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Sri Lanka, Sept. 13 -- All verbal communication is affected by the non-verbal communication that accompanies it. Face to face, expression, gestures and posture also play an important part.
We use demonstrations and models to supplement words, visual aids to clarify lectures, and maps, diagrams, charts and graphs enhance both spoken and written communication.
Often more is conveyed by non-verbal than by verbal communication, yet on the whole it is an aspect of communication that is little considered.
Today, in several organizations, only people with excellent soft skills are considered for Managerial positions.
The nature of non-verbal communication
The major elements of non-verbal communication, excluding models, drawings can be divided into body language.
How body language communicates
Included under body language are facial expressions, gestures and posture, smell and touch; all are noticeable non-verbal communication symbols. Sometimes they are more meaningful than words, but we must be careful when interpreting them in our daily interpersonal communications.
They are important also for special occasions, interviews and speeches to groups.
Facial expressions
The eyes and face are especially helpful means of communicating non-verbally.
They can divulge hidden emotions-anger, annoyance, confusion, enthusiasm, fear, hatred, joy, love, interest, sorrow, surprise, uncertainty and others.
They can also contradict verbal statements.
It is obvious that facial expressions and use of gesture contribute much to communication. As important, though perhaps less easy to interpret, is posture.
The way we stand, or sit the position of the head, and hands, can speak volumes.
For example, a dejected person tends to slump, shoulders bowed and head low, while arms crossed and held tightly in front of one's chest indicates a defensive mood. What is interesting is that much of this body language is involuntary or unconscious. When we frown, look puzzled, twist a pen nervously in our fingers, sprawl in a chair, run upstairs, we can convey all sorts of obvious and subtle messages about our emotions, understanding, attitudes and health.
Some people are more skilled at hiding these involuntary signs than are others, but we all need to make the effort to do so at times, principally to avoid giving an unfavourable picture of ourselves to others and to avoid letting them feel that we are reacting unfavourably to them.
How appearance communicates