Running head: NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 1
Non-verbal communication
Name
Course
Institution Affiliation
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 2
Non-verbal communication
Communication plays a vital role in shaping people interactions. Effective
communication is the goal of every communicator. It incorporates effective use of words and
sentences, swiftness in the deliverance of words, sign language, and intonation. There are two
main aspects that determine the efficiency of communication. The two elements are the
verbal and the nonverbal cues. Effective use of verbal and non-verbal cues enable people to
exchange information feelings, meanings. Non-verbal communication covers all the
messages excluding spoken words. These messages include; eye contact, gestures, body
movements, facial expression among others.
Non-verbal communication helps the message in expressing emotions. These
emotions are expressed through various gestures. Through nonspoken words, one can
understand and judge the recipient's reaction (Frank & Svetieva, 2014). Surprisingly
figurative messages can be symbolizing different meanings from the real words from the
speaker. Non-verbal messages help one to navigate and seek understanding from the
complicated state of affairs. They are the basis for gauging togetherness and healthy
relationships in one’s life.
Nonverbal communication supports spoken words. They are used to supplement the
verbal communication to deliver the real meaning in the message. They can be used to
complement, critique, contradict, emphasize or even substitute spoken words (Patterson,
2018). Non-verbal cues help one in learning the personality of the speaker. They facilitate an
understanding of complex characters like morality, temperament, attitude, skill among others
(Frank & Svetieva, 2014). Non-verbal communication again helps society to express cultural
beliefs and perform rituals effectively. Every culture or community has its way of saying
goodbyes and greetings.
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 3
Non-verbal messages are essential as communication could be meaningless without
the non-verbal aspect. For example, touch in communication indicates personal characterizes
such as closeness, feelings, and expressions. A stiff handshake during the discussion is
interpreted differently from a slight or a loose one (Patterson, 2018. Non-verbal
communication adds efficiency in communication. It is the highly used form of
communication as it covers other aspects like the pitch of voice, intonation, and tone. For
body language to effectively brand well with verbal communication, they must be utilized
appropriately. They serve as communication barriers if misused.
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 4
References
Frank,;M.;G., & Svetieva,;E. (2014). 16 The role of nonverbal communication in
detecting and telling lies. Nonverbal Communication, 1-87.
doi:10.1515/9783110238150.471
Patterson,;M. (2018). Nonverbal Interpersonal Communication. Oxford Research
Encyclopedia of Communication, 34-78.
doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.657
Poyatos,;F. (2015). Nonverbal Communication in Interaction. The Social Psychology of
Nonverbal Communication, 3-78. doi:10.1057/9781137345868.0018
