What is Non-Verbal Communication?

ABC Life Literacy Canada

14 Feb 202205:54

Summary

TLDRThis video explores the importance of nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, gestures, and body language. It demonstrates how these elements can enhance or alter verbal messages and provides practical examples of using nonverbal cues to communicate effectively, such as with a new English learner or in a workplace scenario.

Takeaways

🗣️ Nonverbal communication is an essential part of communication that includes more than just words, encompassing actions, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
😐 Facial expressions are a significant form of nonverbal communication that can reflect emotions and can either enhance or alter the meaning of spoken words.
🤔 Being aware of nonverbal cues is crucial for effective communication, as it helps in understanding and being understood by others.
👍 Gestures can act as a backup for verbal communication, especially in noisy environments or when clarity is needed.
🌐 Cultural awareness is important when using gestures, as their meanings can vary across different cultures.
🤽‍♂️ Body language communicates openness or closedness to communication through the entire body, not just facial expressions.
🤝 Positive body language, such as a handshake or making eye contact, can indicate a willingness to engage in conversation.
👋 Using nonverbal communication skills can be particularly helpful when speaking to someone who is learning a new language and may not understand all verbal cues.
🤷‍♂️ Mixed messages can occur when a person's words do not align with their body language, leading to confusion if only the words are considered.
🔍 Paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues is vital for accurate understanding and responding to others' messages.
🌟 Continuously improving nonverbal communication skills contributes to becoming a better communicator in various social and professional settings.

Q & A

What is nonverbal communication?
-Nonverbal communication is the exchange of messages without using words. It includes facial expressions, gestures, and body language, which can add to or even change the meaning of what is being said.
Why is it important to be aware of nonverbal communication?
-Being aware of nonverbal communication is crucial because it can significantly enhance understanding and prevent miscommunication. It helps you to interpret the true feelings and intentions behind spoken words.
What are the three major types of nonverbal communication mentioned in the script?
-The three major types of nonverbal communication mentioned are facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
How can facial expressions affect the way we communicate?
-Facial expressions can show others how we feel about something, and if they don't match what is being said, they can create confusion or misinterpretation of the message.
Why are gestures important in communication?
-Gestures are important as they can act as a backup for communication, especially when verbal communication is not effective, and they can convey common meanings or requests.
How do different cultures interpret gestures differently?
-Some gestures have different meanings in different cultures. It's important to be aware of these differences to avoid misunderstandings when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
What does body language communicate about a person's openness to communication?
-Body language, including posture and eye contact, can indicate whether a person is open or closed to communication. For example, crossed arms and lack of eye contact may suggest unwillingness to engage.
How did Dina use nonverbal communication to help Yuri understand her instructions?
-Dina used eye contact, gestures like holding up two fingers and pointing, and clear body language to indicate which boxes should be moved. She also used a smile and a thumbs up to show positivity after Yuri completed the task.
What was the mixed message scenario with Greg and Jalen?
-Jalen verbally agreed to cover Nancy's shift but his body language, such as crossing his arms and looking away, indicated reluctance. Greg recognized the mixed message and sought clarification, leading to a better understanding of Jalen's true intentions.
Why is it beneficial to use nonverbal communication as a backup mode?
-Using nonverbal communication as a backup mode can help clarify or reinforce the verbal message, especially when there are language barriers or when the verbal message is unclear or ambiguous.
How can understanding nonverbal communication help in becoming a better communicator?
-Understanding nonverbal communication allows for more accurate interpretation of others' messages and intentions. It also provides an additional means of expression, enhancing the effectiveness of one's own communication.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Understanding Nonverbal Communication

This paragraph introduces the concept of nonverbal communication, emphasizing that it extends beyond spoken words to include facial expressions, gestures, and body language. It highlights the importance of being aware of these nonverbal cues as they can enhance or alter the meaning of verbal communication. The paragraph also outlines the video's agenda, which is to explore three major types of nonverbal communication and discuss how to utilize these skills effectively. Examples are provided, such as using facial expressions to convey empathy and employing gestures to aid in communication, especially in noisy environments or across language barriers. The paragraph concludes by illustrating how body language can indicate openness or reluctance in communication.

