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Functions of Non-Verbal communication-WPS Office

Functions

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24 views2 pages

Functions of Non-Verbal communication-WPS Office

Functions

Uploaded by

Nestor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Functions of Nonverbal Communication

A primary function of nonverbal communication is to convey meaning by reinforcing, substituting for, or


contradicting verbal communication. Nonverbal communication is also used to influence others and
regulate conversational flow. Perhaps even more important are the ways in which nonverbal
communication functions as a central part of relational communication and identity expression.

Nonverbal Communication Conveys Meaning

Nonverbal communication conveys meaning by reinforcing, substituting for, or contradicting verbal


communication.

In terms of reinforcing verbal communication, gestures can help describe a space or shape that another
person is unfamiliar with in ways that words alone cannot. Gestures also reinforce basic meaning—for
example, pointing to the door when you tell someone to leave. Facial expressions reinforce the
emotional states we convey through verbal communication. For example, smiling while telling a funny
story better conveys your emotions. Vocal variation can help us emphasize a particular part of a
message, which helps reinforce a word or sentence’s meaning. For example, saying “How was your
weekend?” conveys a different meaning than “How was your weekend?”

Nonverbal communication can substitute for verbal communication in a variety of ways. Nonverbal
communication can convey much meaning when verbal communication isn’t effective because of
language barriers. Language barriers are present when a person hasn’t yet learned to speak or loses the
ability to speak. For example, babies who have not yet developed language skills make facial
expressions, at a few months old, that are similar to those of adults and therefore can generate
meaning.

People who have developed language skills but can’t use them because they have temporarily or
permanently lost them or because they are using incompatible language codes, like in some cross-
cultural encounters, can still communicate nonverbally. Although it’s always a good idea to learn some
of the local language when you travel, gestures such as pointing or demonstrating the size or shape of
something may suffice in basic interactions.

Nonverbal communication is also useful in a quiet situation where verbal communication would be
disturbing; for example, you may use a gesture to signal to a friend that you’re ready to leave the library.
Crowded or loud places can also impede verbal communication and lead people to rely more on
nonverbal messages. Getting a server or bartender’s attention with a hand gesture is definitely more
polite than yelling, “Hey you!” Finally, there are just times when we know it’s better not to say
something aloud. If you want to point out a person’s unusual outfit or signal to a friend that you think
his or her date is a loser, you’re probably more likely to do that nonverbally.

Last, nonverbal communication can convey meaning by contradicting verbal communication. For
example, a person may say, “You can’t do anything right!” in a mean tone but follow that up with a
wink, which could indicate the person is teasing or joking. Mixed messages lead to uncertainty and
confusion on the part of receivers, which leads us to look for more information to try to determine
which message is more credible. If we are unable to resolve the discrepancy, we are likely to react
negatively and potentially withdraw from the interaction. Persistent mixed messages can lead to
relational distress and hurt a person’s credibility in professional settings.

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