Non-verbal communication: concept, types, components, features

Speech is the main mechanism of communication between people. But if you want to see through the interlocutor, you need to study the features of non-verbal communication. Sign language will help you find out what the other person is talking about, what he thinks and how he really treats you.

Non-verbal communications originated, probably, with the advent of mankind, but a substantive study of this issue began only in the 20th century, simultaneously with the emergence of a full-fledged science about body language. The concept of non-verbal communication is usually interpreted as communication through non-verbal sign systems. Sometimes a person does not think about how much information he passes to his opponent before he even starts talking.

Comparative characteristics of verbal and non-verbal communications

Verbal and non-verbal means of communication have a number of significant differences. The key ones are presented in the table.

The main types of non-verbal communication

Not only speech helps a person transmit and receive information. There are a number of mediated communication mechanisms. Here are the main types of non-verbal communication:

• Kinestics - non-verbal communications through bodily movements.
• Vocalica (paralinguistics) - voice effects, namely: tone, speed of speech, strength of voice, presence or absence of pauses, sound intensity.
• Haptika (Takesika) - communication through touch.
• Proxemics - the perception and use of personal or social space. It is about the distance between the interlocutors, as well as the organization of the environment.
• Artifacts - clothes, jewelry and so on.

Body language features

To assess the role of the language of non-verbal communication in human life, it is worth understanding its functions. Here is a list of them:

• Duplicate. Through facial expressions, gestures, emotions and body position, the words of the speaker are confirmed.
• Regulatory. Serves to establish interpersonal relationships.
• Revealing. In most cases, gestures and facial expressions cannot be controlled, and therefore they reveal the true feelings and intentions of the speaker.
• Replacing. Sometimes sign language completely replaces spoken language (nodding, inviting gesture, and so on).

Sign Language Factors

Features of non-verbal communication are determined by a number of factors. Here are the main ones:

• National affiliation. People living in different parts of the world can express their emotions in different ways. In addition, representatives of different countries may interpret the same gesture differently.
• Health status. The tone of voice, facial expressions and the intensity of gestures can be affected by well-being, as well as the presence of certain diseases.
• Professional affiliation. People engaged in different types of activities may develop specific non-verbal mechanisms. For example, people in creative professions are distinguished by lively facial expressions and active gestures.
• The cultural level. Determines the structure of gestures and the ability to control emotions.
• Social status. As a rule, people in a high social position are more restrained in gesturing.
• Belonging to a group (sexual, age, traditional, social). This factor can cause some features of non-verbal communication.

Non-verbal communication: facial expressions

The facial muscles respond to all thoughts and emotions affecting the person. Thus, facial expressions are one of the most important mechanisms of non-verbal communication. If a person tries to hide his thoughts and emotions from you, facial expressions will still give him away. The table shows the correspondence of sensory manifestations of facial expressions.

Language of views

Among non-verbal means of communication, it is worth highlighting the views. Just in the direction of the pupils and the narrowing of the eyelids. The most common interpretations are given in the table.

What the voice will tell

One of the components of non-verbal communication is voice. Not only words are important, but also the tone, volume, intonation with which they are pronounced. Here's how to guess the speaker’s presence of certain feelings and emotions:

• Excitement - low tone, fussy intermittent speech.
• Enthusiasm, enthusiasm - a high tone, a clear verified speech.
• Fatigue - low tone, slow speech with a decrease in intonation towards the end of the phrase.
• Arrogance is monotonous slow speech.
• Uncertainty - confused speech with errors and pauses.

What are the gestures talking about?

Non-verbal communication includes numerous gestures, which we sometimes do not pay attention to during communication. Nevertheless, they can tell a lot about the true thoughts and intentions of the interlocutor. The table shows the most common combinations of gestures.

What are the poses talking about?

One of the key points of non-verbal communication is posture and its meaning. Depending on the position of your interlocutor’s body, you can understand what he’s thinking about, what his intentions and attitude are towards you and your dialogue. The table shows the decoding of some poses.

