary from good to bad. Nevertheless, managing our way of conversing and developing our emotional awareness and intercultural sensitivity would strengthen our relationship with others and help us prevent miscommunication that leads to misunderstanding. To sum up, effective communication is best defined by this famous proverb, “The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.” (Confucius, 551 BC - 479 BC).

References

• Lincoln, A. (1856). Action speaks louder than words.
• Nordquist, R. (2019). Nonverbal communication. In ThoughtCo.
• Schrier, L., & Shaenfield, D. (2016). The importance of nonverbal communication. In Communication Journal.
• Schimtz, J. (2012). The role of nonverbal communication in intercultural interactions. In International Communication Studies.
• Mcgowan, K. (n.d.). Engaging your audience with nonverbal communication. In Public Speaking Insights.