Understanding Body Language

Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication.  It refers to the signals that we use to communicate, which make up a huge part of our daily communication.  Things we don’t say can still convey volumes of information, therefore it is important to understand the various forms of body language you voluntarily or involuntary communicate to others,

Facial Expressions show a wide range of emotions including:

• happiness
• sadness
• anger
• surprise
• disgust
• fear
• confusion
• excitement
• desire
• contempt

Human emotions transcend cultural and geographic boarders and language barriers because emotions are universal.  Therefore, facial expressions are an effective way to communicate with others nonverbally.

These expressions are tied to our emotions

and can therefore be voluntary or involuntary.

Our Eyes are commonly referred to as the “windows to our soul” as they are capable of revealing what a person is thinking or feeling.  The next time you have a conversation with someone, pay attention to the following eye signals:

• Eye Gaze: making direct eye contact shows interest where as constantly breaking eye contact indicated distraction or discomfort.
• Blinking: Although blinking is a natural and necessary action, blinking too much or very rapidly can covey discomfort or distress.  Infrequent blinking can mean that a person is trying to control his or her eye movements.
• Pupil Size: The size of your pupils change depending on the environment you are in and sometime our emotions affect their size as well.

Do you notice these signals in other people?

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  SOURCE:
  Cherry, Kendra. "Understanding Body Language - Reading Body Language." Psychology - Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. Web. 5 June 2012. <http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/ss/understanding-body-language.htm>.

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Let’s expand on the different types of non-verbal communication.

First, we have facial expressions.  This is perhaps that more prevalent type of nonverbal communication as many of our facial expressions are involuntary.  Facial expressions transcend languages and cultures.  Everyone has the same facial responses to happiness, sadness, anger and fear throughout the world.

Secondly, gestures and signals are deliberate movements to communicate without using words.  This type of communication is used almost exclusively by those who are hearing impaired.  This method helps those who are physically incapable of communicating verbally; communicate with others around them using a universal language.  Alternatively, there are hand gestures, which are limited to certain cultures, eras and geographic locations.  For example, what is the peace sign now, was the victory sign in the past.

Next, your tone of voice communicates a lot, this includes volume, inflection and pitch.  Your tone can be very important because it can affect your overall message if deliver improperly.  For example, if you are taking a course and the instructor speaks in a completely monotone voice, you will very likely loose interest in the course almost instantly, regardless of the course content.

Body language and posture can also convey a lot of information because they can indicate feelings and attitudes.  Arm crossing and leg crossing can be interpreted in different ways, for example if your arms are crossed in front of your chest you could come off as defensive.

Personal space is also considered to be a non verbal form of communication.  Generally the proximity we have between other people is determined by social norms, but can also be influenced by personality factors, situational factors and your level of familiarity to the person.

Eye contact is also an important form of non verbal communication.  Looking, staring and blinking can indicate a range of emotion, from interest, to hostility to attraction.

Communicating through touch is also very important because it affects how humans develop.  There have been studies, for example, on how the deprivation of touch and contact can hinder proper development of children. 

Finally, the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is widely known as being excessive and irrevelent, but many fall into the trap regardless.  This is because appearance speaks volumes; from your choice of hair styles, clothing, and color can suggest different moods.  Therefore, it is important for you to make your first impression a good one, especially with potential employers.

I want to hear what you have think about about this topic...

Which type of non verbal communication do you think is the most important? 

What benefits do you think non verbal communication impose in the total communication process?

SOURCE:

Cherry, Kendra. "Types of Nonverbal Communication." Psychology - Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. Web. 1 June 2012. <http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm>.

The Skinny on Non-Verbal Communication

 Although non-verbal communication is not as effective as verbal communication, it holds an importance because this type of communications transcends language barriers.  Different typed of non verbal communication include:

• aesthetic- e.g. dancing
• diagrams
• eye contact
• facial expressions
• gestures/signs
• posture
• sign language
• symbols

It is important to be ware of these types of non-verbal communication.  If not, you could be communicating with other people in a negative (or positive) way and not even know it! 

As the diagram shows, non verbal communication comprises 65% of your overall impression.  This means that if, for example, you were speaking with your boss about a serious matter but you refrain from making eye contact or are constantly moving, your message may not get across to them because they would be distracted from your other forms of communication.  Therefore, it is important be mindful of all the forms of non-verbal communication which can distract from your overall message.

What suggestions would you give to people who have a fear of making eye contact or are nervous speaking in front of other people?

Have you ever had this experience?

SOURCE:

Fitzgerald, Peter. "Nonverbal Communication." Peter Fitzgerald's Blog. Web. 22 May 2012. <http://petermjfitzgerald.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/nonverbal-communication/>.