The Role Of NVC In Interpersonal Communication

The Role Of NVC In Interpersonal Communication

During interpersonal communication only 30% is communicated verbally.

The remaining 70% is messages sent, sometimes unconsciously, as

non-verbal communication. NVC is seen to transmit emotional

information that our ordinary speech does not. It can be divided into

nine main areas and these can be divided into many sub divisions. It

is worth remembering that all the areas interact with each other and

they co-exist alongside speech. Also, NVC differs dramatically from

culture to culture. Each culture has evolved its own particular NVC.

Gesture can be defined as an action or signal that is intentional and

communicative. In other words, we are always aware of our gestures as

we use them voluntary. It is often used in conjunction with speech (a

wave and a spoken hello) or it can be used to communicate when speech

is difficult or unnecessary. (Such as a finger to a pursed lip to

indicate silence) Another common use of gesture is when we wish to

communicate insults or displeasure. However, we must be aware of how

gestures can vary from culture to culture. The thumb up gesture of

Western Europe, that means good luck, is an extremely rude gesture in

Iran.

Kinesics is closely linked to gesture. We use small bodily movements

that emphasis our speech. Small hand movements, head nods, gaze shifts

and facial expressions are all unconscious movements we use while

engaged in interpersonal communication. These movements are often used

alongside our speech to clarify and punctuate our utterances. Studies

show that if we are trying to make our spoken conversation more

persuasive we use more open hand...

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... conjunction with verbal communication and all aspects of

NVC are closely linked. NVC is affected culturally. What may be

acceptable in one culture may be considered rude in another. However,

some facial language is innate and universal. How our NVC is

interpreted depends on the decoder's emotional perception. Conversely,

how we communicate is, in turn, affected by our own perceptions,

attitudes and values. Finally, NVC is a very individual

characteristic. To correctly interpret someone's NVC we need to be

aware of his or her base level. That is this, normal characteristics

usually displayed by that person.

Bibilography

WWW.cultstock.ndirect.co.uk (2000) Accessed 5th November 2002

Davis J (2002) Task Sheet 14, Isle of Wight College.

Study Sheet 20(1989) The Communications Kit, Cambridge University

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