Nonverbal Communication: The Importance and Main Aspects

Nonverbal communication is the first thing that interests me because of its importance. I believe that many individuals underestimate the significance of nonverbal communication. We normally think of communication in reference to what we say or the words we utilize. Interpersonal communication encompasses far more than the literal definition of words and the details or connotations that they give. It also includes nonverbal behaviors that convey implied messages, whether they are intentional or unintentional. Face expressions, voice tone and pitch, body language gestures (kinesics), and physical distance between communicators (proxemics) are all examples of nonverbal communication. Beyond oral communication, these nonverbal cues can provide insights, supplementary information, and meaning. In a study of kinesics conducted by anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell, it was discovered that nonverbal communication accounts for more than 65 percent of all communication.

Non-verbal conversation occurs besides the use of any oral or written word. Instead of written or oral words, it relies on a variety of non-verbal cues like physical movements, tasks, colors, signs, symbols, signals charts, etc. to express feelings, attitudes or information. Although no phrase is used in non-verbal communication, it can effectively speak many human feelings greater precisely than verbal strategies of communication.

There are three main aspects of nonverbal communication: facial expression, gestures, and tone of voice.

Facial expression is the most universal form of language in the world. Therefore, in order to have a good first impression and grabbing audience’s attention. It is because the similarity of facial expressions used to convey fear, anger, sadness, and happiness are very high around the world. It’s the easiest way for us to identify a person’s attitude at a first sight. Let’s think for a moment that we are able to convey with just looking at a face. For example, a smile implies happiness or approval, while a frown may imply unhappiness or disapproval. Therefore, the expressions on our face can help convey authenticity and building trust from others if we can control it and manage well. According to a study, it is suggested that the most trustworthy expression is a smile and slight raise of the eyebrows that shows your friendliness and confidence to others. As a result, the way you communicate with audience will determine how they respond to you.

Apart from facial expression, gesture is the second most direct and obvious non-verbal signals. For example, gestures like waving, pointing, and using the fingers to indicate greetings and numbers are very common in the world. However, although gesture is universal, the meaning of a specific gesture may not be the same. They vary differently across cultures and sometimes ambiguous. Therefore, if you would like to communicate with peers across the world effectively, it is crucial for you to have at least a basic understanding of different types of nonverbal cues based on culture and country of origin.

For example, the 'okay' gesture means 'okay' or 'all right ' for most of us. However, in some parts of Europe, it is used to indicate that you are nothing. Besides, it is even a vulgar gesture in some South American countries. Another example is the V gesture, it means victory. We use this gesture when we are celebrating a happy moment However, in the United Kingdom and Australia, it carries an offensive meaning if the back of the hand is put in front of others.

Last but not least, tone of voice, pitch range and volume is easily neglected by many people. However, it can convey a lot of information like ranging from enthusiasm to disinterest. Therefore, it is suggested to be aware of your tone of voice. It affects how others respond to you. And try to control your volume when you want to emphasize on some ideas. For example, if you want to show interest in some aspect, you can express your enthusiasm by using an animated or energetic tone of voice. In such action, not only does it show your feelings towards a topic, but also help generate interest from audience who are listening to your speech.

Your nonverbal communication indications, such as how you listen, look, move, and respond, reveal to the individual with whom you are communicating whether you care or not, if you are being truthful, and how effectively you are listening. When your nonverbal signals correlate with what you are verbalizing, trust, transparency, and rapport grow. When they do not, tension, doubt, and uncertainty might arise. Nonverbal cues can be as significant as what we say, if not more so. Non-verbal communication can have a significant influence on the listener and the communication’s outcome.

To conclude, nonverbal communication is essential in our lives because it improves an individual’s capacity to relate, participate, and build significant relations. Those who obtain a better knowledge of this nonverbal communication may be able to form more meaningful connections with others. Nonverbal communication takes different forms and is understood in a variety of ways by various people, especially throughout cultures. The absence of nonverbal clues can be significant as well and can represent nonverbal communication itself. Every maneuver and mix of kinesics of the body, like demeanor alterations, eye direction, limb motions, and facial expressions, send cues to others. These cues can be unapparent or evident as well as contradictive: an individual might say one thing while nonverbally conveying an entirely different message. Especially if the individual is not being truthful. People have less purposeful control over their nonverbal communications than they do with what with the words they speak. Nonverbal communication is more informative of an individual’s actual feelings because it is usually instinctual and difficult to falsify. If there is a disconnect between the two, believe the nonverbal indications rather than the words being utilized.