Report On

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
for the year 2018-19

Submitted To
Dr. Darshana Mam

Prepared by
Harsh Inani (18014)
Ketul Patel (18022)
Hardik Dave (18012)
Harsh Vadher (18016)

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 Introduction
(1.1) What is Communication?
“Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place
to another.”

Although this is a simple definition, when we think about how we may communicate the
subject becomes a lot more complex. There are various categories of communication and
more than one may occur at any time.
The different categories of communication include:
 Spoken or Verbal Communication: face-to-face, telephone, radio or television and
other media.
 Non-Verbal Communication: body language, gestures, how we dress or act - even
our scent.
 Written Communication: letters, e-mails, books, magazines, the Internet or via
other media.
 Visualizations: graphs and charts, maps, logos and other visualizations can
communicate messages.
A message or communication is sent by the sender through a communication channel to
a receiver, or to multiple receivers. The sender must encode the message (the information
being conveyed) into a form that is appropriate to the communication channel, and the
receiver(s) then decodes the message to understand its meaning and significance.
Misunderstanding can occur at any stage of the communication process. Effective
communication involves minimising potential misunderstanding and overcoming any
barriers to communication at each stage in the communication process.
An effective communicator understands their audience, chooses an appropriate
communication channel, sends their message to this channel and encodes the message
to reduce misunderstanding by the receiver(s).They will also seek out feedback from the
receiver(s) as to how the message is understood and attempt to correct any
misunderstanding or confusion as soon as possible. Receivers can use techniques such
as Clarification and Reflection as effective ways to ensure that the message sent has been
understood correctly.

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What is Non-verbal Communication?
Interpersonal communication is much more than the explicit meaning of words, the
information or message conveyed. It also includes implicit messages, whether intentional
or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours. Non-verbal communication
includes facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, gestures displayed through
body language (kinesics) and the physical distance between the communicators
(proxemics). These non-verbal signals can give clues and additional information and
meaning over and above spoken (verbal) communication.

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 Types Of Non-verbal Communication

According to experts, a substantial portion of our communication is nonverbal. Every day,

we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues and behaviours including postures, facial
expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles,
nonverbal details reveal who we are and impact how we relate to other people. Scientific
research on nonverbal communication and behaviour began with the 1872 publication of
Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Since that
time, abundant research on the types, effects, and expressions of unspoken
communication and behaviour. In many cases, we communicate information in nonverbal
ways using groups of behaviours. For example, we might combine a frown with crossed
arms and unblinking eye gaze to indicate disapproval.
(2.1) Facial Expressions:
Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication.
Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. The look on a
person's face is often the worst thing we see, even before we hear what they have to say.

“While nonverbal communication and behaviour can vary dramatically between

cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar
throughout the world.”

(2.2) Gestures
Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without
words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and using fingers to indicate numeric
amounts. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture.

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In courtroom settings, lawyers have been known to utilize different nonverbal signals to
attempt to sway juror opinions. An attorney might glance at his watch to suggest that the
opposing lawyer's argument is tedious or might even roll his eyes at the testimony offered
by a witness in an attempt to undermine his or her credibility. These nonverbal signals
are seen as being so powerful and influential that some judges even place limits on what
type of nonverbal behaviours are allowed in the courtroom.

(2.3) Paralinguistic
Paralinguistic refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language. This
includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection, and pitch. Consider the
powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a
strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret approval and enthusiasm. The same words
said in a hesitant tone of voice might convey disapproval and a lack of interest.

Consider all the different ways that simply changing your tone of voice might change the
meaning of a sentence. A friend might ask you how you are doing, and you might respond
with the standard "I'm fine," but how you actually say those words might reveal a
tremendous amount of how you are really feeling. A cold tone of voice might suggest that
you are actually not fine, but you don't wish to discuss it. A bright, happy tone of voice
will reveal that you are actually doing quite well. A sombre, downcast tone would indicate
that you are the opposite of fine and that perhaps your friend should inquire further.
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(2.4) Body Language and Posture
Posture and movement can also convey a great deal of information. Research on body
language has grown significantly since the 1970’s, but popular media have focused on the
over-interpretation of defensive postures, arm-crossing, and leg-crossing, especially after
publishing Julius Fast's book Body Language.

