Non verbal communication play a vital role in our regular life and it make easy our communication various time. However we describe here symbols or media/ cues of non-verbal communication or, types of non verbal communication.
Types of non verbal communication
Non-verbal communication is non- word communication. It takes place without using written or spoken words. There more some symbols or media of non-verbal communication.
Non-verbal communication is non-word communication. It takes place without using written or spoken words. There are some symbols or media of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication uses several symbols which also known as types of non verbal communication that are noted below:
Silence
It is a very powerful tool of communication. When no words are used, no gestures are made and yet the message is communicated, it is called silent communication. For example, if a person is given a difficult assignment or job, he may remain wordless and this is called silence. Such silence may indicate his or her disinterest or lack of understanding.
Body Language
When gestures and postures are used for communicating a message are called body language. It can be of two types:
- Unconscious movement: When we are bored, we walk around the room. When we are nervous, we bite our nails. These movements are usually made unconsciously.
- Conscious movement: When we salute our national flag; when we forward our arms; when we sit, walk or stands; we are actually communicating our feelings through conscious movement.
Gestures
A gesture is an intentional body movement to send a message. There are many different attitudes and intentions are expressed through gestures.
 For example, when we are introduced to people who are older or in higher ranking positions we show respect. Thumbs- up gestures show that things are under control.
Facial Expression
Faces are very important in non-verbal communication. Because they express a great range of emotions from Joy to sorrows, from frustration to pleasure. For example, when we are happy, we smile; and when we are sad, we are in gloomy face.
Para language or use of voice
The voice is obviously an important communication tool. Ranges from anger to very expressive sounds. When a person is speaking loudly then his tone reflects strangeness whereas when a person is speaking slowly then his tone is faint. So different voice or tone creates different meaning and therefore quality of voice provides different messages to us.
Touch
By touching, we can express a wide range of emotions. When we embrace each other during BID, we are communicating our greetings. When we slap or kick some one, we are showing our anger. Communication by touch should take into consideration both cultural patterns and individual preference. For example: In some cultures, embraces are common greetings, but in many cultures it may not. On the other hand, handshake is preferred by one person but it may not be preferred, by others.
Space and Distance
In much Organization, space has become an indicator of the relative importance of a person. As you move up the Organizational ladder, your office is likely to become larger and its location to be well furnished. So space conveys us a message regarding the importance of a person in organization.
Distance also expresses the degree of intimacy and individual acceptance. (The distance you place between yourself and others is a message. If you seat closely to other persons in a meeting, it means you are less formal and want intimacy. Whereas, if you seat making distance, it means you want a barrier.
Clothes and Personal Appearances
We are able to communicate through appearance and dress. Your clothes and dresses provide visual signal to your interest, age, personality, sex, attitude, social standing, religious affiliation and other things. Appearance also provides idea regarding your personality, taste and honesty. (Both clothes and appearance provide the self image of a person towards others.
For Example: When a person is dressed-up with suit, it means he is ready to have any formal activities, when a person is wearing casual dress, it shows something to be informal.
Audible Aspect
Audible refers to sound winch can be heard clearly. In communication various sounds convey various messages. Familiar audible aspects of communication are :
- Siren: It is device that produces long and loud sound as a signal or warning, e.g. (During Ramadan time, we are familiar with siren at seheri and iftar moment.)
- Calling Bell: It is used in office and home to call upon desired person.] In office it is used to call a peon. At home, visitors notify their presence by calling the host through such bell.
- Ringing Bell: Such bell conveys useful message to the person concerned. In educational institute, the teachers and the students are informed regarding particular class period from the sound of ringing
- Clock Alarm: This is popular in our daily life. It is used to notify about time and make us conscious about our duties to be done in time.
Symbols
Symbols are important media of non verbal communication. It is used as a means of communication was popular at the primitive period of human civilization as it is today. We use different type of symbols to communicate specific massage. Symbols or signs are representation of something. To define or express any situation or position we take the help of Symbols.
For example: In a street we are familiar with the following things:
Moreover, a driver can easily understand that red light acts as a symbol to stop and green light acts as a symbol to move for a vehicle.
Furthermore we use symbols to solve any mathematical problems such as:
- + : Addition
- – : Subtraction
- * : Multiplication
In our daily life we face various symbols consciously or unconsciously. And all the symbols are communicating to us.
For example:
Symbols
Symbols easily communicate to all. So, we must know what symbol represents what because the meaning of different symbols may vary from culture to culture, region to region or society to society.
Gestures
A gesture is an intentional body movement to convey a message. There are many different attitudes and intentions are expressed through gestures.
For example: When we are introduced to people who are older or in higher ranking positions we show respect. Thumbs- up gestures show that things are under control.
We use arms, legs, hands and heads to convey message also. Say, when we straddle during physical training (P.T), it shows our attention to a speaker. When we first, it reflects our determination. And when we nod our head it expresses bur understanding. More over we uses our hands to wave in many occasions which means “hello” or “good-bye”. Furthermore we bow to others in much function and such thing symbolizes our gratitude and respect.
Normally gestures are meaningful in relation to another person and we use different gestures during our verbal communication. It can create different meanings at different point of time.
Body Language / Kinesics
it refers to the movement of various parts of our body and indicates some message which creates communication. It is also known as kinesics.
According to Lesikar & Petit “Kinesics is the study of body’s physical movement.”
Body language can be of two types:
- Unconscious movement:When we are bored, we walk around the room. When we are nervous, we bite our nails. These movements are usually made unconsciously.
- Conscious movement:When we salute our national flag; when we forward our arms; when we sit, walk or stands; we are actually communicating our feelings through conscious movement.
The physical shapes of our body also communicate to others. A tall man with good physical health is considered to be active, whereas a short person with tiny health is considered to be invalid at first sight.
Body language is sometimes confusing and may not communicate the actual scenario always. For example: a person who is usually rough will come politely to attend any interview. Moreover any employee who is suffering from any mental pain will obviously show his smiling face in front of his Big Boss. Whereas a person who never smiles can be read as an unhappy person.
We should be aware regarding our body language otherwise right message will not be communicated.
For example: In a formal meeting we cannot sit in a relax mood because it will show our inattentiveness. Whereas in a picnic or party we should not sit rigidly because it will represent our tension
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