Exploring the Different Types of Non-Verbal Communication

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Communication is an interactive process whereby people seek to induce some form of change in attitude, belief, or behavior. (Moore, Hickson III and Stack, 2010, p. 5) It is the primary avenue that people use to send and receive messages through predetermined codes. Communication is broken down into verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is an oral interaction between individuals and considered to be an explicit method of communication. Since sounds, words, speaking, and language are the main mechanism in verbal communication, complex thoughts and ideas can be expressed effortlessly. In order to communicate effective, a common language in which words has a specific meaning have to be developed so the message sent, can be receive the way the sender intended. For example in business, verbal communication can make or break a deal if the information is not perceive and it was relay by the sender. The key to successful verbal communication is accurate information. Another vital part of communication is nonverbal communication; it is used 60 to 90 percent of the time in face to face confrontation. Nonverbal communication emphasizes action. It is that component of the message which cannot be articulated in words that is conveyed by nonverbal communication. This method of communication can be symbolic or non-symbolic and implicit, meaning it can be indirect or understood. Mechanisms of nonverbal communication include Haptics (touch), Proxemics (personal space and physical appearance), Kinesics (posture, and body movements) and Vocalics. The purpose of nonverbal communication is to put more connotations into the spoken words. In some instances, the use of words is insufficient to highlight the sentiments or ... ... middle of paper ... ...business are classified as judgment calls. Another form of Kinesics that played a critical role in nonverbal communication is facial expressions and eye contact, which can have an effect on business relations. Individuals can identify with great accuracy seven separate human emotions, by looking only at facial and eye expressions: sadness, happiness, anger, fear, surprise, contempt, and interest. As a result, without vocalizations, a facial expression can communicate a great deal of information to others. People may use different facial management techniques to control our facial expressions. To show strength, people may intensify their faces or may de-intensify their faces to show control or subdue themselves. Some may try not to show any facial expression in an attempt to minimize the situation or covers his or hers emotion to hide their feelings.

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