Non-Verbal Communication Page 1 of 11 rbal Communication ‘So what does it mean? You may have heard the term non-verbal before, but defining it and explaining what it means at length is no easy matter. Non-verbal as a term is actually a misnomer. As a child when I first heard the term, I thought it meant to talk (using words) but without using verbs. So it didn’t make any sense to me. Non-verbal is seen both as a whole word ‘nonverbal’ and as a hyphenated word ‘non-verbal’. Both forms are acceptable in Australian English usage and literature. ‘Non’ is a prefix which gives the negative sense or connotation to the word following it. In this case non means no/not or an absence of as in 'my drink is non-alcoholic or 'the party was 2 non-event! Verbal is this sense is an adjective that is concerned with words, particularly the spoken word, but can include all other forms of speech and language. So non-verbal communication technically involves looking at all the processes we use in communicating our language or understanding another's language or culture EXCEPT speech and using words. ‘The reason I said that the term non-verbal is a misnomer is that all the information that pertains to non-verbal communication contains a portion that explains about the use of the voice and what is done WITH and TO the words we use or hear. So there is an aspect that is most definitely verbal as well as vocal. So if you keep in mind that the later discussion on voice is not pertaining to the words used, but to what is called para-language (para from the greek meaning beside or around) so in studying the role of the voice in non-verbal communication we look at other aspects around the language used. In this page I will explain some of the structure, content and some of the meaning of most of the common non-verbal communication that we as humans use. This page is by no means comprehensive, and there will be a further reading list below, along with some useful web links for more information on this fascinating topic. Non-verbals are so important in our day to day communications that health professionals, sales people psychologists and counsellors are all taught these important skills. The general public have been introduced to different perspectives of communicating with each other in the last decade or so with a flood of books coming onto the market such as Allan Peases' early work 'Body Language’ and later with his wife Barbara; ‘Why men don't listen and Women can't read maps’ John Grays ongoing series about gender miscommunication, the Mars & Venus series; and 'Why Opposites attract’ and so on. All giving people clues and tips on how to understand others. As Pease (1981) put it "How to read others thoughts by their gestures. What people say is often different from what they think or feel.” 9/9/2003 hitp:/hvww.hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communiNon-Verbal Communication Page 2 of 11 Verbal (vocal) and non-verbal Signing or sign language (language for the hearing, sight or vocally impaired) is not included, however HOW we use our hands and the gestures we use are important. Vocal communication (verbally) involves specific spoken words and definitive use of language. Take for example your nightly news person on television. The first half of the news Is read with a noticeable absence of any non verbal communication, an almost deadpan face. This is the serious part of the news. Later when news shifts to local or humorous topics the news readers visibly relax, laugh, smile and make facial expressions using both vocal and non-verbal communication. Vocal (non-verbal) communication involves the tone, speed, pitch, volume, emphasis, vocal qualities of the voice as well as sighs, screams, grunts, groans etc. Put any new student out of the front of the class to speak and they will talk fast, the tone of their voice will rise and fall, they will um and aah, lose their place, perspire, maybe grunt and groan a little, change feet often, and their voice may even shake in terror. I've only ever heard a student scream AFTER her third attempt of a class presentation and her talk was over, she had returned to her seat and the lecturer told her she had attained a pass. Non-Vocal communication involves the written word, images and other manners of getting the message across. Just as you are doing right now. Non-vocal (non-verbal) communication involves facial expressions, eye use, body and hand gestures, body movements and overall appearance, clothing worn etc. Types of Non-Verbal Communication ‘Thése use all Of our senses, including our sixth sense, our environment and time. Appearance (Occulesics) Movement (kinesics) Voice (Vocalics or paralanguage) Touch (Haptics) smell (Olfactics) ‘Space (spatial relationships or proxemics) Territoriality ‘Time (Chronemics) * Appearance “Body language research reveals that in face-to-face communications, non- verbal signals account for 60-80% of the impact of the message while vocal sounds make up 20-30%. The other 7-10% is words.’ (Pease, 1998 p.32) Physical Appearance: How we look has an immediate subconscious effect on everyone we meet. Within seconds we are summed up and a positive or http://www.hunnybee.com.aw/non-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Page 3 of 11 negative impression gained. Attractiveness, race, height, welght, body shape, hairstyle, dress and artifacts are evaluated, In sexual attraction and employment prospects it is critical to create a favourable impression. Being physically attractive can help. Numerous studies have shown that beautiful people do have an advantage when competing for jobs, grades, friends, or mates; leading us to berate and shame our culture for its apparent obsession with physical attractiveness. (Cowley, 1996) Humans, much like other animals, appear to make rapid automatic assessments of those we meet. (Etcoff, 1995) ‘On meeting a person for the first time the eyes sweep over the person and then lastly on the face. Women are more subtle and less obvious at doing this. We heed to look at each others faces not only to allow our ears to catch the words they are saying, but to watch their eyes, for eye contact, a hot or cold expression, a wink, a glare, their lips and mouth for a frown, a smile, and we constantly read the facial expressions to understand what others are feeling, so we know how to respond. Their expression effects the meaning of their words as the following cartoon illustrates. The face also contains other clues. Our identity is captured in our features, Our family, friends, work mates and acquaintances can recognize us immediately without a word being said, The face is the most powerful channel of all. We encode messages in our facial expressions, and we decode the faces of the people around us. We watch the faces of others because it provides many clues. Whether a person likes or dislikes us, how they are feeling (mood), ider nationality, culture, their age, their likes and dislikes and the face (and head) is a canvas ready for artwork tattoos, makeup, piercings etc. * Occulesics Many people believe that ‘the eyes are the window to the sou!’ - far be it a key to a persons soul, but it can tell you more about a person than the words they speak (Occulesics). You can look deeply into a person's eyes and learn who they are, where they are (for example autism) learn about their character and honesty. Non- autistic people who avoid eye contact, or drop their eyes and won't look right at you, are often thought to be hiding something, or being evasive. The perception is one of insincerity or untrustworthiness, People who give direct eye contact when you are talking to them are often perceived as, strong, honest and straightforward. * Kinesics The word ‘kinesics' derives from the Greek word for movement, and refers to all bodily movements except for those which involve the touching of another person (Which is haptics). The lay term for kinesics is body language. Either term can be used. Kinesics refers to such things as posture, movement styles (moving in a dramatic or exaggerated way, or a slow purposeful way) and http:/Wwww.hunnybee.com.awnon-verbal-communication.hitml 9/9/2003‘Non-Verbal Communication Page 4 of 11 specific gesture categories like emblems (which are gestures that have direct verbal translations), and regulators (to help maintain conversational coherence), adaptors (unintentional nonverbal displays, often in response to some source of emotional discomfort), and others. Some classifications of kinesic phenomena include Birdwhistell's (1980) linguistic analogy (kines, kinemes and kinemorphs), and McNeil's (1987) psycholinguistic approach, which breaks the form ‘kinesics’, into the proposed functions iconic, beats, cohesives, diactics, metamorphics, and emblematics. (Masterson, 1996) * Vocatics Voealics refers to non-verbal cues found in a speakers voice. The way an utterance is made, can have as much or more meaning, than the actual cortent of the message. When we speak, we deliver both verbal ‘text’ (all the words) and ‘vocal paralanguage’, or paralingustics, the myriad of ways words can be expressed. Thus, in saying ‘hello,’ the verbal textual aspect is the actual word ‘hello." Paralanguage is tone, pitch, volume, regional and national