Non verbal communication signals Functions and categories K.Gotosa

Functions Complement verbal messages Reinforce messages Contradict Replace Repeat regulate

Categories/Types Kinesics Proxemicss Paravocalics Chronemics Artifacts Olfactics Haptics silence

kinesics Body movements as people interact e.g. Gestures, facial expressions- helps convey your message Eye movements- eye contact for feedback, display of confidence, honesty Posture-the way we stand in relation to others , the way we walk, arm and hand movements, -the way we sit-can be tense or relaxed- may show active listening(leaning forward) or wish to withdraw from conversation (leaning back) Hand movements may function to regulate turn taking, show sincerity, These influence how we communicate and affect how people interpret us. May show our feelings towards the other person and the subject.

Proxemics Distance/ space/territoriality We often carry a comfort zone. It is invaded we get offended or uncomfortable. This varies according to culture Study of proxemics covers how people use space, how they react to space around them and desire to maintain their own space. Intimate zone- often invaded in a lift, bus or queue (people cope with tension by silence, eyes turned away and a rigid sitting or standing that shows desire to avoid contact Personal zone-people who know each other stand close to each other when they are talking Public zone Territoriality: my desk, my house, my office. So its important to consider people’ spacial needs and to respect them.

chronemics Time management Differs from culture to culture Western culture- time flows like water in a river , once lost, it can never be recovered. So punctuality emphasized. Lateness communicates a negative msg. e.g an insult. In other cultures, time is renewable. So no need to hurry. Slow but sure. Monochronemics vs polychronemics

olfactics Smell communicates Positively after freshening up Brushing teeth putting on clean clothes And Negatively as well Not bathing, rushing and sweating Not changing socks/clothes Using strong perfumes

artifacts Clothing and accessories For self esteem To be accepted by others as members of groups But also contribute to impression created regarding status, interests and personalities.

Paravocalics/linguistics Describes the ways in which we speak rather than what is said. It covers Voice intonations- the rise and fall of the voice tone of voice helps in creation of a friendly and open atmosphere Amount of speech Speed of speech Pitch and volume. (not shouting) use a resonant voice which carries right to the back of the room. Increase volume to emphasises or stress a point Use pauses to let the point sink in. Includes clearing of throats, coughs and even crying. Should you use a microphone practice using it before the session.

Paralanguage cont; Through paralanguage we decide on people’s Age Emotions Feelings about themselves Attitudes towards us Intelligence Level of sophistication etc. Judgments can however be misleading so accurate communication to be aimed for

Haptics Touch communicates To gain attention To interrupt To reassure To show closeness Signal of affection

silence Encourages smooth turn-taking Shows that someone is listening. In the form of pauses, silence allows audience to absorb what is being said. Silence can range from -Contemplation, anger, embarrassment, respect, fear -shyness, concentration, Boredom.

Problem of NVC interpretation Non verbal communication usually trusted than verbal It is more effective way of showing emotions and attitudes than speech However ,it can be ambiguous and therefore meaning of NVC signals should be derived from the total context. NVC signals to be interpreted in clusters rather than individually.

Importance of awareness of NVC signals We rely on first impressions to judge people First impressions are hard to change We judge people in terms of our own beliefs about NVC. We judge people basing on NVC signals. We use non verbal stereotypes to judge people.