Question

According to our reading, there are several different functions of nonverbal communication. To help demonstrate your comprehension of the different functions of nonverbal communication, please compare and contrast three recent interpersonal communication moments in your life where you used a certain type of nonverbal communication for one or more of the designated functions of nonverbal communication. In each example you should explain the specific type of nonverbal communication used and what specific function(s) of nonverbal communication were applicable in your example.

Answer 1

Non-verbal communication is the process of sending and receiving certain thoughts, emotions, intentions, etc without the use of verbal communication. This form of communication is used quite often by the people and they often use their bodies to send each other some signs and signals, for example, facial expressions, tone, gestures, etc.

Non-verbal communication can be interpreted differently in different cultures, for example, people from Europe tend to use more non-verbal cues like gestures and body language, compared to Japan, and in America, it may be important to maintain eye contact while talking, but some cultures in Asia might consider it to be rude.

It is hence important for people to be attentive to these non-verbal cues while communicating as they might be able to describe the actual emotions of people for example, while talking one might not be able to express the actual feelings which can be depicted easily through non-verbal cues such as body language, or tone of a person.

1. Facial expressions- the human face is expressive, a person can identify another person's emotions by just looking at it. There are many facial expressions people use which are also common in all the cultures like, smiling, frowning, crying, disgust, raised eyebrow, etc. for example, one of the most common expressions people use when they get excited or shocked is opening the eyes or mouth wide open. Or a raising the eyebrows can either mean one is interested or listening to some new information. Smiling is another common example, which can mean the feeling of happiness or contentment. It can be otherwise, for example, during a discussion if one person saying something offensive to another while smiling can be interpreted as a joke instead of an insult.

2. Gestures- these are another very commonly used type of non-verbal communication. Shaking hands, waving hands, clenching a fist, thumbs up or down, etc. for example, if one is asking for directions to the closest park, people would commonly point it out using arm gestures, or if someone is extremely excited, they might be fiddling with a pen or constantly bouncing their leg. Another example can be the “okay” sign people make with their hands to communicate. But certain gestures can be offensive in some cultures, as the victory sign made using fingers by forming a “V”, can be offensive in England if the hand is facing the other person.

3. The tone of voice- tone includes the volume, pitch, speed, gaps, etc of the message being conveyed. For example, talking very fast can describe the person’s excitement about the message or can be alarming too. Talking in a slow tone can mean that the message is being depicted in a calm and non-threatening way. Also rising the tone at the end of the sentence or the message could convey the chance of “question”. Sometimes, during a presentation, a person might speak in multiple tones, and the pitch can go high or low and can speak rapidly these signs can depict nervousness.