Non - Verbal communication 2 of 2
Seven different aspects of analyzing non verbal communication
Theoretical writings and research classify nonverbal communication into seven Main areas:
1. Body movement (kinesics behavior)
2. Physical characteristics
3. Touching behavior
4. Vocal qualities (paralanguage)
5. Space (proximity)
6. Artifacts
7. Environment
Body Movement
Body movement, or kinesics behaviour, includes movement of the hands, head, feet and legs, posture, eye movements and facial expressions – all these affect the message.
Body posture – the way a person stands, leans forward, pointing and shaking a Finger at someone, is seen as trying to dominate the other person. The way this is received by others, and the type of feedback given, determines how the Communication will flow.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics such as body shape, general attractiveness, body and breathe odors, weight, hair and skin color are important parts of nonverbal communication.
Because people react and respond to these factors, they all determine their responses in interpersonal encounters. First impressions and images of others can be associated unconsciously with past experiences of people with similar physical characteristics.
Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)
It consists of the voice qualities and vocalizations that affect how something is said rather than what is said. Voice qualities include:
Pitch range
Pitch control
Rhythm control
Tempo
Articulation control
Resonance.
Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)
Vocalizations also give clue to the total message. The tones of voice, rate of speaking and voice inflection are an important part of the total message. A tired person, for example, will speak more slowly than usual, a disappointed person may speak with a flat tone, while the tone of voice of someone excited about a coming holiday reflects this excitement.
Vocal characterizers: Laughing, crying, sighing, yawning, clearing the throat, groaning, yelling, whispering
Vocal Qualifiers: Intensity (loud/soft); pitch height (high/low).
Vocal Segregates: Sounds such a ‘uh-huh’, ‘um’, ‘uh’; silent pauses.
Proximity (Use of Space)
Proximity means nearness, in terms of physical space. How people use their personal space and that of others communicates a message. This response to spatial relationships in formal, informal and intimate setting indicates how that person perceives and feels in that space.
People also use their height and weight to convey a message. If you tower over other people in a way that intrudes on their personal space you may cause their discomfort and withdrawal.
Personal space varies according to: Gender, Status, Roles, Culture
Research has shown that Australians speaking to acquaintances or work colleagues leave about an arm’s length of space between themselves and the other person. People speaking to friends and family leave about half an arm or an elbow’s length between themselves and others.
People in intimate relationships allow direct and close contact when speaking to each other. The use of space reflects the way people feel about others.
Artifacts
Artifacts are objects used to convey nonverbal messages about self-concept, image, mood, feeling or style.
For example, perfume, clothes, lipstick, glasses and hairpieces project the style or mood of the wearer. Many artifacts are common to the group but we also use artifacts, particularly clothing, as an individual form of communication.
Appearance and cloth are important and highly visible parts of nonverbal communication. Consider the different between the clothes you wear to the beach and the clothes you wear to a job interview.
The choice of clothes reflects your mood and your attitude to the occasion. Other people note and place their own interpretation on your dress.
Even if you decide you will not bother about personal appearance or clothes, others will read this message as part of your nonverbal communication.
Environmental Factors
The environment can influence the outcome of communication. The environment should put people at ease and match their expectations; an unsuitable environment can produce ‘noise’ that causes communication barriers and interferes with the communication process.
Certain instincts, such as desire for privacy, familiarity and security, need to be satisfied. Natural and artificial light, color, temperature, tables, chairs, desks, lounges, plants, sound, artwork, magazines, and floor and wall coverings all have an impact on people’s perception of a place
Attention to punctuality or a disregard for it can make a strong nonverbal impact. A disregard for punctuality may, like a sloppy appearance, merely reflect a casual attitude. However, a deliberate decision to keep a contact waiting may be a way to communicate a negative message.
While punctuality is a matter of courtesy, attitudes towards its important vary between cultures. To be kept waiting for a business appointment on a tropical island will not have the same significance as a delay in some European counties where punctuality is highly regard.
