Nonverbal Communication

Communicating without, or in addition to, SPOKEN words.

Why is nonverbal comm. so important?

• Reinforces the message– Helps understanding and remembering.– Believe more of what we see than hear.

• Feedback:– Helps the sender know what the receiver is feeling about the

message.

Warning: If NV doesn’t match Verbal you could confuse the receiver.

Nonverbal Elements

• Facial Expressions• Gestures• Appearance• Posture/Walk• Touch

– Eye Contact– Space/Proximity– Sign Language– Written: Signs, texts, emails, etc…

– Paralanguage• Laughing, Crying, Sarcasm, etc…

Use of Proximity/Space

• Intimate = less than 18 inches– Close friends & relationships

• Personal = 1.5 – 4 feet– Comfortable for conversation b/w friends

• Social = 4 – 12 feet– Social or business exchanges or conversations

• Public = More than 12 feet– Stores or malls where you do not have a lot of

acknowledgement, other than a head nod.

Written Communication• Etiquette

– do not use all caps or an uncommon font– be aware of your tone– check your Intelligence (punctuation/spelling/grammar)

• Record of exchanged information– Once written & sent, there is proof.– Referenced when needed.

• Ability to Revise until clear and professioanl.

– Sarcasm and wit are difficult to understand in written communication. It can come off as rude. No emoticons in pro. Comm.

Paralanguage– Rate: speed

• Too fast or Too slow

– Pitch: emphasis/inflection• Monotone: one pitch• Sarcasm

– Tone: “Feeling” of your message• Bossy

– Volume– Articulation: Crisp and distinct syllables

• “Coulda”, “gonna”, “hafta” (these are slang!!)

– Laughing, crying, yawning, etc…– Pauses or hesitations