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Decoding Non-Verbal communication
Mr. Narendra Sonu Tayade
Dadasaheb D. S. Patil arts, Commerce and Science College, Erandol Dist- Jalgaon
Abstract:
The principal purpose of this paper is to study, confer and make thought provoking discussion
about decoding non-verbal communication. Language is a means of communication and it
comprises both the types of communication: verbal and non-verbal. Communication through the
use of symbols and signs is called non-verbal communication. It may also be described as “all
behavior expressed consciously or unconsciously, performed in the presence of another or
others and perceived either consciously or unconsciously”. It may be possible to categorize it as
Non-verbal visual and non-verbal aural communication. The present paper focuses on how the
non-verbal communication becomes verbal with the help of facial expression, gestures, body
position, eye contact, clothing, etc. It is also an attempt to highlight the methods, techniques and
mechanisms to be used to decode the non-verbal communication. In non-verbal communication
pictures of different types play significant role. One may convey the meaning of what he wants
to say with the aid of pictures. Above and beyond this, signals and symbols may be used to
decode such types of communication. It is communication with some highly developed methods
like maps, charts and graphs. It is through these methods we can convey even complex
information and data. Kinesics and Proxemics are the sciences of studying non-verbal
communication. Kinesics studies visual aspects of non-verbal, interpersonal communication
while Proxemics studies the ways of spacing in human communication
Introduction:Non-verbal communication is communication through symbols and sign. It is as a writer
describes “all behaviors expressed consciously or unconsciously, performed in the presence of
another or others and perceived either consciously or unconsciously” (1). Though, it may be
classified as non-verbal visual and non-verbal aural. The researcher focuses in this paper on non-verbal
visual communication especially. It highlights the techniques, methods and mechanisms used to decode
non-verbal communication. In non-verbal communication Facial expressions, gestures, body positions,
eye contact and clothing play significant role. It is a study of how facial expressions are used and
interpreted in non-verbal communication. The present research paper is based on “The role of Facial
Expressions in non-verbal communication” Above and beyond this, signals and symbols may be used
to decode non-verbal communication. Sometimes highly developed methods like maps, charts and graphs
are also used in non-verbal communication. Kinesics, Proxemics and Chronomics are special branches
which study non-verbal communication. Kinesics deals with the study of visual aspects of non-verbal,
interpersonal communication. And it is going to be studied in the present research paper. Proxemics
studies the ways of spacing in the human communication and Chronomics studies time dimension of
interpersonal communication.
What is non-verbal communication:Though language is known as the most convenient means of communication yet understandable
communication is possible without language that is through body movements, gestures, pictures, symbols
and signs. Non-verbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication through
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sending and receiving wordless messages. Non-verbal communication can be communicated through
object communication such as clothing, hairstyles or even architecture symbols and infographics. Speech
containing nonverbal elements known as paralanguage .It includes voice quality, emotion and speaking
style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation and stress. Dance is also regarded as a
nonverbal communication. Likewise, written texts have nonverbal elements such as handwriting style,
spatial arrangement of words, or the use of emoticons.
However, much of the study of nonverbal communication focuses on face-to-face interaction, where it
can be classified into three principal areas: environmental conditions where communication takes place,
the physical characteristics of the communicators, and behaviors of communicators during interactions (2)
The importance of non-verbal communication:Most of us know that non-verbal communication is usually the process of communication
through sending and receiving wordless messages. Nearly all the methods of non-verbal communication
have instant effect because of quick perception by the receiver of the message. The time taken is very less
to see a symbol or picture as compare to the spoken words and their implication. It is important more for
the illiterate people when something dangerous is needed to convey e.g. Bottles and containers of poisons
are always marked with a skull and cross bones as warning. Similarly, these symbols are used on
electronic poles. Besides this the ideas concerned with geography are conveyed through maps, charts and
graphs. At glance, The receiver can understand the matter because non-verbal techniques can present a
large amount of data in a compact form. It is observed that every human being normally responds quickly
to colors and pictures than to any language. Even body movements and gestures are the things to be
conveyed important in the speech of a liar.
As “ Albert Meherebian” in his study observes that “The communication with non-verbal methods, like
symbols, signs and gestures squeezes more into the mind of receiver than the communication with spoken
words.” (3) In this regard the presidential debate of Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960 is
worthy to study. There is this story about the presidential debate of Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy
in 1960 where people listening via radio awarded the victory to Nixon while those watching the debate on
television awarded the victory to Kennedy.
This was explained by the fact that though President Nixon had very persuasive words
during the debate, he was more tensed, was sweating and was quite uncomfortable. On the other hand,
President Kennedy was looking very athletic and charming and was able to convey a positive and
convincing body language during that debate. Since that incident, researchers have demonstrated that the
message is perceived in 3 different ways: i) through spoken words ii) Through tone of voice and iii)
through non-verbal methods. Out of total interpretation 55% is depend upon body language.
Figure no.1 Shows 55 % share of body language in NVC
Features of non-verbal communication:1. Non-verbal messages primarily communicate emotions and attitude.
2. Non-verbal cues substitute for, contradict emphasis or regulate verbal message.
3. Non-verbal cues are often ambiguous.
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4. Non-verbal cues are continuous.
5. .Non-verbal cues are more reliable.
6. .Non-verbal cues are culture bound.