“While these nonverbal behaviours can indicate feelings and attitudes, research
suggests that body language is far more subtle and less definitive than previously
believed.”

(2.5) Proxemics
People often refer to their need for
"personal space," which is also an
important type of nonverbal
communication. The amount of
distance we need and the amount of
space we perceive as belonging to us
is influenced by a number of factors
including social norms, cultural
expectations, situational factors,
personality characteristics, and level
of familiarity. For example, the
amount of personal space needed
when having a casual conversation
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with another person usually varies between 18 inches to four feet. On the other hand,
the personal distance needed when speaking to a crowd of people is around 10 to 12
feet.

(2.6) Eye Gaze

The eyes play an important role in nonverbal communication and such things as
looking, staring and blinking are important nonverbal behaviours. When people
encounter people or things that they like, the rate of blinking increases and pupils
dilate. Looking at another person can indicate a range of emotions including hostility,
interest, and attraction.

People also utilize eye gaze as a means to determine if someone is being honest. Normal,
steady eye contact is often taken as a sign that a person is telling the truth and is
trustworthy. Shifty eyes and an inability to maintain eye contact, on the other hand, is
frequently seen as an indicator that someone is lying or being deceptive.

(2.7) Haptic

Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal behaviour. There has been a substantial
amount of research on the importance of touch in infancy and early childhood. Harry Harlow's classic
monkey study demonstrated how deprived touch and contact impedes development. Baby monkeys raised

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by wire mothers experienced permanent deficits in behaviour and social interaction. Touch can be used to
communicate affection, familiarity, sympathy, and other emotions.

In her book Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters, author Julia Wood writes that touch is
also often used as a way to communicate both status and power. Researchers have found that high-status
individuals tend to invade other people's personal space with greater frequency and intensity than lower-
status individuals. Sex differences also play a role in how people utilize touch to communicate meaning.

“Women tend to use touch to convey care, concern, and nurturance. Men, on the other hand, are
more likely to use touch to assert power or control over others.”

(2.8) Appearance

Our choice of colour, clothing, hairstyles, and other

factors affecting appearance are also considered a
means of nonverbal communication. Research
on colour psychology has demonstrated that different
colours can evoke different moods. Appearance can
also alter physiological reactions, judgments, and
interpretations. Just think of all the subtle judgments
you quickly make about someone based on his or her
appearance. These first impressions are important,
which is why experts suggest that job seekers dress
appropriately for interviews with potential employers.

Researchers have found that appearance can play a

role in how people are perceived and even how much
they earn. One 1996 study found that attorneys who
were rated as more attractive than their peers earned
nearly 15 percent more than those ranked as less
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attractive. Culture is an important influence on how appearances are judged. While
thinness tends to be valued in Western cultures, some African cultures relate full-
figured bodies to better health, wealth, and social status.

(2.9) Artefacts

Objects and images are also tools that can be

used to communicate nonverbally. On an online
forum, for example, you might select an avatar
to represent your identity online and to
communicate information about who you are
and the things you like. People often spend a
great deal of time developing a particular image
and surrounding themselves with objects
designed to convey information about the things
that are important to them. Uniforms, for
example, can be used to transmit a tremendous
amount of information about a person. A soldier
will don fatigues, a police offers will wear a
uniform, and a doctor will wear a white lab coat.
At a mere glance, these outfits tell people what a
person does for a living.

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 Components of non-verbal communication
The old saying “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it” is given new meaning when
you think about it in terms of non-verbal communication. In addition to words spoken,
you need to be aware of seven key things that convey messages.

1. Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are universal across all cultures and nationalities. They express
emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust to name a few.
You do not have to understand the verbal language to understand the non-verbal
expressions.

2. Body Movements and Posture

Your stance, posture, the way you walk, even subtleties such as the way you hold
your head all convey an unspoken message.

3. Gestures

We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we are arguing or speaking
animatedly, we express ourselves with gestures often without thinking. However,
the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and regions, so it is
important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation.

4. Eye Contact

Eye contact is an important form of nonverbal communication. The way you look
at some one communicates interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact
is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other
person’s response.

5. Touch

Touch is another important part of nonverbal communication. Think about what

the following conveys: a firm hand shake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm
bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a
controlling grip on your arm.

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 6. Space

We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the
culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical
space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of
intimacy, aggression, dominance, or affection.