accents, emphasis, sarcasm, emotion, truthfulness or deceit, hesitancy etc. Personality have an effect on vocal behaviour as well in pitch, breathlessness, volume, rate, turn-requesting and turn-yielding vocal cues and variety. (Masterson, 1996) Also in speaking, both language (verbal aspects or words) and paralanguage (vocal aspects or sounds) play significant roles in conveying our meaning. (Buchholz, 1998) * Haptics Haptics refers to the study of touching behavior. Touching is essential to healthy development. Research has shown that infants deprived of touch faited to thrive. Touch is important for physical and mental health. Touch also plays an important role in our communication with each other. A gentle touch on the arm can encourage trust, compliance and in some cases affection. Aggressive touch, will naturally have a negative effect. Individuals and cultures differ in the amount of social touching they are comfortable with, and what is and isn't culturally appropriate (see below for some examples). * Offactics Olfactics refers to the study of the effect of one's scents and odors. Though this varies across different cultures, a persons scent and odors effects what others think of our dental and bodily hygiene, our personality, our financial state, our culture etc. (Masterson, 1996) * Proxemics Proxemics refers to the study of the use of personal space. The term was coined by a researcher E.T. Hall in 1963 when he investigated man’s use of personal space. Humans exhibit a need for personal territory, just as animals do. We stake out our territory (with fences and brick walls) and guard our space, and we don't expect be invaded by strangers. A real invasion of space can cause anxiety and distress. Even a perceived invasion of space can lead to ‘physiological responses, anxiety cues, withdrawal, decreased task performance, perceived discomfort, and verbal aggressiveness.’ (Masterson, 1996) Ketie (katydid, 1998) expanded on the differences between fixed and semi-fixed space: Fixed feature space is characterized by unmovable boundaries http://www. hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003,Non-Verbal Communication Page 5 of II (divisions within an office building) while semi-fixed feature space is defined by fixed boundaries such as furniture. Informal space is characterized by a personal zone or ‘bubble’ that varies for individuals and circumstances. While the use of each of these spatial relationships can impede or promote the act of communication, the area that humans control and use most often is their informal space. This zone constitutes an area that humans protect from the intrusion of outsiders. The study of spatial territory for the purpose of ‘communication uses four categories for informal space: the intimate distance for embracing or whispering (6-18 inches), the personal distance for conversations among good friends (1.5-4 feet), social distance for conversations among acquaintances (4-12 feet), and public distance used for public speaking (12 feet or more). (Katie, 1998) * Territoriality Territorial claims differ from personal space in that the personal zone accompanies the person wherever they go while territoriality is stationary. Territoriality is established very quickly, even in the classroom. Long-term. territory takes on the control of the occupant. This public personal zone, such as a 'reserved' seat at the bar, an office at work, will become defended territory, however subtle the defense might be. (Katie, 1998) * Chronemics Chronemics, or the study of the use and perception of time, is another phenomena that varies widely between cultures. 8eing punctual is held in high regard in many countries and to keep someone waiting can be taken as a Personal insult. On the other hand other (particularly American) cultures believe in being ‘fashionably late’. Problems with non-verbal Communication: When communicative messages are sent, receivers take into account the trust and credibility they have in the sender as they decide to accept or reject the message. To do this will involve overcoming any barriers the person may have with trust and or credibility. For example a teen may not be able to communicate effectively with authority figures after having a run-in with a Policeman in younger years. Likewise lying can destroy credibility. To improve trust, be open and honest. If People suspect or know a person is lying, they may not trust them again, and they won't tell the person either. It is common for teenagers to lie or distort the truth, in order to project a favorable or desired image. Members of a culture typically know only the gestures