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How do you define nonverbal communication? Which channels do we use for nonverbal communication? What is the function of nonverbal communication?
Definition
Nonverbal communication is everything that communicates a message but does not include words
So, this definition cover a very wide range of ways of communication
Facial expressions Hand movements Dress Tattoos Jewelry Timing of what happens Position in the interaction Body posture
Tone of voice Eye-movements Positions of the furnutures in the room Touch Smell ...
Definition
As the verbal communication, nonverbal communication also includes encoding and decoding processes
Encoding is a process of turning your message into a symbolic form Decoding is a process of reading and attributing a meaning to an encoded symbols
If you feel happy, you can encode it into a facial expression, and the others can decode this expression to infer your mood state
Actors, teachers and public speakers are good encoders Therapists and advisors are good decoders
Definition
Static NVC refers to the elements of an interaction that do not change during its course
The color of your eyes is static The status of a judge is symbolized by the fact that judges sits higher up all the other people at the court An interaction in a friends bedroom Piercings Millitary Uniforms Your clothes that you wear in an interaction
To understand the process of NVC, we need to focus on its main characteristics NVC is
Symbolic Guided by Rules Cultural Personal Ambiguos Less controled Continuous
NVC is Symbolic
As in the verbal communication, we use symbols to transmit our message in NVC these symbols could be
visionary audotory olfactory somato-sensory
NVC is Cultural
NVC is Personal
Individuals can consturact their own meanin system for nonverbal messages
For some people, hug could be a gesture of intimacy, but for other a violation of personal space
NVC is Ambiguous
Flirting with someone, it is much more safer to send him/her ambiguous messages. Otherwise rejection could be more frustrating
NVC is Continuous
Differing from verbal communication, you can not stop sending nonverbal messages
Your clothes, facial expression, or your posture keep NVC going
Functions of NVC
Interconnects with Verbal Communication Regulates interaction Identifies Others Transmit Emotional Information
Functions of NVC
Sometimes, NVC emphasize verbal communication NVC may moderate the certainity of verbal message Sometimes, NVC contradicts verbal communication
Functions of NVC
Regulates Interaction
NVC
Informs you how you should behave, and Conveys how you want others to behave
Functions of NVC
Identifies Others
Functions of NVC