7. Voice

Nonverbal speech such as tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate are
important communication elements. When we speak, other people read our voices
in addition to listening to our words. These nonverbal speech sounds provide
subtle but powerful clues into our true feelings and what we really mean. Think
about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or
confidence.

Successful nonverbal communication depends on self-awareness and an understanding

of the cues you are sending, as well as reading the cues others are sending you. If you
are planning what you are going to say next, daydreaming, or thinking about something
else, you are almost certain to miss nonverbal cues and other subtleties in the
conversation. You need to stay focused on the moment to fully understand what is going
on.

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 POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR EFFECTIVE NON VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
Strong communication skills can help you in both your personal and professional life.
While verbal and written communication skills are important, research has shown that
nonverbal behaviours make up a large percentage of our daily interpersonal
communication.

How can you improve your nonverbal communication skills? The following tips can help
you learn to read the nonverbal signals of other people and enhance your own ability to
communicate effectively.

1) Pay Attention to Nonverbal Signals:

People can communicate information in numerous ways, so pay attention to
things like eye contact, gestures, posture, body movements, and tone of voice. All
of these signals can convey important information that is not put into words. By
paying closer attention to other people's unspoken behaviours, you will improve
your own ability to communicate nonverbally.

2) Look for Incongruent Behaviours:

If someone's words do not match their nonverbal behaviours, you should pay
careful attention. For example, someone might tell you they are happy while
frowning and staring at the ground. Research has shown that when words fail to
match up with nonverbal signals, people tend to ignore what has been said and
focus instead on unspoken expressions of moods, thoughts, and emotions. So
when someone says one thing, but his or her body language seems to suggest
something else, it can be useful to pay extra attention to those subtle nonverbal
cues.

3) Concentrate on Your Tone of Voice When Speaking:

Your tone of voice can convey a wealth of information, ranging from enthusiasm to
disinterest to anger. Start noticing how your tone of voice affects how others
respond to you and try using your tone to emphasize ideas that you want to
communicate.

For example, if you want to show genuine interest in something, express your
enthusiasm by using an animated tone of voice. Such signals not only convey your
feelings about a topic; they can also help generate interest in the people listening
to you speak.

4) Use Good Eye Contact:

Good eye contact is another essential nonverbal communication skill. When people
fail to look others in the eye, it can seem as if they are evading or trying to hide
something. On the other hand, too much eye contact can seem confrontational or
intimidating.
While eye contact is an important part of communication, it's important to
remember that good eye contact does not mean staring fixedly into someone's
eyes. How can you tell how much eye contact is correct? Some communication
experts recommend intervals of eye contact lasting four to five seconds. Effective

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 eye contact should feel natural and comfortable for both you and the person you
are speaking with.
5) Ask Questions About Nonverbal Signals:
If you are confused about another person's nonverbal signals, don't be afraid to
ask questions. A good idea is to repeat back your interpretation of what has been
said and ask for clarification. An example of this might be, "So what you are
saying is that..." Sometimes simply asking such questions can lend a great deal of
clarity to a situation. For example, a person might be giving off certain nonverbal
signals because he has something else on his mind. By inquiring further into his
message and intent, you might get a better idea of what he is really trying to say.

6) Use Signals to Make Communication More Meaningful:

Remember that verbal and nonverbal communication work together to convey a
message. You can improve your spoken communication by using body language
that reinforces and supports what you are saying. This can be especially useful
when making presentations or when speaking to a large group of people.
For example, if your goal is to appear confident and prepared during a
presentation, you will want to focus on sending nonverbal signals that ensure that
others see you as self-assured and capable. Standing firmly in one place, shoulder
back, and you weight balanced on both feet is a great way to strike a confident
pose.

7) Look at Signals as a Group:

Another important part of good nonverbal communication skills involves being
able to take a more holistic approach to what a person is communicating. A single
gesture can mean any number of things, or maybe even nothing at all. The key to
accurately reading nonverbal behaviour is to look for groups of signals that
reinforce a common point. If you place too much emphasis on just one signal out
of many, you might come to an inaccurate conclusion about what a person is
trying to say.