from their own society and country but tend to be ignorant about gestures from all other societies. Different cultures can fall to understand each other. Some of these cultural differences reflect language and translation problems. But many others involve subtle differences in etiquette, gestures, values, norms, rituals, expectations, and other important cross-cultural variations, This is because culture affects almost all behavior. Most Iranians have no idea that their most obscene hitp:/Awww.hunnybee.com.awnon-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Page 6 of 11 gesture (the "thumbs up" gesture) actually means "good luck” in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and many European nations. Culture dictates how close we stand while talking with another person, Culture dictates how we use (or avoid) eye contact. Culture dictates how we express (or suppress) emotions like joy, disapproval, and anger. Culture even governs the expression (if not the actual experience) of love, because culture determines whether we feel free to express love in public settings by holding hands, hugging, or kissing the person we love, (Masterson, 1996) Here are some DON'TS (from the WWW) Never use your thumb to hitch-hike in Nigeria; it could be hazardous to your health, ¢ Under no circumstances should you indicate "OK" to a German using your thumb and forefinger to form a circle - that would be considered rude, « Thumbing your nose (raising your thumb to your nose and fanning your fingers) is a sign of mockery throughout most of the world. ‘In some parts of the world putting your hands on your hips is impolite? © The thumbs-up sign is downright offensive in Iran and many Middle Eastern countries. © In Australia, it is considered rude to wink at a woman (unless you knew her very well). © In Brazil, pulling down the lower lid of the right eye means that the listener doubts what you are saying. © In China, point with an open hand and beckon or signal with the hand facing palm down. To use a finger to point or beckon Is rude. # In Hong Kong, only animals are beckoned with a finger. To signal someone to come to you, reach out, palm down and flutter your fingers. © In India, grasping your ear means either “honestly” or “I'm sorry.” * In Indonesia, hands on hips while talking means that you're angry and is impolite. Beckon with your palm down and your fingers moving in a swooping motion. « In Japan, it is unacceptable for two adults of the same sex to hold hands while walking together. A smile can mean happiness, anger, embarrassment, or sadness. It is an insult to point at someone with four fingers spread and thumb tucked in. When someone compliments you, respond by waving your hand back and forth in front of your face. Because it is considered impolite to show their teeth, women cover their mouths when they laugh. To make a promise, two people hook their pinky fingers together. © In Korea, it is rude to blow your nose in front of people. When talking to someone, keep your hands in full view. It is rude to keep your hands behind your back or in your pockets. # In Pakistan, it is not rude to stare at other people. It is impolite to show the soles of your feet or point a foot while sitting on the floor. © In Spain, snapping the thumb and first finger together a few times is a form hitp://www-hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Page 7 of 11 of applause. If you think the person you are talking about Is stingy, tap your left elbow with your right hand. If you've heard the story before, put your right hand behind your head and pull your left ear. * In Sri Lanka, moving your head from side to side means yes and nodding your head up and down means no! + In Taiwan, say no by extending your palm forward and waving your hand from side to side. Tt is impolite to use your feet for touching objects or people. Keep your feet off that chair! # In Thailand, people point to an object with their chins, not their hands. More info on Body Language & Non Verbal Communication For Children BOOKS © Baby Signs: How to talk with your baby before your baby can talk by Linda Acredolo, Susan Goodwyn + Body Language (Hello Out There) by Pam Robson, Colin Mier (Illustrator) Cartoon book. Helping the Child Who Doesn't Fit in by Stephen Nowicki, Marshall P. Duke © Teaching Your Child the Language of Social Success by Marshall P. Duke, etal © Why Doesn't Anybody Like Me? : A Guide to Raising Socially Confident Kids by Hara Estroff Marano + Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at Home : A Parents Guide by Pamela Tanguay, Byron P., Frse Rourke Nonverbal Learning Disabilities