Page 15 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

Notes The verbal and non-verbal messages together form the total meaning of the message communicated.
There is something said and something implied with every message communicated. For a full
understanding of the message, we should know what has been communicated through words
and without them.
1.4.1 Characteristics of Non-verbal Communication

The following are the key characteristics of non-verbal communication:
1. It is instinctive in nature: Non-verbal communication is quite instinctive in nature, that is,
it indicates the attitude, instincts and feelings of the speaker.
2. It is less conscious: Words are spoken after due thinking and with conscious effort.
Depending on the situation we have to make a more or less conscious effort in these/choice
of words. The non-verbal part of communication, on the other hand, is less deliberate and
conscious as most of the expressions, gestures, etc included in non-verbal communication
are mostly unconsciously expressed, as the speaker may not even be aware of these signs.
3. It is subtle in nature: Spoken and written words are quite obvious and easy to see, listen
and understand, whereas, non-verbal communication is very subtle, and needs skill to be
understood and expressed.
4. It is complimentary to verbal communication: Non-verbal communication does not stand
alone on its own and neither does it completely substitute Communication with words; it
complements Verbal Communication and makes it more effective. As an example, when
we watch a movie, the dialogues are made more impressive by the way they are delivered,
with the modulations in the voice, other gestures and signals.
5. It forms the larger part of the overall communication activity: On scientific analysis it has
been found that the different aspects of communication account for percentages stated
below:

Table 1.1: Extent of Non-verbal Communication

Management Impact Types of Communication
55 percent Facial expression, body position, gestures
7 percent Words
38 percent Tone of voice and inflection

Non-verbal Communication speaks much louder than words.

“A cry of agony is powerful than a tale of woe”.
1.4.2 Classification of Non-verbal Communication

Exchange of messages without words, which take place between two parties, fall within the
category of non-verbal communication. It includes all wordless signs, symbols, gestures, facial
expressions, colours, setting of the surroundings, time, and so on. The non-verbal communication
can be classified into the following categories:
1. Kinesics: Body Language
2. Proxemics: Space Language
3. Time Language
4. Para Language

5. Sign Language

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