The above discussion of the seven aspects of nonverbal communication provides a theoretical analysis. However, to consider each aspect in isolation is artificial. In practice, what is sent as a total message is a cluster of nonverbal cues in association with the spoken words
Theoretical writings and research classify nonverbal communication into seven Main areas:
1. Body movement (kinesics behavior)
2. Physical characteristics
3. Touching behavior
4. Vocal qualities (paralanguage)
5. Space (proximity)
6. Artifacts
7. Environment
Body Movement
Body movement, or kinesics behaviour, includes movement of the hands, head, feet and legs, posture, eye movements and facial expressions – all these affect the message.
Body posture – the way a person stands, leans forward, pointing and shaking a Finger at someone, is seen as trying to dominate the other person. The way this is received by others, and the type of feedback given, determines how the Communication will flow.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics such as body shape, general attractiveness, body and breathe odors, weight, hair and skin color are important parts of nonverbal communication.
Because people react and respond to these factors, they all determine their responses in interpersonal encounters. First impressions and images of others can be associated unconsciously with past experiences of people with similar physical characteristics.
Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)
It consists of the voice qualities and vocalizations that affect how something is said rather than what is said. Voice qualities include:
Pitch range
Pitch control
Rhythm control
Tempo
Articulation control
Resonance.
Paralanguage (Vocal Qualities)
Vocalizations also give clue to the total message. The tones of voice, rate of speaking and voice inflection are an important part of the total message. A tired person, for example, will speak more slowly than usual, a disappointed person may speak with a flat tone, while the tone of voice of someone excited about a coming holiday reflects this excitement.
Vocal characterizers: Laughing, crying, sighing, yawning, clearing the throat, groaning, yelling, whispering
Vocal Qualifiers: Intensity (loud/soft); pitch height (high/low).
Vocal Segregates: Sounds such a ‘uh-huh’, ‘um’, ‘uh’; silent pauses.
Proximity (Use of Space)
Proximity means nearness, in terms of physical space. How people use their personal space and that of others communicates a message. This response to spatial relationships in formal, informal and intimate setting indicates how that person perceives and feels in that space.
People also use their height and weight to convey a message. If you tower over other people in a way that intrudes on their personal space you may cause their discomfort and withdrawal.
Personal space varies according to: Gender, Status, Roles, Culture
Research has shown that Australians speaking to acquaintances or work colleagues leave about an arm’s length of space between themselves and the other person. People speaking to friends and family leave about half an arm or an elbow’s length between themselves and others.
People in intimate relationships allow direct and close contact when speaking to each other. The use of space reflects the way people feel about others.
Artifacts
Artifacts are objects used to convey nonverbal messages about self-concept, image, mood, feeling or style.
For example, perfume, clothes, lipstick, glasses and hairpieces project the style or mood of the wearer. Many artifacts are common to the group but we also use artifacts, particularly clothing, as an individual form of communication.
Appearance and cloth are important and highly visible parts of nonverbal communication. Consider the different between the clothes you wear to the beach and the clothes you wear to a job interview.
The choice of clothes reflects your mood and your attitude to the occasion. Other people note and place their own interpretation on your dress.
Even if you decide you will not bother about personal appearance or clothes, others will read this message as part of your nonverbal communication.
Environmental Factors
The environment can influence the outcome of communication. The environment should put people at ease and match their expectations; an unsuitable environment can produce ‘noise’ that causes communication barriers and interferes with the communication process.
Certain instincts, such as desire for privacy, familiarity and security, need to be satisfied. Natural and artificial light, color, temperature, tables, chairs, desks, lounges, plants, sound, artwork, magazines, and floor and wall coverings all have an impact on people’s perception of a place
Attention to punctuality or a disregard for it can make a strong nonverbal impact. A disregard for punctuality may, like a sloppy appearance, merely reflect a casual attitude. However, a deliberate decision to keep a contact waiting may be a way to communicate a negative message.
While punctuality is a matter of courtesy, attitudes towards its important vary between cultures. To be kept waiting for a business appointment on a tropical island will not have the same significance as a delay in some European counties where punctuality is highly regard.
The above discussion of the seven aspects of nonverbal communication provides a theoretical analysis. However, to consider each aspect in isolation is artificial. In practice, what is sent as a total message is a cluster of nonverbal cues in association with the spoken words
posted by ssmz at 8:24 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home