Module 4 Discussion

Communication is key in any relationship, both professional and personal and it can be both verbal and non-verbal. Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions and body language, that gives us many clues about where the discussion is headed. Even silence can be interpreted in many ways, and non-verbal signals are strong expressions too. It is important to understand body language, postures and facial expressions to fully interpret the message that a person is trying to convey. Eye contact, nodding, facing the speaker, smiling etc are positive signs that the person is listening and also agreeing to the speaker’s opinion. Cultural differences play an important role in non-verbal communication and it is emphasized that we have to learn about the culture before communicating with the people, for example in western countries people extend a hand shake when they meet and greet but in countries like India, they bring their palms together and say Namaste when they like to greet a person who is not very close.

        I observed a young couple sitting in a park bench and having a snack together. From my initial observation, I understood that they were a couple, in their early twenties and they came in together too. I noticed that the man was sitting sideways, facing the girl and his feet were also pointed towards her, which shows that he was interested in her. This was not the case with the girl, as she was sitting in a posture that was looking forward and clearly was not facing the man. The girl’s posture was neutral whereas they man’s body language was that of trying to impress her as his body was inclined towards her. The man spoke most of the time, looking at her and trying to make eye contact, which shows that he was honest. The girl was only nodding and was being distracted as she was looking into the crowd. This shows that there was some strain in the relationship or maybe it was too early in the relationship and the interest level among the two certainly did not match.

References

Simone Janson. (2019). Body Language for Leaders : Use Rhetoric & Psychology, Improve Gestures & Facial Expressions, Control Non-Nerbal Communication & Physical Signals, Learn Apperance Effect & Charisma: Vol. 1st edition. Best of HR – Berufebilder.de®.

Riggio, R. E., & Feldman, R. S. (2005). Applications of Nonverbal Communication. Psychology Press.