by Byron P. Rourke © Teaching Your Child the Language of Social Success by Marshall P. Duke, etal LINKS: Mr. Bean Junior Board Game © (licensed by Tiger Television Itd) This is a young kids version of the adult ©Mr. Bean Game. Mime, humour and language get kids to use their hands, facial expressions and body language to express themselves. And introduces them to age-appropriate new words and expressions while using familiar facts and figures in a Mr. Bean kind of way. For Everyone BOOKS © As Others See Us : Body movement and the art of successful Communication by Ellen Goldman, Ellen Goodman http://www. hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communication. html 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Beyond the Word; The Multiple Gestures of Tradition by Sitakant Mahapatra Body Language (Teach Yourself Books) by Gordon Wainwright Body Language : First Impressions by Jacqueline A. Rankin Body Language by Mark Asher Body Language in Literature (Theory/Culture) by Barbara Korte Body Language Secrets: A Guide During Courtship & Dating by R. Don Steele Body Language: A Guide for Professionals by Hedwig Lewis Bodytalk : The Meaning of Human Gestures by Desmond Morris Contacts: Communicating Interpersonaily by Teri Kwal Gamble, Michael Gamble (Contributor) * Everybody's Guide to People Watching by Aaron Wolfgang © Gesture and Aphasia by Petra Lott « Gesture and Speech : Psychological Investigations by Pierre Feyereisen, Jacques-Dominique Delannoy Gesture and Speech by Andre Leroi-Gourhan, et al * Gesture and the Nature of Language by David F. Armstrong, et al Gesture, Speech, and Sign by Lynn S. Messing (Editor), Ruth Campbell (Editor) Get Anyone to Do Anything and Never Feel Powerless Again by Davi Lieberman Good Communication: A Lost Art by Michael J. Papa, et al Hand and Mind : What Gestures Reveal About Thought by David McNeill How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression by Goldman Smythe How to Read a Person Like a Book by Gerald I, Nierenberg, Gerard I. Nierenberg In Sheep's Clothing by George K., Jr. Simon Instant Analysis by David ). Lieberman Language and Gesture (Language Culture and Cognition 2) by David McNeill (Editor) Language, Gesture, and Space by Karen Emmorey & Judy S. Reilly (Editors) Literature's Silent Language : Nonverbal Communication (American University Studies Iv) by Stephen R. Portch ‘Multichannel Integrations of Nonverbal Behavior by Aron Siegman, Stanley Feldstein 3. © Never Be Lied to Again by David 3. Lieberman * Nonconscious Movements : From Mystical Messages to Facilitated Communication by Herman H. Spitz Nonverbal Behavior in Interpersonal Relations by Virginia P. Richmond, James C, McCroskey * Nonverbal Communication : Forms and Functions by Peter A. Andersen ¢ Nonverbal Communication : Where Nature Meets Culture by Ullica Segerstrale & Peter Molnar (Editors) Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction by Mark L. Knapp, Judith A. Hall Nonverbal Communication Workbook by Joseph De Vito Nonverbal Communication, Interaction, and Gesture by Umiker * Nonverbal Communications: The Unspoken Dialogue by Judee K. Burgoon, http://www hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communication.html Page 8 of 11 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Page 9 of 11 etal. ‘* Nonverbal Sex Differences : Accuracy of Communication and Expressive ‘Style by Judith A, Hall + On Moving and Being Moved : Nonverbal Behavior In Clinical Practice by Frances LA Barre © Original Signs : Gesture, Sign, and the Sources of Language by David F. Armstrong * People-Reading : How We Control Others, How They Controf Us by Ernst G., Dr. Beier, Evans G. Valens * Reading People: How to understand people & predict their behavior. by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, Mark Mazzarella ‘* Sardonic Smile ; Nonverbal Behavior in Homeric Epic by Donald Lateiner * Savvy Interviewing : The Nonverbal Advantage (The Careersavvy Series) by Ronald L. Kranich, Caryl, Rae Krannich © Secrets of Sexual Body Language by Martin Lloyd-Elliott © Stop Being Manipulated by George H. Green, Carolyn Cotter * Successful Nonverbal Communication: Principles and Applications by Dale G. Leathers * Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage by Paul Ekman * The Body Language of Flirting, Dating, and Romance by Raymond C. McGraime ‘* The Body Language of Poker: Mike Caro’s Book of Tells by Mike Caro. * The Nonverbal Communication Reader : Classic and Contemporary Readings by Laura K. Guerrero (Editor), et al * The Object Stares Back : On the Nature of Seeing (Harvest) by James Elkins ‘+ The