05:00

🤔 Applying Nonverbal Communication in Real-Life Scenarios

This paragraph delves into practical applications of nonverbal communication through two scenarios. The first involves Dina and Yuri, where Dina uses gestures and body language to clarify her instructions to Yuri, who is still learning English. The use of eye contact, specific gestures, and facial expressions helps Yuri understand his task despite the language barrier. The second scenario features Greg, a bank manager, who misinterprets Jalen's verbal agreement to cover a shift due to Jalen's conflicting body language. Greg's attention to Jalen's nonverbal cues leads to a clarification, demonstrating the importance of nonverbal communication in understanding true intentions. The paragraph concludes by reinforcing the significance of nonverbal cues in effective communication and the need to be vigilant in observing and employing them.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication refers to the exchange of messages without the use of spoken words. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors including facial expressions, gestures, and body language. In the video, it is highlighted as a crucial aspect of effective communication that can complement or even alter the meaning of verbal messages. For instance, the video script mentions that being aware of non-verbal cues can help one communicate better.

💡Facial expressions

Facial expressions are a subset of nonverbal communication that convey emotions or reactions. The video emphasizes their importance in showing how one feels about a particular situation. An example provided in the script is making a serious expression when a friend shares something sad to indicate understanding and empathy.

💡Gestures

Gestures are purposeful movements of the body that can reinforce or substitute for verbal communication. The script gives an example of using fingers to indicate the number of ice cream scoops when verbal communication is not effective due to noise. It also cautions that some gestures may have different meanings in different cultures.

💡Body language

Body language involves the communication of messages through the posture and movements of the body. The script explains that it can indicate openness or closedness to communication. For example, crossed arms and lack of eye contact might suggest unwillingness to engage, whereas a handshake with arms at the sides and eye contact signals openness.

💡Awareness

Awareness, in the context of the video, pertains to the conscious understanding and recognition of non-verbal cues. Being aware of one's own and others' non-verbal communication is key to enhancing communication skills. The video script illustrates this with the story of Dina and Yuri, where Dina uses clear gestures and body language to communicate effectively with Yuri.

💡Communication skills

Communication skills are the abilities to effectively express ideas and thoughts to others. The video discusses the use of non-verbal communication as a tool to improve these skills. For example, Dina uses gestures and eye contact to convey her message to Yuri, who has limited verbal communication skills due to his newness to the English language.

💡Cultural differences

Cultural differences refer to the variations in customs, practices, and meanings across different societies. The script points out that some gestures can have different interpretations in different cultures, which is an important consideration when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.

💡Mixed messages

Mixed messages occur when the verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication conflict, leading to confusion. In the script, Jalen's words agree to cover a shift, but his body language (crossing arms and looking away) sends a contradictory message of reluctance, which Greg picks up on and addresses.

💡Clarification

Clarification is the act of making something clear or explicit, often through additional communication. The video script shows the importance of seeking clarification when non-verbal cues suggest a discrepancy, as when Greg asks Jalen if he is sure about working the extra shift after noticing his body language.

💡Backup mode of communication

A backup mode of communication is an alternative method used when the primary mode is ineffective. In the video, gestures serve as a backup when verbal instructions are not understood, as demonstrated when Dina uses gestures to help Yuri understand her request.

💡Becoming a better communicator

The process of improving one's ability to communicate effectively is encapsulated by this phrase. The video suggests that by understanding and using non-verbal communication, one can enhance their communication skills. It is highlighted as a continuous process of looking out for and applying these types of communication.

Highlights

Nonverbal communication is an essential aspect of communication that includes actions, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.

Facial expressions convey emotions and can affect the interpretation of verbal communication.

Gestures can serve as a backup for communication, especially in noisy environments or when verbal communication is unclear.

Body language communicates openness or closedness to interaction and can be misinterpreted if not understood correctly.

Being aware of nonverbal cues is crucial for effective communication.

Understanding nonverbal communication can help in situations where verbal communication is not clear or is not understood.

Facial expressions can be used to show empathy and understanding, such as making a serious expression when someone shares sad news.

Smiling can be misinterpreted if used in the wrong context, potentially indicating a lack of understanding or seriousness.

Gestures like using fingers to indicate quantity can be helpful in noisy situations.

Cultural differences can affect the meaning of gestures, making it important to be aware of the context in which they are used.

Body language, such as crossed arms and lack of eye contact, can indicate a reluctance to communicate.

Positive body language, like a handshake or eye contact, can show openness to communication.

Using gestures and body language can help clarify communication, as demonstrated by Dinah using gestures to instruct Yuri.

Facial expressions, like a smile, can reinforce positive interactions and show appreciation.

Mixed messages can occur when verbal communication and body language conflict, leading to confusion.

Observing and interpreting body language can help clarify intentions, as seen when Greg notices Jalen's reluctance despite his verbal agreement.

Understanding nonverbal communication is key to becoming a good communicator, as it can provide additional context and clarity.