The Synergy Of Nonverbal Communication

The Author

The paradox of appreciating how individuals think and interpret events is an interesting one for an ideal conversation rooted on mutual exchange of thought and not as exhibition of wit and oratory. Without getting into the world of nonverbal behavior, we risk losing more than 65% of social meaning as concluded from a study by Ray Whistell, a pioneer in nonverbal research. Conversely, to fathom your behavior, one must try to elicit your feelings, attitudes and belief system as suggested by Herb Cohen. Ultimately, the effects could have been a more fulfilling life and influencing our audience by understanding and relating to their interest and needs.

Social and business communication practices of exchanging information and meaning have always impacted on many of decisions. Undeniably, we are able to inform, influence, initiate actions and build goodwill by creating good image of ourselves and our organizations. Indeed the standard of many corporate images positively relates to their communications systems. Culturally, nonverbal communication encompasses unwritten and unspoken communication practices in play when we were born, while we grow and when we retire from this world. In our interactions, when verbal and nonverbal communication does not convey the same meaning or information, the latter is believed because of its communicative value, its culture dynamics and distinct meanings. In the words of Kelvin Hogan, the nonverbal communication we exhibit is two to seven times more significant than the words we say.

Obviously, one major enhancer of nonverbal communication is developed through personal appearance. Physical appearance transcends dressing for business encounters and cover appearance from hair to shoe, positive body smell, no breath odor and a controlled weight according to Kelvin. It is a powerful force in winning business and reinforces the need for grooming and cleanliness. Indeed physical appearance is used as one of the marketing communication tools to create a lasting impression and to gain the confidence of a customer. It is therefore not unusual to see professionals use clothing, automobile, grooming, business cards, brochures and briefcase with the object of carving a positive image for their organizations. A study on appearance by R.E Baber reveals that though ladies are less concern about look, dating and marriage decisions are often made with great weight placed on attractiveness and a wide variety of research concluded that men will reject women lacking good looks, dispositions, morals and health according to Kevin Hogan.

The eye is also seen as the window to the soul and enhances nonverbal communication. The eye makes a picture of everything it sees and the nerves from the eye tell the brain about these pictures according to A. C Selmon. The direct eye contact in communication can be used to indicate honesty and earnestness. In classroom management, the use of the eye is one of the means of light disciplines that can be applied to communicate to pupils to behave well. Although the eye can help give an input from a reluctant person, it must be noted that fixing a gaze at someone can be threatening and unprofessional. In the African societies according to Kwame Abrefa, children are not supposed to look intently to elders when speaking to them because excessive eye contact can be regarded as disrespect contrary to other jurisdictions.

It is also essential to clarify that nonverbal communication conveys a signal of trust when positively used in relating with people. Much of the burden of establishing trust depends not only on what we say but also what we do. On a conclusion reached on a study, the impact of actual words was 15%, tone of voice 35%, and body language 50% on prospects. In a related study, Ray Birdwhistell, a pioneer in nonverbal research affirmed that in a normal two person’s conversation, the verbal communication carries less than 35% as compared to nonverbal of the social meaning. Although body language can send mixed messages, we should be concerned about the negative impact of putting our finger or hand on our face while communicating and crossing our arms and breaking eye contact when we begin to exchange information while refraining from walking slowly or quickly in business encounters. The face is acknowledged as the primary site for expressing our emotions and reveals the extent to which one is emotionally engaged in a communication. It is also important to note that although smiling is good when you greet someone, solve his problem and/ or say goodbye, being businesslike is important in formal presentation as emphasized by Kevin.

The context of communication is also an input for nonverbal behavior and one way to study the context is through the science of proxemics which relates to the use of time, space and territory because the way we organize it convey silent messages. According to Nyan and Sefenu (2003), you convey a sense of businesslike and efficiency when you are punctual. In the hidden dimensions by Edward T. Hall he highlighted the acceptable distance in an informal space of communication notwithstanding the cultural variables. The permissible distance for intimate communicators is 0 to 18 inches, 1.5 feet to 4 feet for casual personal interaction, 4 feet to 12 feet for social consultative and 12 feet limit for public communication. Kevin also espoused on the impact of seating arrangement for conversation, cooperation and leading discussion. Touching a counterpart in an intimate relationship is important but should be avoided in business encounters. Nonetheless, a professional tap on settings including sales, friendly persuasion and social communication can be mastered. On the whole, while women can touch the entire body of men, men can only touch hands and forearm of women according to Kevin Hogan in persuasion encounters.

The art of strategic movement can also be a powerful nonverbal communication because when used positively can reinforce and emphasize oral messages. As an audience you become anchored to a presenter who professionally uses the stage with strategic movement to covey meaning. According to Kevin, it is one of the best kept secret in communication as exemplified in many adverts. This however is effective in a monologue presentation where communicator must present without interruption to the audience. Coupled to the strategic movement body posture proves to be a nonverbal means of showing interest through leaning forward at conference suggest and frequently leaning backwards conveys disinterest. While boredom is expressed through resting the hand on the head sign of victory is manifested with the two fingered ‘V’.

Nonverbal messages provides tremendous synergy characterizing a particular culture and throughout the course of time those who have mastered the art used it to inspire and motivate, develop mutual understanding, establish respect and trust, propel the success of organizations and the society get the job done , and above all use it as the foundation for personal and professional growth. Ironically, we are all captives of the pictures in our head and verbal communication must be congruent to its nonverbal behavior. As we experience the reality of our world in the ensuing days with our national celebration, the core of our identity must be mirrored through nonverbal communication in order to adding zest to our lives.