Nonverbal communication takes place in every social setting, though often it is not recognized for what it is or for

what it means. Much research has been undertaken in recent years to analyze different kinds of nonverbal
communication, and much of this research has addressed issues of interpersonal and inter-gender communication,
addressing questions of interpersonal attraction, flirting, interactions in business situations, comparisons of male
versus female interpretations of nonverbal behavior, and so on. An examination of the literature shows some of the
parameters of this research and suggests ways of interpreting the findings and applying them to different situations.

Gaze Another behavior addressed in the research is gaze, which can have a
different effect depending on the situation in which it is assessed. There are two
competing models of social meaning and effects of eye gaze--the first is that
different levels of eye gaze have clearly identifiable meani
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The basis of communication is the interaction between people. Verbal

communication is one way for people to communicate face-to-face. Some of the
key components of verbal communication are sound, words, speaking, and
language.
At birth, most people have vocal cords, which produce sounds. As a child grows
it learns how to form these sounds into words. Some words may be imitative of
natural sounds, but others may come from expressions of emotion, such as
laughter or crying. Words alone have no meaning. Only people can put meaning
into words. As meaning is assigned to words, language develops, which leads to
the development of speaking.
The actual origin of language is subject to considerable speculation. Some
theorists believe it is an outgrowth of group activities such as working together
or dancing. Others believe that language developed from basic sounds and
gestures.
Over 3,000 languages and major dialects are spoken in the world today. The
development of languages reflects class, gender, profession, age group, and
other social factors. The huge variety of languages usually creates difficulties
between different languages, but even within a single language there can be
many problems in understanding.
Through speaking we try to eliminate this misunderstanding, but sometimes this
is a very hard thing to do. Just as we assume that our messages are clearly
received, so we assume that because something is important to us, it is important
to others. As time has proven this is not at all true. Many problems can arise is
speaking and the only way to solve these problems is through experience.
Speaking can be looked at in two major areas: interpersonal and public
speaking. Since the majority of speaking is an interpersonal process, to
communicate effectively we must not simply clean up our language, but learn to
relate to people.
In interpersonal speaking, etiquette is very important. To be an effective
communicator one must speak in a manner that is not offending to the receiver.
Etiquette also plays an important role in an area that has developed in most all
business settings: hierarchical communication. In business today, hierarchical
communication is of utmost importance to all members involved.
The other major area of speaking is public speaking. From the origin of time, it
has been obvious that some people are just better public speakers than others.
Because of this, today a good speaker can earn a living by speaking to people in
a public setting. Some of the major areas of public speaking are speaking to
persuade, speaking to inform, and speaking to inspire or motivate.

Haptics
Research has found that touching can create both positive and negative feelings.
Your feelings are positive when the touch is perceived to be natural. A person
gets the opposite feeling when the touch is perceived to be manipulative or
insincere. Touch is experienced in many ways. Handshakes, pats, and kisses are
just a few of the ways one can communicate by touching.
http://cobweb2.louisville.edu/faculty/regbruce/bruce//mgmtwebs/commun_f98/haptics.ht
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Artifacts are often used to communicate information about oneself. Artifacts are
objects, often clothes, jewelry, pictures, trinkets, which express one’s interests,
hobbies, status, or lifestyle. Often noted in democratic societies, where all are
thought to be equal, artifacts are used to announce inequalities that for reasons
of taste and conformity, cannot be expressed in words.
One of the most influential artifacts a person possesses is one’s wardrobe. Much
psychology and communication research supports that -at least in the observer’s
eyes- that clothes do make the man (or woman!). Lefkowitz, Blake, and Mouton
found in their own study that dress can even affect how willing others will be to
follow you. This study found that significantly more individuals would follow a
model’s example in crossing against the "wait" signal when dressed in a
business suit than when the same model crossed the street dressed in poor work
clothes.
Manager Tip: Artifacts are key in establishing first impressions. If you are looking
to improve your own professional style, make note of what artifacts gives
strangers a professional look.
Chronemics
Time, or chronemics, can be used very differently with respect to individuals and
even cultures. Time perceptions include punctuality, willingness to wait, and
interactions. Time use affects lifestyles, daily agendas, speed of speech and
movements, how long people are willing to listen, etc.
The way time is used can provide information about people as individuals. There
are different perceptions about time usage and its value. Also, cultures differ in
their usage of time. For example, in European and American societies, when men
are interacting with women, they generally control the time use, talk more than
women, and interrupt more than women. In the business world, Americans are
expected to arrive to meetings on time and, usually, even early. On the other
hand, they arrive late to parties and dances.
Manager Tip: When addressing the issues of time and punctuality, be specific as
to what exactly is "on time." An employee may view arriving at 8:05-8:10 as
acceptable, while the manager may see 8:10 as being late. By citing a specific
time rather than using general phrases, communication can be improved and
possible conflicts avoided.

Kinesics
Kinesics, or body language, is one of the most powerful ways that humans can
communicate nonverbally. It is used to portray moods and emotions and to
emphasize or contradict what is being said.
Body language is very important when in an interview. "To effectively
communicate it’s not always what you say, but what your body says, that makes
the difference," according to Patricia Ball. There are various different types of
body movement one can do to come across as being too strong or too weak. For
example, when one first walks into the room and shakes hands with the
interviewer you want to have good eye contact as well as a good firm hand shake.
Not too strong, because you can come across as being a power player. Another
important aspect to remember when you are on an interview and that is to mirror
your interviewer, but not to the point that you over do it. For example, if the
person that is giving you the interview crosses his/her arms than you can cross
your arms. If he/she crosses their feet then you should cross your feet, but do it
gradually.
The last two things to remember is when you first walk into the office do not
cross anything unless the person that is doing the interviewing crosses his or
hers first. Next when you are sitting down be relaxed as possible by opening your
suit jacket. This shows the person that you are not tensed. The other aspect to
remember is to lean forward in your chair, but not to close where you are in the
individuals face. If you sit back in your chair you might be sending off signals,
such as, aloofness or rejection. Finally, nonverbal communication can also be an
effective sale when executives learn to read a client’s body language.

Proxemics
One of the terms used in non-verbal language is proxemics. Edward Hall defined
proxemics in the 1950’s and 1960’s when he investigated man’s use of personal
space in contrast with fixed and semi-fixed feature space. Fixed feature is what it
is fixed has in unmovable boundaries. Semi-fixed is fixed boundaries that can be
moved like furniture.
Proxemics can be divided in two other ways, physical and personal territory.
Physical territory is like desks that are in front of the room of a classroom instead
of center.
An example of the proxemic concept is that of stepping behind the desk of an
associate at work and invading the personal zone. But what if it is the boss; do
you have the authority? If it’s a co-worker you probably do. A workplace where
you sit is a primary tool in establishing certain communications and is his or her
freedom to place that desk where and how it is a key element in personnel
considerations. The cubicles don’t offer the chance to allow the worker to
rearrange the furniture to his or her preference, nor do they allow visitors. Extra
room or the ability to move furniture in an office are both symbols of status.
Manager Tip: A manager can use proxemics to their advantage. The arrangement
of an office space can show the attitude or personality of the manager. To
establish a democratic and friendly style, speak with an employee side by side,
such as at a table, rather than from behind a large, imposing desk.