NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION (NVC) : -

Communicating one’s intent/thoughts without using the spoken word is non-verbal communication. About 65 to 75 percent of all communication is non-verbal in nature. The spoken words must align with the body language of both the sender and the receiver for effective communication.

Body language is the only language which is common all over the world, but one must learn how to interpret it precisely, as misinterpretation can create a lot of problems. Our body responds to various emotions like sadness, happiness, anger, love, regret, excitement, animosity, etc. Our gestures communicate messages to others that can be positive or negative. Facial expressions, physical distance, spaces, tone, pitch, postures, personal appearance are all integral aspects of non-verbal communication. Context of spaces, time and even accessories that we use become an expression of our brand image.

NVC is categorised into 5 Defining Body Languages:-

• Proxemics or proximity :- It refers to the levels of spaces or distances between the audience and the speaker. Proxemics is the study of understanding and the use of space in communication, behaviour and social interaction. Edward T. Hall, cultural anthropologist, coined the term, Proxemics in 1963.

  There are 4 identified Distances/ spaces in Proxemics -

  • Intimate Distance– example- a couple or family (distance confined to the zone of 15 to 46 cm).

  • Personal Distance- for example- interactions among close friends or extended family - (distance confined to 76 to 122 cm).

  • Social Distance- for example- interactions among acquaintances, colleagues, peer groups, meetings, discussions (distance confined to 2.1 to 3.7 m).

  • Public Distance- for example- interaction and behaviour during public interactions as in auditorium, malls, airports, hospitals, restaurant or public speaking avenues as in lectures, speeches (distance confined to 7.6 m or more).

  Informed communicators should be aware of all the 4 zones and respect the defined spaces in a public place or a business meeting. It is also important to ensure that no one’s personal space or intimate zones are disturbed in anyway.

• Chronemics :- It is the body language of the way in which one understands and values time, structures time, and reacts to time frames in communication. Thomas J. Bruneau of Radford University coined the term "Chronemics" in the late 1970s. Understanding and perceiving time accurately and behaving accordingly play a vital role in interaction. Time Proxemics, Chronemics, Kinesics, Artifacts, Paralanguage perceptions can affect lifestyle, daily agendas, speed of speech, movements, self?management or team work in the office. It is important to speak and do the right thing at the right time in the right way in context of all communication situations.

• Kinesics :- It is the interpretation of body movements in communication such as facial expressions, gestures, postures. Understanding and adapting to right kinesics will make any communication pattern powerful and highly effective.

  For example- during a presentation:

  1. Eye contact with the audience is imperative. It must be receptive and focused.

  2. A pleasant, friendly, inviting smile on face engages the audience’s interest.

  3. A square- shouldered, straight posture on the stage shows determination and is reflective of a goal- specific person.

  4. Gestures- which are natural and emphatic hand movements at the right time in speech show assertion and clarity of thought.

  PLEASE AVOID- Negative Kinesics- while in Interview/ Professional Meetings/ Presentations/ Workplace:

  Drooping shoulders, disinterested & bored looks, overexcited, yawns, cross armed or cross legged, mechanical nods, fingers drumming the table, knuckle clenching, leaning on the table/podium, sitting on the edge of the chair, fidgeting, jingling keys, hands in pocket.

• Paralanguage :- It refers to the pauses, speech rate, pitch of voice, volume, tone, inflection, modulation, accent and accentuation, as well as silence that a person may use to enhance and direct his communication. For example- an expression like- “Oh, yes,” may be uttered to express a whole array (range) of attitudes.

  Paralanguage brings conviction, spontaneity and credibility to the verbal expression. Paralanguage also makes the communicator unique in the manner he/she chooses to express a particular thought through the voice modulation.

• Artifacts :- It is the language of articles/ accessories used like – stationery/ watch/ dress codes & colour preference or gadget choices like- cell phone. Artifacts convey an individual’s habits and social beliefs. For example

1. Clothes (attire/ dress etiquette) can communicate many ideas, including social class, attitudes (conservative, liberal, moderate), style and creativity, and age