Nonverbal communication: Very important indeed

Communication is the key to all relationships and human society banks on relationships of all kinds. The inability to communicate would make everything very difficult for us, as is evidenced in cases of people who find it difficult to convey their thoughts to others. Language is considered the chief mode of communication; interestingly enough, however, the lion’s share of what we communicate happens not through spoken or written words, but via non-verbal communication. Needless to say, nonverbal communication is just as, if not more, important as verbal communication. Sadly, while most of us place a conscious emphasis on and effort into improving our verbal communication skills, we do not place as great a value on the other kind of communication. This in itself leads to a whole lot of setbacks for us without us even realizing the same. In this article, we will discuss why it is so important for us to hone our nonverbal communication skills as well.

Non-verbal communication occurs without using any oral or written word.

Instead of written or oral words, it relies on various non-verbal cues like physical movements, tasks, colors, signs, symbols, signals charts, etc. to express feelings, attitudes, or information.

Although no word is used in non-verbal communication, it can effectively communicate many human feelings more accurately than verbal methods of communication.

Common types of nonverbal communication are;  eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture and body orientation, body language, touch, para-linguistic, silence.

Non-verbal communication is the type of communication that does not involve speaking or writing. It is far more beyond the world of words and speeches. Non-verbal communication is a type of communication that happens with the exchange of signals, gestures, body language, facial expressions, and many more.

We have often heard the proverb, ‘Action speaks louder than words.’This proverb says a lot about non-verbal communication and its importance. Even when you are communicating verbally, your expressions, gestures, body language say a lot about you and your message.

It leaves an impression on the receiver of the message. It gives clues to the other person about your personality and leaves an impression on them.

Even when communicating verbally, you exchange non-verbal messages which can affect what you are speaking. Non-verbal messages can ruin your speech and affect the meaning of your message if it is not up to the mark. Your expressions, gestures, body language can always be judged for your personality.

Conveying and understanding emotions

Nonverbal communication is probably the most effective way of conveying our emotions. While words are there for us, they might not always be adequate. It is not always possible for us to express what we are feeling through words; we might be at a loss to find the right words, or we may simply find ourselves n a situation where we are unable to express ourselves. For instance, if you are hurt by the words or behavior of a loved one, you might not want to engage in a conversation. But your behavior will change, and the way you touch and look at the person will convey your feelings far more effectively than words ever could. Similarly, if you are afraid of a situation, your body language will change and your fear will be picked up by the others around you.

Choosing the right candidate

Nonverbal communication is extremely important in a professional setting. When you are attending an interview, it is necessary that you present yourself as confident. No employer likes to hire someone who is not able to remain calm and composed in an interview, because that creates the impression that the person will buckle in high-pressure situations. Now it is common knowledge that everyone will be at least slightly nervous during an interview or a presentation, but that does not mean that you have to exhibit the symptoms. Shaky hands and a fidgety demeanor denote nervousness, and these aspects of the body language need to be worked upon. Besides, the employer will also look at how you sit and use your hands, which also gives a good insight into your personality.

Crossing language barriers

Being proficient in nonverbal communication will often get you out of sticky situations, or come to your aid when the spoken or written word is of no use at all. For instance, if you happen to go to a country where no one speaks your own language, or you have no language in common between you, nonverbal communication will be the only way to ‘speak’ to the people. You will need to be able to use basic signs that are universally recognized and make yourself understood, and vice versa.

Benefits law and caregiving

Nonverbal communication includes the usage of images to depict what one is trying to convey, and that is highly useful in psychological trauma care. Recently, in a breakthrough incident in India, a court convicted a person of raping a little girl. There was no evidence of the rape as such, and the girl, being too young and too traumatized, was unable to express what she had experienced. It was when she drew pictures of a graphic and symbolic nature that the suspicions were aroused, and she was able to describe how she was drawing herself and her experience.