7. Most non-verbal cues are arbitrary.
Figure no.2. Gandhiji’s three monkey
In the picture displayed below a person is shown with his finger and thumb on his chin. He is conveying
the message that either he may be felt bored or he is unable to take decision. He is evaluating situation
but he is disinterested by the present situation and it is shown by his finger. Here, his head is supported by
thumb. He is thinking deep before comes to any conclusion of decision.
Figure no.4 A girl putting fingers on her mouth
Regarding this expression Morris says that fingers are put in mouth only when , the person is under some
sort of tension. In this way unconsciously the person tries to obtain the security of babyhood when he/she
used to breastfeed mother. Generally the figures hands on mouth show falsehood or deception. Fingers
in mouth figure shows the need of internal security.
Figure no. 5. A person with fingers put on chin and on mouth.
The persons wearing spectacles remove their spectacles during the decision taking situation instead of
putting their fingers on face in this way. The smokers put their pipe in mouth in such cases. When the
person puts pen or pencil in his /her mouth, it is the message that he / she is unable to take decision and
he/she is in need of promise. Because the object put in mouth doesn’t let him/her to take decision. Here,
the person is neither smoker nor a man with spectacle that is why he is usjng his hand to put on his chin
and side of mouth in this way.
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Figure no.6. A lady asks something nicely.
The lady, in this figure, is in the position to ask for promise from someone to alter his or her mind. The
facial expressions are clearly showing that how the eyebrows are lifted and want reply from the receiver
in words of promise to change.. The trembling chin is focusing the hope of a speaker that in future
everything will be happen according to her wish. The eyes are quite expressive than other limbs of face
.
Figure no.7 sarcastic smile
This figure shows mouth half open and eyes slightly squinting. This position is usually used when a
person promises someone that he will be back early but does not. In these cases such facial expressions
are used. Actually this is a sarcastic smile focuses on hidden disappointment because of someone else.
Figure no. 8.Controlled anger.
Controlled anger is shown in this figure. The lips are tightly closed. The nostrils are flared and the eyes
squinting slightly. Generally, these expressions are found on the face of a lady when either she is cheated
by her husband. or when something wrong happens against her desire. Though the lady in the figure is
angry, she has controlled her anger.
Figure no. 9. Contempt.
Here, the expressions are obviously notable. The lady in the figure feels degusting for the situation or
person. To show contempt her eyebrows and upper lip is lifted above. The power of tolerance is no more
in the person and to show this she has used this facial expression. The situation is too much adverse and
unbearable so she may be saying that “ it is enough just to wipe the sweat off your head with a tip of your
tie”. Feelings are always understood by facial expressions.
Apart from facial expressions, the methods or techniques like gestures, eye contact, body posture and
some types of special languages are used to decode non-verbal communication. Gestures and body
positions are important in interviews’. Each of these may studied in short as follows.
Eye contact:- In non-verbal communication eye contact is important. The study of the role of eyes in
nonverbal communication is sometimes referred to as "oculesics". Eye contact can indicate interest,
attention, and involvement. Studies have found that people use their eyes to indicate their interest and
with more than the frequently recognized actions of winking and slight movement of the eyebrows. Eye
contact is an event when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time. It is a form of nonverbal
communication and has a large influence on social behavior. Gaze comprises the actions of looking while
talking, looking while listening, amount of gaze, and frequency of glances, patterns of fixation, pupil
dilation, and blink rate.(4)
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Gestures:- A gesture is a non-vocal bodily movement intended to express meaning. They may be
expressed with the help of hand or body and also the movements of head, face and eyes such as winking,
nodding or rolling one’s eyes. The most familiar categories of gestures are emblem or quotable gestures.
These are culture bound e.g. the hand waves used in the U.S. for “hello” or “goodbye”.
Body Posture:- The body posture can be used to determine participant’s degree of attention or
involvement, the difference in status between communicators. It is also used to observe the level of
fondness of a person for the other communicator.
Some methods like maps, charts and graphs are highly developed and can be used to convey complex
and puzzling information. Non-verbal communication is also conveyed through some signs, pictures
colors and also through objects like bells, whistles and horns.
ASL:- Alternative Sign Language is a system of hand signals developed by speakers for limited
communication in a specific context where speech cannot be used . As some have claimed it has worked
“a sort of gestured version of English”
Conclusion: - Thus, non-verbal communication is important one and sometimes more beneficial than the
verbal communication. Facial expressions may be observed as methods or techniques of decoding nonverbal communication .Though languages like ASl (language is used for deaf community) and other for
deaf
people
are
developed
,
the
physique
conveys
more
than
words.
References:
1. Effective technical Communication - Prof. S.Agrawal
2. Nonverbal Communication: Forms and Functions- Andersen, Peter
3. Body Language - Allen Pease
4. Gudykunst, W.B. & Ting-Toomey, S. (1988) Culture and Interpersonal
Communication, California.
5. Business Communication Skills- Dr.S.S. Alurkar, V.A. Joshi, Dr.Mrs.madhu Pingale
6. Shabdawin Sanvad (Body language) - Lata R.Chaudhari.
Figures References;Figure.no.1—http://4.bp blogspot.com
Figure no. 2 http://www.funtoosh.com/images/humorjokes.
Figure no. 3, 4 ,5---- Body Language – Allen Pease
Figure no. 6,7,8,9,----htttp://www.fugly.com/pictures/19195/femail facial expressions
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