Unit 4

Non-verbal communication

body movement, physical appearance, verbal sounds, closeness, time

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!

Non-verbal communication helps people to:

 Reinforce or modify what is said in words.

For example, people may nod their heads vigorously when saying “Yes” to emphasise that they
agree with the other person. A shrug of the shoulders and a sad expression when saying “I’m
fine, thanks” may actually imply that things are not really fine at all!

 Convey information about their emotional state.

Your facial expression, your tone of voice, and your body language can often tell people exactly
how you feel, even if you have hardly said a word. Consider how often you have said to
someone,

“Are you OK? You look a bit down.”

We know how people feel from their non-verbal communication.

 Define or reinforce the relationship between people.

If you have ever watched a couple sitting talking, you may have noticed that they tend to ‘mirror’
each other’s body language. They hold their hands in similar positions, they smile at the same
time, and they turn to face each other more fully. These movements reinforce their relationship:
they build on their rapport, and help them to feel more connected.
 Provide feedback to the other person.

Smiles and nods tell someone that you are listening and that you agree with what they are saying.
Movement and hand gestures may indicate that you wish to speak. These subtle signals give
information gently but clearly.

 Regulate the flow of communication

There are a number of signals that we use to tell people that we have finished speaking, or that
we wish to speak. An emphatic nod, and firm closing of the lips indicates that we have nothing
more to say, for example. Making eye contact with the chair of a meeting and nodding slightly
will indicate that you wish to speak.

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Body Language or Body Movements (Kinesics)

Body movements include gestures, posture, head and hand movements or whole body
movements.

Body movements can be used to reinforce or emphasise what a person is saying and also offer
information about the emotions and attitudes of a person. However, it is also possible for body
movements to conflict with what is said.

A skilled observer may be able to detect such discrepancies in behaviour and use them as a clue
to what someone is really feeling and thinking.

2. Closeness and Personal Space (Proxemics)

Every culture has different levels of physical closeness appropriate to different types of
relationship, and individuals learn these distances from the society in which they grew up.

The study of personal space is called proxemics. In today's multicultural society, it is

important to consider the range of non-verbal codes as expressed in different ethnic groups.
When someone violates an ‘appropriate’ distance, people may feel uncomfortable or defensive.
Their actions may well be open to misinterpretation.In Western society, four distances have been
defined according to the relationship between the people involved.

These four distances are associated with the four main types of relationship - intimate, personal,
social and public.
 Each of the distances is divided into two, giving a close phase and a far phase, making eight
divisions in all. It is worth noting that these distances are considered the norm in Western
society.

 Intimate Distance:

Intimate distance ranges from close contact (touching) to the 'far' phase of 15-45cm.

In British society, it tends to be seen as an inappropriate distance for public behaviour and
entering the intimate space of another person with whom you do not have a close relationship
can be extremely disturbing.

 Personal Distance:

The 'far' phase of personal distance is considered to be the most appropriate for people holding a
conversation. At this distance it is easy to see the other person's expressions and eye movements,
as well as their overall body language. Handshaking can occur within the bounds of personal
distance.

 Social Distance:

This is the normal distance for impersonal business, for example working together in the same
room or during social gatherings.

Seating is also important; communication is far more likely to be considered as a formal

relationship if the interaction is carried out across a desk. In addition, if the seating arrangements
are such that one person appears to look down on another, an effect of domination may be
created. At a social distance, speech needs to be louder and eye contact remains essential to
communication, otherwise feedback will be reduced and the interaction may end.

 Public Distance:

Teachers and public speakers address groups at a public distance. At such distances exaggerated
non-verbal communication is necessary for communication to be effective. Subtle facial
expressions are lost at this distance, so clear hand gestures are often used as a substitute. Larger
head movements are also typical of an experienced public speaker who is aware of changes in
the way body language is perceived at longer distances.

3. Eye Contact(Oculesics)

Eye contact is an important aspect of non-verbal behaviour. In interpersonal interaction, it serves

three main purposes:

A. To give and receive feedback

Looking at someone lets them know that the receiver is concentrating on the content of
their speech. Not maintaining eye contact can indicate disinterest.Communication may not
 be a smooth process if a listener averts their eyes too frequently.It has also been suggested that if
someone maintains constant eye contact, then they are trying too hard, and may well be lying.

B. To let a partner know when it is their 'turn' to speak.

This is related to point one. Eye contact is more likely to be continuous when someone is
listening, rather than speaking. When a person has finished what they have to say, they will look
directly at the other person and this gives a signal that the arena is open. If someone does not
want to be interrupted, eye contact may be avoided.

C. To communicate something about a relationship between people

When you dislike someone, you tend to avoid eye contact and your pupil size is often reduced.
On the other hand, the maintenance of positive eye contact signals interest or attraction in a
partner. Dilation of the pupils is an involuntary reaction to the sight of someone attractive, so
increased eye contact could be a biological mechanism to help make that dilation signal clearer
to a potential partner.

4. Para-language, or Voice Signals

Para-language relates to all aspects of the voice which are not strictly part of the verbal message,
including the tone and pitch of the voice, the speed and volume at which a message is delivered,
and pauses and hesitations between words.

These signals can serve to indicate feelings about what is being said.

Emphasising particular words, or the use of particular tones of voice can imply whether or not
feedback is required. For example, in English, and other non-tonal languages, a rising tone at the
end of the sentence can indicate a question.

5. Chronemics

Chronemics is the study of the use of time in nonverbal communication. Time perceptions
include punctuality, willingness to wait, and interactions. The use of time can affect
lifestyles, daily agendas, speed of speech, movements and how long people are willing to
listen.