Defining Verbal & Non-Verbal
Before we turn our attention to a detailed explanation of non-verbal communication (NVC), we need to be very clear about our understanding of the term ‘verbal’
Quick discussion – what do you think ‘verbal’ means?
Verbal Communication
We often use the term ‘verbal’ to mean ‘spoken’ eg. “I gave her a verbal warning”
In Communication & Culture, we use the word ‘verbal’ in a slightly different and more technical way
Definition of Verbal
Verbal = communicating with words and language (as opposed to images, actions or behaviour)
Verbal communication is restricted to language
‘Design Features’ of Language
Language enables us to communicate about events beyond our immediate sensory experience
The capacity of language is infinite
Definition of NVC
All this leaves us with a definition of NVC as follows: “All communication other than that involving words and language” This is fine but could include everything from animal communication to films to gardening. For our purposes we will use a more restricted definition: “Bodily communication, other than words and language”
Forms
The discussions will focus on two key areas: Different categories (or types) of NVC The functions (or uses) of NVC Before we do this, we need to establish some general points about NVC and its relationship to language and culture
Relationship between NVC, Language & Culture
When travelling, we do not, on the whole, make the assumption that everyone will understand our first and preferred language
Most of us accept we must either learn a new language or rely entirely on verbal signals for communication We assume we will have no difficulty in decoding non-verbal clues We need to be aware of the enormous range and diversity of non-verbal behaviour
What emotions do these facial expressions portray?
NVC, Language & Culture
Even in the secure territory of your own familiar culture, care is needed in the interpretation of non-verbal clues Jumping to conclusions about meanings of non-verbal clues can be dangerous
Your Approach to NVC
You should suggest possible meanings and interpretations when analysing NVC, whilst paying due regard to the influence of context and culture and contex Your own culture and context has an impact on the deciphering of NVC Interpretations are both relative and subjective
Categorisation of NVC – Paralanguage
PARALANGUAGE CONSISTS OF THE NON-VERBAL ELEMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY SPEECH. IT INCLUDES:
The way we speak (also known as prosodic features) Volume, pitch, intonation, speed of delivery, articulation, rhythm The sounds we make other than language Laughter, crying, yawning, sighing, screeching, coughing Filled pauses such as ‘Mmmm’, ‘Ahhh’, ‘Ummm’ Unfilled pauses
Accent & Paralanguage
Elocution lessons were once very popular amongst the middle classes, especially for those young people who were sent to ‘finishing school’ as a preparation for ‘polite society.’ ACTIVITY – Read the extract from the Daily Telegraph and then discuss the questions in a small group. Why do you think that some parents still see the advantage of elocution lessons? Do you agree that children in the UK are ‘poor at expressing themselves’?
Categorisation of NVC – Physical Appearance
Clothing, hairstyle, make-up, body adornment, jewellery, tattoos, piercings, glasses, facial hair, accessories such as bags You only have to think of the huge industries associated with the above examples to recognise the cultural significance of physical appearance
Further Categories of NVC - Activity
Read the information sheet on some more categories of NVC – on the task sheet, jot down the key points for each type. We will then take whole-class feedback.
Body movement (kinesics)
Closeness (proxemics)
Touching (haptics)
Eye movement (occulesics)
Smells (olfactics)
Body Movement - Kinesics
Gesture, facial expression, posture, head nodding, orientation
Emblems – gestures with specific cultural meanings attached
Illustrators reinforce words of speakers
Adapters are unconscious gestures to relieve stress or boredom
Posture is heavily laden with value judgements
Closeness - Proxemics
Study of how we use space and distance
Includes seating arrangements, queuing and territoriality
Ideas of ‘personal space’, ‘invasion of personal space’ and ‘comfort zones’
Use of objects as ‘markers’ to indicate ownership of space
Touching - Haptics
Physical contact such as holding, hitting, kissing, stroking, shaking hands, guiding
Linked to proxemics
Touch is very important in our early development
Many rules and taboos regulating physical contact
Touching - Haptics
Physical contact such as holding, hitting, kissing, stroking, shaking hands, guiding
Linked to proxemics
Touch is very important in our early development
Many rules and taboos regulating physical contact
Eye Movement - Occulesics
Eye movement, length and direction of gaze, changes in pupil size
We are hypersensitive to information imparted by eyes
Can be argued eyes reveal the truthfulness of what is being said
Smell - Olfactics
Humans do not have a particularly well-developed sense of smell compared with other species Perfumes and deodorants send powerful messages, as can the natural body odours we try to suppress A rapidly growing industry has developed around the use of smells
Complex Messages
Rare for these non-verbal codes to operate in isolation from one another, or separately from language
We create and perceive messages using signs from a range of verbal and non-verbal codes
To make this even more complex, these signs and codes to not always pull in the same direction
Communicative Competence
This idea refers to our ability to use language not just accurately but appropriately. A competent communicator will:
Recognise and use different verbal and non-verbal styles as they are suited to different social situations
Recognise the subtle interplay of verbal and non-verbal elements in communication
Compensate for possible misinterpretations in communication with others
The Functions of NVC
Communicating feelings, emotions and attitudes
Replacing and regulating language
Communicating Feelings, Emotions and Attitudes
NVC has a particularly important role in establishing and maintaining relationships, otherwise known as an affective function
We rely more heavily on NVC in this area of personal communication
Looks, glances, changes in orientation allow others to know what sort of relationship we want to have
We use NVC to establish a mutually acceptable level of intimacy
Non-verbal leakage – messages ‘slipping out’ in spite of our attempts to control them – ensures that high credibility is given to non-verbal cues in the area of feeling, emotion and attitude
Puts a lot of power in the hands of a skilled communicator
Interpersonal attitudes can also be indicated by body closeness and orientation
Communicating Power & Status
Within organisations such as the army, positions within the hierarchy are clearly signalled by uniforms, badges and behavioural codes such as saluting
In other organisations the non-verbal rules of the pecking order may not be so overt, but they are just as carefully observed
Peter Collett’s Handshake Theory
The Bonecrusher
The Limp Handshake
The Firm Handshake
The Limpet Handshake
The Clammy Handshake
The Reinforced Handshake
The Relocated Handshake
The Upper Handshake
The Limp Handshake may seem the most likely to offer evidence of submissiveness, but this is not necessarily so, as Collett’s more detailed explanation reveals:
“A limp handshake occurs when someone offers a hand that is totally relaxed. It doesn’t exert any pressure on the other person’s hand and it doesn’t contribute to the mutual production of the handshake. A person who offers a limp handshake is someone who, in more senses than one, doesn’t connect with the other person. Like their hand, they remain passive and detached – they’re simply not focused on the person they’re greeting. This often happens with people who are self-important or who have to shake hands with a lot of people…Women who want to cultivate an impression of languid femininity often present a rather limp hand to the person they’re greeting. Strong people often do the same, but in their case it’s to emphasise their strength. It’s said that Mike Tyson offers a relaxed, almost tender hand when he greets people outside the boxing ring – the complete opposite to what happens inside the ring.” (Collett, 2003)
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