8) Consider the Context:

When you are communicating with others, always consider the situation and the
context in which the communication occurs. Some situations require more formal
behaviours that might be interpreted very differently in any other setting.
Consider whether or not nonverbal behaviours are appropriate for the context. If
you are trying to improve your own nonverbal communication, concentrate on
ways to make your signals match the level of formality necessitated by the
situation.
For example, the body language and nonverbal communication you utilize at work
is probably very different from the sort of signals you would send on a casual
Friday night out with friends. Strive to match your nonverbal signals to the
situation to ensure that you are conveying the message you really want to send.

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9) Be Aware That Signals Can be Misread:
According to some, a firm handshake indicates a strong personality while a weak
handshake is taken as a lack of fortitude. This example illustrates an important
point about the possibility of misreading nonverbal signals. A limp handshake
might actually indicate something else entirely, such as arthritis.
Always remember to look for groups of behaviour. A person's overall demeanour is
far more telling than a single gesture viewed in isolation.

10) Practice, Practice, Practice:

Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication
effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often
described as being able to "read people."
In reality, you can build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal
behaviour and practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others.
By noticing nonverbal behaviour and practicing your own skills, you can
dramatically improve your communication abilities.

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 ADVANTAGES OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1) Complementary:

Non-verbal cues complement a verbal message by adding to its meaning .You can
pat someone you offended at the back as you say sorry to him or her.

2) Easy presentation:

Information can be easily presented in non-verbal communication through using

visual, audio-visual and silent means of non-verbal communication.

3) Substituting:

Non-verbal message may substitute for the verbal message especially if it is

blocked by noise, interruption, long distance etc. for example; gestures-finger to
lips to indicate need for quite, facial expressions-a nod instead of a yes.

4) Accenting:

Often used to accent a verbal message. Verbal tone indicates the actual meaning
of the specific words.

5) Repeat:

Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating
directions.)

6) Help to illiterate people:

This type of communication use gestures, facial expressions, eye contact,

proximity, touching etc. and without using any spoken or written word. So, it is
very much helpful for illiterate people.

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7) Help to handicapped people:

Non-verbal cues of communication greatly help in handicapped people especially

to deaf people. Deaf people exchange message through the movements of hands,
fingers, eyeball etc.

8) Attractive presentation:

Non-verbal communication is based on visual, picture, graph, sign etc. that can be
seen very much attractive.

9) Reducing wastage of time:

The message of non-verbal communication reached the receiver very fast. For this
reason it reduces the wastage of valuable time of the communicator.

10) Quick expression of message:

Non-verbal cues of communication like sign and symbol can also communicate
some messages very quickly than written or oral messages.

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 DISADVANTAGES OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Despite of advantages of non-verbal communication, it is not free from its
limitations or disadvantages which are:

1) Vague and imprecise:

Non-verbal communication is quite vague and imprecise. Since in this

communication, there is no use of words or language which expresses clear
meaning to the receiver. No dictionary can accurately classify them. Their meaning
varies not only by culture and context but by the degree of intention.

2) Continuous:

It is possible to stop talking in verbal communication, but it is generally not

possible to stop nonverbal cues. Also, spoken language has a structure that makes
it easier to tell when a subject has changed, for instance, or to analyse its
grammar. Non-verbal does not lend itself to this kind of analysis.

3) Multi-channel:

While watching someone’s eyes, you may miss something significant in a hand
gesture. Everything is happening at once and therefore it may be confusing to try
to keep up with everything. Most of us simply do not do so, at least not
consciously.

4) Culture-bound:

Non-verbal communication is learnt in childhood, passed on to you by your

parents and others with whom you associate. A few other gestures seem to be
universal. Evidence suggests that humans of all cultures smile when happy and
frown when unhappy. However, most nonverbal symbols seem to be even further
disconnected from any “essential meaning” than verbal symbols. Gestures seen as
positive in one culture (Like the thumbs-up gesture in the USA) may be seen as
obscene in another culture.

5) Long conversations are not possible:

In non-verbal communication, long conversation and necessary explanations are

not possible. No party can discuss the particular issues of the messages.

6) Difficult to understand:

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 Difficult to understand and requires a lot of repetitions in nonverbal
communication. Since it uses gestures, facial expressions eye contact, touch etc.
for communicating with others which may not be understandable for the simple
and foolish people.

7) Not everybody prefers:

Everybody does not prefer to communicate through non-verbal communication

with others. Sometimes it cannot create an impression upon people or listeners. It
is less influential and cannot be used everywhere. It cannot be used as a public
tool for communication.

