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Technology for Teaching and Learning 2
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NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to;
1. Define Non-Verbal Communication
2. Familiarize with the meanings of gestures in different cultures
3. Differentiate Non-Verbal and Verbal Communication
When we talk about ‘communication’, we often mean ‘what we say’: the words
that we use. However, interpersonal communication is much more than the explicit
meaning of words, and the information or message that they convey. It also includes
implicit messages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal
behaviours.
Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, the tone and pitch of
the voice, gestures displayed through body language (kinesics) and the physical
distance between the communicators (proxemics). These non-verbal signals can give
clues and additional information and meaning over and above spoken (verbal)
communication. Indeed, some estimates suggest that around 70 to 80% of
communication is non-verbal.
Nonverbal communication refers to gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye
contact (or lack thereof), body language, posture, and other ways people can
communicate without using language. It uses the entire body to communicate. It can
only occur when all the parties in the conversation can see each other. It is a
continuous process. It’s not well-thought-out and is largely involuntary, although, you
can train yourself to use it more purposefully.
Nonverbal communication happens on an unconscious level. One doesn’t really
think about it actively. It is also difficult to decode because you have to pay attention
to many factors including speaker’s body language, facial expressions, and tone.
Three Types of Gestures
1. Emphatic Gesture
2. Descriptive Gesture
3. Suggestive Gesture
Kinds of Hand Gestures
1. Hand supine - palm upward- to show approval, plan or request.
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2. Hand adverse - palm outward, away from the body to show stronger feeling of
dislike and suppressed complete rejection
3. Hand Index - first finger extended as if pointing to show or point out an idea,
a fact, a place, or a person
4. Clenched fist - to express great earnestness or intensity of feeling
There are lots of gestures that used all over the world and they vary in meaning
depending on cultures. A very positive gesture in one culture may have a completely
different meaning in other cultures.
Click here to see more about the meanings of different gestures in different
cultures: https://www.slideshare.net/meryemx/meanings-of-hand-gestures-in-
differenet-cultures
Benefits Derived from Bodily Action and Gestures
1. They help break down stage fright.
2. They are an outlet for nervous energy.
3. They penetrate enthusiasm in the speaker.
4. They stimulate rapidity of thinking and fluency of utterance.
5. They reveal the personality of the speaker.
6. They help in understanding the message.
Using Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication helps people to:
Reinforce or modify what is said in words.
Convey information about their emotional state.
Know how people feel from their non-verbal communication.
Define or reinforce the relationship between people.
Provide feedback to the other person.
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Regulate the flow of communication
Types of Non-Verbal Communication
There are many different types of non-verbal communication;
Body movements (kinesics), for example, hand gestures or nodding or
shaking the head, which are often the easiest element of non-verbal
communication to control;
Posture, or how you stand or sit, whether your arms are crossed, and so
on;
Eye contact, where the amount of eye contact often determines the level
of trust and trustworthiness;
Para-language, or aspects of the voice apart from speech, such as pitch,
tone, and speed of speaking;
Closeness or personal space (proxemics), which determines the level of
intimacy, and which varies very much by culture;
Facial expressions, including smiling, frowning and blinking, which are
very hard to control consciously. Interestingly, the broad facial
expressions that show strong emotions, such as fear, anger, and
happiness, are the same throughout the world; anD
Physiological changes, for example, you may sweat or blink more when
you are nervous, and your heart rate is also likely to increase. These are
almost impossible to control consciously and are therefore a very
important indicator of mental state.
In Conclusion
Non-verbal communication is an extremely complex yet integral part of overall
communication skills. However, people are often totally unaware of their non-verbal
behaviour.
A basic awareness of non-verbal communication strategies, over and above
what is actually said can help to improve interaction with others. Knowledge of these
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signs can be used to encourage people to talk about their concerns and can lead to a
greater shared understanding, which is, after all, the purpose of communication.
Reference: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/nonverbal-communication.html
TASK:
1. In 3-5 sentences, define NON VERBAL communication in your own words.
2. Show the difference between VERBAL and NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION
through Venn diagram. Make it neat and attractive.
Note: Share your output as a file (Word document/ PDF) to
[email protected] Technology for Teaching and Learning 2
