Question

1: Identify and describe the types of nonverbal communication. (Body Movement, Touch, Voice, Distance, Territoriality, Time, Physical Attractiveness, Clothing, Physical Environment)

2: According to the study of proxemics, what are the preferred distances, or personal spaces, when dealing with people?

Answer 1

Answer.

Nonverbal communication involves the use of gestures, body movements, facial expressions etc, to convey an idea or thought to another person or animal through use of signs other than words. These may include:

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 first thing we see, even before we hear what they have to say.

facial expressions : the contrcation of certain muscles of the face, eyes, nose and lips are used to express emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, and fear and these are found to be similar throughout the world irrespective of cultural differences.

Body movements or Gestures

Deliberate movements and signals are used to communicate meaning without words. These may include waving, pointing, and using fingers to indicate numeric amounts, to summon or approach someone. Body movements are often culture specific and the same movement may have different meanings in different societies.for instance, the sitting cross legged is an acceptable body movement in Western societies to communicate formality but it is seen as a sign of disrespect in many Asian societies.

Touch:

As a non verbal means of communication, touch is used to establish an interpersonal closeness and friendliness while absence of touch is directed to create personal boundary and formality in relationships. Certain touch such as a gentle handshake can be used to convey approval,a pleasant feeling or warmth while a hard or hurried handshake may be used in some instances to show social power and dominance.

Voice

Modifying the quality of he voice in tems of pitch And volume is also used as a common nonverbal communication to highlight a message or convey hidden meanings. For instance, if someone uses the expression “ nice to meet you” in a loud, hurried voice then it may be taken to convey a contrary feeling but the same expression when uttered in a soft, pleasing tone can convey pleasant emotions.

Distance

Physical distance can serve as a powerful non verbal communication as one may reduce the distance between the speaker and the audience to convey a close relationship, warmth such as to comfort a crying friend or even intimidate someone such as when a bully comes close to his/ her victim with his chest held high to communicate power and instilling fear.

Time:

As a nonverbal communication, time is used to convey a sense of urgency or calm in the situation of interpersonal exchange. Time can be used to influence personal evaluations such as when a job interview candidate or a person on a date reaches the decided venue before time. Additionally, it can be used to communicate social status and power such as when importantand famous personalities reach a live event later than the fixed time.

Physical appearance and clothing:

Our choice of color, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal communication. In general, neutral, light coloured clothes communicate serious and professional demeanour of the wearer and can lead to positive evaluations in formal settings.