8) Lack of formality:

Non-verbal communication does not follow any rules, formality or structure like
other communication. Most of the cases people unconsciously and habitually
engaged in non-verbal communication by moving the various parts of the body.

9) Costly:

In some cases non-verbal communication involves huge cost. For example, neon
sign, power point presentation, cinema etc. are very much costly compared to
other forms of communication.

10) Distortion of information:

Since it uses gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, sign, sound, para
language etc. for communicating with others, there is a great possibility in
distortion of information in non-verbal communication.

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 Examples OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Following are some examples of non-verbal communications in our daily day to
day life….

1) A traffic police controls the traffic effectively with various non-verbal

communication methods like waving of hand or blowing the whistle.

2) In an organization the employees of different levels are differentiated on the basis

of type of uniform they wear.

3) Use of various sign boards to show directions and guide people towards their
destination

4) Use of instruments like stars and badges in army and police forces to denote
various different ranks.

5) In Japan, head nodding doesn't necessarily mean 'Yes, I agree' - it usually means
'Yes I hear you.'

And last and most important

6) Use of sign language in exam hall by students….

Use of Non-Verbal Communication in an

Organization
For good or ill, nonverbal communication can help you or haunt you. Most significantly,
recognize the power it has to affect the outcomes of your communication. Whether you
are speaking to the whole company at a company meeting, chatting with a co-worker on
the phone, or talking to your boss in her office, nonverbal communication affects the
interaction. Non-verbal communication is also powerful in your day-to-day meetings
with co-workers and your passing interactions in the halls of your workplace. It's
significant at your lunches either in or outside of your organization. Finally, recognize
the power of your nonverbal communication with your company stakeholders, your
clients or customers, your vendors, and your professional associates. Matching your
nonverbal communication to your spoken words will help them trust you. You can
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practice and manage your nonverbal communication to convey your messages more
effectively. Or, you can allow your nonverbal communication to make you appear
ineffective, a sloppy communicator, or an employee whose mixed messages are not
trustworthy.

CONCLUSION
Regarding intercultural communication, you can find a diversity of gestures, facial
expressions etc. When people with different cultural backgrounds are
communicating, you can even find different gestures expressing the same idea or
the same gestures meaning something totally different.

While comparing Japanese and European communication, non-verbal

communication seems to be more important to the Japanese. This can be explained
by the fact that European people express themselves directly in comparison with
the Japanese.

When communicating it is not only important to pay close attention to what

somebody is saying, but also to observe what someone’s body “is saying”. That
means to pay attention to the gestures and to the facial expression someone is using.
Especially when a European person is asking a “yes- or no- question”. For a
European person it is impossible to have a real “no” from a Japanese person. This
is part of direct and indirect communication, but the non-verbal communication
also plays an important role, especially in the described situation above.

In order to achieve effective communication, you also need to pay attention to

someone’s body language etc. It is not enough to just “understand” what someone
is expressing verbally, using words. (Look at link “direct and indirect
communication”). To be able to interpret non-verbal communication correctly you
need of course experience. So, every time you are communicating (intercultural) you
gain more experience, which also means that you will develop a good sense for the
right behaviour. In order to avoid offending someone or misunderstandings, this can
be very important! What you can do is to remind yourself to be aware of the
importance of nonverbal communication. So, watch out! ☺ However stay alert, to
learn about other ways of communication and do not hesitate to ask, when you are
not sure about it! Learning the skills of non-verbal communication between different
cultures is after all part of intercultural learning.

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 Bibliography
 Internet

(a) Image:- https://www.google.co.in/imghp?hl=en

(b) Information:-

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/nonverbal-communication-in-the-
workplace-1918470

https://thebusinesscommunication.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-
of-non-verbal-communication/

https://www.verywellmind.com/top-nonverbal-communication-tips-
2795400

https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-
2795397

 Books

(a) “What Every BODY is Saying” by Joe Navarro

Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Publication Year is 2008

(b) “The Definitive Book of Body Language” by Barbara Pease & Allan Pease

Published by Pease International

Publication Year is 2004
Page no. 229

(c) “Nonverbal Communication: Science and Applications” by David

Matsumoto , Mark G. Frank & Hyi Sung Hwang

Published by SAGE publication

Publication Year is 2013

_____________________________________Thank You______________________
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