Psychology of Facial Expression (Studies in Emotion and Social Interaction) by James A, Russell (Editor), et al © The Psychology of Persuasion by Kevin Hogan © Trial Communication Skills (Trial Practice Series) by Roberto Aron © Try to Feel It My Way : New help for touch dominant people and those who care about them by Suzette Haden Elgin * Understanding Body Language (Barron's Business Success Series) by Geoff Ribbens, Richard Thompson © We Say It Without Words by Lillian D. Bjorseth (a workbook for NVC) + What the Face Reveals : Basic and Applied Studies of Spontaneous Expression Using the Facial Action Coding System (Face series in Affective Science) by Paul Ekman & Erika Rosenberg (Editors) ‘+ When a gesture was Expected by Alan L. Boegehold (NVC in Archaic and Classical Greek Literature) LINKS: ‘* Exploring Nonverbal Communication University of California at Santa Cruz) Quiz. Try to guess what each picture shows. «The Nonverbal Dictionary of Gestures, Signs & Body Language A useful dictionary of terms from the Center for Nonverbal Studies. ‘© Nonverbal Communication ‘+ Unmasking the Face Paul Ekman's work on facial expression ‘Aittp:/Avww.hunnybee.com.aw/non-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003Non-Verbal Communication Page 10 of 11 ‘ial Analysis More of Ekman's work, introduces several ways of analyzing faces « Picture Exchange Systems Kay's Autism page on Image/PECS systems. Pictures for kids ‘The Body Language of Proxemics Body Language - 101 This site gives pictures and tips. BL. - 101 Basic translations. L_101- What couples tell each other. Improving Your Communicati 10 Tips are from, "85 Secrets for Improving Your Communication Skills" by Dr. Clare Albright. Public Speaking & Sales BOOKS: Body Language in Negotiations and Sales by Jacqueline A. Rankin LINKS: Nonverbal Delivery Some tips on do's and don't in public speaking. Around the World or Culture Spe BOOKS AA Dictionary of Russian Gesture by Barbara Monahan, Barbara Minahan Dictionary of Worldwide Gestures by Betty J. Bauml, Franz H. Baum (very expensive) Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World by Roger E. Axtell, Mike Fornwald (Illustrator) * A Cultural History of Gesture by Jan Bremmer, Herman Roodenburg (Editor) LINKS: Brazil ian Body Language Understanding your Pet's non-verbals ydy Language and Emotion of Cats How to read your cat's body language. Feline body language explains what some of the things that your cat's body does. Information on feline behavior, status, and more © Some of the odd things you cat does, whether they are health related or just a personality quirk. © Understanding Your Bird's Body Language. Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine. Successful relationships with pet birds depend on understanding his vocalizations and body language. ‘* Rabbits have a language all their own. Here are some tips on interpreting your bunnies hops, kicks and grunts. REFERENCES Adier, R.B. Rodman, G. (2000) Understanding Human Communication (7th Ed) Harcourt College Publishers, Florida USA hitp:/hwww.hunnybee.com.awnon-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003‘Non-Verbal Communication Page 11 of 11 Archer, Dane. (1999) Exploring Nonverbal Communication, Video: THE HUMAN FACE: Emotions, Identities and Masks, Univ. of California Extension, Center for Media and Independent Learning, http://zzyx.ucsc.edu/~archer/ Buchholz, W.J (1998) Nonverbal Delivery: Some tips on do's and don't in public speaking. http://web. bentley. edu/empl/b/wbuchholz/presentations/nonverbal/outlinec.htm Communicating, (1999) from Chapter 11, p 6 (From the www. unknown who author is) Cowley, G (1996) The Biology of Beauty, Newsweek, 25, pp.60-67. Katie ? (1998) The Body Language of Proxemics: http://members.aol.com/katydidit/bodylang.htm Masterson, J. (1996) Nonverbal Communication In Text Based Virtual Realities, Chapter 5 , University of Montana http://www.johnmasterson.com/thesis/ Myers, D. G. (1990) Psychology (4th ed.) Worth Publishers., New York. Pease, A. (1981) Body Language, Camel Publishing Company, Sydney. Pease, A & B. (1998) Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't read Maps, Harper Collins Aust. Peter A. Andersen, P.A.(1999) American Communication Journal (AC}) Mayfield Publishing Co., http://acjournal.org/holdings/vol3/Iss3/reviews/review6.html This web page was written by Melissa BEE R.N (©) 20th August 2001 Any questions or for further information, please contact: Melissa http://www hunnybee.com.au/non-verbal-communication.html 9/9/2003irs agesieprtndernseatst hrm lea oe one asthe aim feet RE tae =I mee ah Root ral tad Ah oe est = = es