Different Types, Forms of Nonverbal Communication

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Types of nonverbal communication are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Types of nonverbal communication skill are discussed below.

1. Communication by Body Language
2. Communication by Gestures,
3. Communication by Posture,
4. Communication by Facial Expressions,
5. Communication by Human Behavior,
6. Communication by Touch,
7. Communication by Dress and Grooming,
8. Communication by Proxemics,
9. Communication Through Signs and Symbols,
10. Communication by Charts, Maps and Graphs,
11. Communication by Posters,
12. Communication by Colors,
13. Communication by Silence.

Forms of nonverbal communication are follows:

1. Communication by Body Language

Nonverbal communication body language are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Effective communication body language are discussed below.

Everyone has a personality who is communicated by his body language, by the way; he walks, smiles and carries himself in general. Body language is a very wide term for communication; it refers to the use of parts from the body other than tongue like-hand gestures, facial expressions, touch, posture, dress, cosmetics and grooming, silence.

Body language is meaningful only in the context through a communication process. Through the actions of the body, we find meanings indicative of warmth or coldness, status relationships, moods, needs for interaction, etc.

Body language by itself cannot be as effective as it is when it is accompanied with verbal communication. It is a true index to speaker's sincerity and sensitivity. Sometimes, body language can be deceptive. Shakespeare has said in his play Hamlet. “A man may smile and smile and yet be a Villain.”

Body language is often unintentional and the speaker, much against his desire, gives himself away. In recent years, more and more interest has been taken in body language, and researchers have tried to establish the exact nature of relationships between non-verbal communication and its effect on the receiver.

Example of Communication by body language

If a person laugh or change his voice quality while talking are the examples of Communication by body language. It also includes Para-language, yawing and proxemics, the human use and perception of physical space.

2. Communication by Gestures

The role played by body gestures in communication are in the diagram below.

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The communication gestures types are discussed below.

The natural movement in any part of the human body, particularly head, hand and neck are called as gestures. When the sender or receiver exchanges any thought, feeling or idea with the help of the normal movement of head, hand or neck or any part from the humane body, it is called communication by gestures.

Gesture is face to face communication, which adds and supports oral communication. They supplement and intensify speech. They convey effectively what a speaker wants to convey by words.

Appropriate gestures remove dullness and monotony from our communication and make it interesting, charming and attractive. Understanding of gesture is very important because each gesture is like a word from a language.

When gestures are fitted together into their composite positions, a whole picture evolves before us. Use of inappropriate gestures or overuse of gestures distracts the attention of the receiver and spoils our communication leading to misunderstanding and confusion.

Examples of Communication by Gestures

Examples of communication by gestures are thumping of table, shrugging of shoulders, winking, shaking hands, laughing denotes the gestures. Deaf-and-dumb people communicate completely through gestures.

3. Communication by Posture

Communication by posture are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Types of communication by Posture are discussed below.

Posture means the position of the body. The way we stand, sit or recline and walk reflect our attitude, thoughts and feelings. Thus, a posture is a manner of presenting or holding oneself while sitting, standing or working. Each movement or position of the body has adaptive, expressive and defensive functions; some are conscious, and some are unconscious.

Posture constitutes an important feature of body language. A person's posture tells us whether he is feeling diffident, confident or over-confident.

Examples of Communication by Posture

Examples of communication by posture are if a person seated on a chair, with his placed on his cheek or with his half-closed hand placed under his chin is in a reflective mood, brooding over a problem his mind is occupied with. Though difficult to interpret, posture contributes much to communication. Graceful posture is a great asset in any profession.

4. Communication by Facial Expressions

Communication by facial expressions are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Communication of individual emotions by spontaneous facial expressions are discussed below.

Communication by Facial Expressions, face is the mirror of human character, whatever happens in our heart goes into our mind and appears on our face. Facial expression is an obvious communicative factor. A cheerful face or a gloomy face influences most people who see it A happy or appreciative smile, a displeased frown; a look of surprise, and several other expressions of face can convey, with or without words, the attitude and reaction of the communicants.