Interpersonal space

Another important technique of non-verbal communication is the observance of interpersonal distance (space). In fact, “permissible boundaries” may differ depending on the place of residence, type of activity, as well as individual preferences of a person. Nevertheless, there are some standard parameters that should be followed when establishing contacts :

• Intimate distance (up to 50 cm) is acceptable between close friends or relatives. Also, such interpersonal distance is permissible in sports associated with the contact of the bodies of rivals or partners.
• Interpersonal distance (50-120 cm) is permissible for informal communication. In this case, tactile contact may or may not occur.
• Social distance (120-370 cm) is characteristic of public and business relations. Tactile contacts in this case are not allowed.
• Public distance (more than 370 cm) implies a formal exchange of politeness or abstention from communication.

How to achieve the location of a person

Non-verbal communication is a powerful weapon in the hands of someone who is familiar with its basics. Some tricks help to get people's location, to convince them of their rightness. Non-verbal tactics are especially important in sales and public speaking. Here are the basic tricks to help you succeed:

• Hands should be at the level of the belt or solar plexus, slightly apart. Their position must be open. You can do something like an inviting gesture with the palm of your hand.
• Demonstrate “active listening” when your interlocutor speaks. Look carefully at him, nod your head and periodically assent when appropriate.
• Proving your point of view, make the face spiritualized. Show with your whole appearance that your point of view is correct, you sincerely believe in it. Look closely at the other person, slightly raising eyebrows.
• If the interlocutor objects, answer him with a serious intonation, gradually flowing into a positive one. This will give the impression that you solved the problem and reflected the remark.
• End the conversation with positive intonation and a smile. Thus, you will be remembered by the interlocutor on the positive side and leave pleasant associations with yourself.

Non-verbal "mistakes"

Even if a person is not familiar with the intricacies of non-verbal communication, he subconsciously rejects and rejects some unpleasant moments. As a rule, communication with the interlocutor does not add up if you make such mistakes:

• Hidden palms. Keeping your hands in your pockets, behind your back or just crossed means to close yourself from your interlocutor. This leads him to the idea that you are insincere or afraid. If you find it difficult to maintain an open pose, pick up an object (pen or folder), but do not hide them.
• To look away. To look at the floor, on the sides or at foreign objects is extremely wrong. It is important to make eye contact. You can only look away if you are demonstrating something to the interlocutor (for example, a product or a document). But at the end of the presentation, be sure to look into the eyes.
• Stoop and search for support. All this is evidence of your self-doubt. If you feel that you cannot control emotions, it is better to invite the interlocutor to sit down.
• Violation of personal space. If the interlocutor is not your relative or close acquaintance, do not approach him closer than a meter and do not try to establish tactile contact (touch or hug). The interlocutor may take this for tactlessness or be embarrassed.
• Do not touch your face, ears or hair. In general, perform as little manipulation of body parts as possible. This indicates your secrecy, insincerity or self-doubt.

How to recognize a liar

The key role of non-verbal communication is that you can recognize what the other person wants to hide from you. In particular, there are a number of signs by which a lie can be identified. Here are the main ones:

• pauses or hesitations before the start of a speech or a new speech;
• frequent interruption of speech;
• a look directed upwards, which means pondering what has been said;
• congealing facial expressions for more than five seconds;
• delay in emotions (mimic reaction occurs within a few seconds after speaking);
• a tight smile, expressed by a straight narrow line of lips;
• attempts to interrupt eye contact or look past the interlocutor;
• manipulations with any part of the body: tapping with your fingers, stamping your foot, biting your lips, touching the nose;
• poor gestures caused by attempts at self-control;
• increased tone of voice, uncontrolled by the speaker;
• shortness of breath and shortness of breath that interferes with speech;
• increased sweating in the armpits, forehead and palms;
• humpiness;
• crossed position of limbs;
• running pupils that do not stop at any one point;
• exaggerated gestures and emotions that may not correspond to the content and nature of speech;
• excessively fast and irregular blinking.