Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Among the various forms of communication, one such form is nonverbal communication, also known as non-linguistic communication. Communication expert Julian Fast, who authored a book titled Body Language, introduced nonverbal communication as a "universal human language". The reason for this is that we use nonverbal communication not only while exchanging ideas verbally but also when verbal exchange is absent (Dias, 2010, p. 82).

Many formal definitions have been presented regarding what nonverbal communication entails. Terry Quill Gamble and Michael Gamble state that "all forms of human messages and responses expressed without the use of words" fall under the category of nonverbal communication (Senarath, 2018, p. 56). According to them, in interpersonal communication, verbal channels account for 35% or less, implying that over 65% of communication happens through nonverbal codes.

C.S. Raidu defines nonverbal communication as communication that occurs without words. However, this idea cannot be fully accepted since even voice modulation during speech is a form of nonverbal communication. In the radio medium, voice control is one of the most prominent forms of nonverbal communication. Burton R. Canfield and H. Fraser Moore interpret nonverbal communication as follows:

"Communication using spoken or written words is verbal; communication through certain external behaviors, gestures, facial expressions, and images can be referred to as nonverbal" (Edirisinghe, 2007, p. 39).

Additionally, Professor Sunanda Mahendra has defined nonverbal communication in Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe’s book Communication Approaches as:

“Nonverbal communication is connected to a symbolic and sign-based language.”

According to Albert Mehrabian (1982), 93% of our communication when interacting with others is presented through nonverbal channels (Senarath, 2018, p. 56).

Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe further notes in his book Communication Approaches that nonverbal communication can be categorized under two main types:

1. Internally visible nonverbal communication related to the individual.

2. Externally visible nonverbal communication influenced by the environment. (Edirisinghe, 2007, p. 37)

Nonverbal communication operates based on signs and symbols. It occurs:

• based on internal signs and codes of individuals,

• through externally influenced signs and codes,

• and also by using internationally recognized signs and codes.

According to Michael Argyle, there are ten types of nonverbal cues formed within an individual:

1. Physical touch

2. Proximity

3. Posture

4. Appearance

5. Head movements

6. Facial expressions

7. Gestures

8. Body movement

9. Eye movement

10. Lack of verbal structure (Edirisinghe, 2007)

Argyle also points out that sometimes individuals convey messages indirectly or implicitly through nonverbal signs. These include:

1. Relationships

2. Sexual attraction

3. Rejection

4. Aggressiveness

5. Dominance

6. Submission

7. Reconciliation

8. Fear

9. Sadness

10. Happiness (Edirisinghe, 2007)

In 1969, Paul Ekman, T.R. Sorensen, and M.V. Friesen classified nonverbal signals into five types:

1. Emblems

2. Illustrators

3. Affect displays

4. Regulators

5. Adaptors (Senarath, 2018, p. 58)

There are many functions carried out through nonverbal communication. According to Knapp and Hall, some of the main functions include:

• Reinforcement or contradiction of verbal messages.
  For example, imagine an athlete who wins a race and makes a “V” sign with their fingers to express victory. This is a nonverbal symbol that either complements or intensifies the verbal message.

• Substitution of verbal communication.
  A teacher in a classroom who places their index finger on their lips to quiet students uses a nonverbal symbol instead of speaking.

• Stimulation or intensification of a message.
  A politician raising their voice to emphasize a point is using nonverbal communication to stimulate the message.

• Regulation of messages.
  During a group discussion, individuals may use gestures, expressions, or vocal cues to shift the topic or pass the turn to someone else. This is a form of regulating the communication.

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References

• Edirisinghe, S. K. (2007). Communication Approaches, Mudungoda: Tharanga Publishers.

• Dias, S. M. (2007). Communication and Media Studies, Anamaduwa: Thothanna Publications.

• Senarath, S. M. (2018). Intercultural Communication, Pasyala: Author Publication.

By:

P.M.K.R. Senavirathna

Final Year – Department of Mass Media Studies

Sri Palee Campus – University of Colombo