Examples of Communication by Facial Expressions

Examples of communication by facial expressions are one can express friendliness, affection, dislike, anger, suspicion, anxiety, etc. through facial expressions. Eye contact plays an important role in oral, face to face communication. A twinkle in the eye communicates a person's thoughts and feelings much more effectively than words spoken or written. Thus, facial expressions communicate emotions and also attitudes as well.

5. Communication by Human Behavior

Communication by human behavior are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Communication by human behavior by ruben

Communication by human behavior may be defined as the transmission of thoughts, feelings through one's manner of action or behavior.

We have heard the expression “still waters run deep”? This expression states the importance of communication by facial expression and human behavior. A calm, face conveys the personality in a human more effectively that the verbal exchange of thoughts about the person.

Examples of Communication by Human Behavior

The silent films of Charlie Chaplin, the comedian, is a good example of communication by facial expressions and human behavior. When we see a person walking slowly, with his feet almost dragging, we understand that the person is sick or under heavy mental tension.

6. Communication by Touch

Communication by touch are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Nonverbal communication by touch are discussed below.

Communication by touch is a type of oral and non-verbal communication. This is possible only in face to face, personal communication, i.e. when at least two persons are present. It is also a communication by the body language.

Examples of Communication by Touch

Examples of communication by touch are follows:

• when a steno completes an important work in time, the secretary gives a pat on her back. Thus, he expresses his appreciation by touch.
• In the same way, when a student wins a prize, the chief-guest shakes the hand with him. Thus, he communicates his feelings by touch.
• When a small child cries, the mother fondles it. By the gentle touch of the mother, the child stops crying.
• Similarly, patting on the back of your younger brother, putting a hand on the shoulder, or walking hand-in-hand are a few examples of communication of our feelings of appreciation, affection and love by touch.

7. Communication by Dress and Grooming

Communication by dress and grooming are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Nonverbal communication by dress and grooming are discussed below.

Communication by dress and grooming, it is true that appearances may be deceptive; it is also real that all of us tend to judge others, at least initially, by their appearances.

In communication by dress and grooming, a general impression of the encoder or decoder is communicated by his / her dress, makeup and appearance. Appearance and one's dress gives a clear idea to one's personality. The clothes we wear and the way we groom our hair becomes an index to personality. Some organization insists on their managerial staff to wear ties, while on duty in office. A person if dressed untidy gives a poor impression of his attitude to life. Organization projects a good public image, if the staff is decently dressed and welt-groomed.

Examples of Communication by Dress and Grooming

Examples of communication by dress and grooming are if an interviewee is not attired properly fails to impress the interviewer and may not get the job, even if he is well-qualified. People who are well-dressed are more likely to be selected than those who are poorly dressed.

8. Communication by Proxemics

Communication by proxemics are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Nonverbal communication by proxemics

Communication by proxemics, the way one uses the space around one, creates meanings in one's mind and in other's minds as well. Proxemics is the study of space around us, how we arrange it and what we arrange in it. It is thus personal space language.

Examples of Communication by Proxemics

Examples of communication by proxemics are the observation shows that a superior while talking with his subordinate maintains some distance in accordance with his position within the organization. The colleagues in the same department, being very close to share their professional and private matters, do not maintain such physical space. Distance between two strangers is more but not so between two friends.

9. Communication Through Signs and Symbols

Communication through signs and symbols are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Nonverbal communication through signs and symbols are discussed below.

Signs and signals are visual and nonverbal modes of communication. The words 'signs' and 'signals' are both derived from the Latin word 'signum' meaning 'mark'.

Today when we are looking forward to the 21st Century, signs and signals have become very import, means of communication, in the era of visual and audio-visual culture. When symbols and indications are used, communication is achieved, through accepted symbols.

Examples of Communication Through Signs and Symbols

Examples of communication through signs and symbols are follows:

• In mathematics, calculations are represented by signs and symbols.
• A traffic signal flashes green, telling motorists to move on. A proof reader, a shorthand writer, a musician all of them use signs and signal to communicate. The language of signs and signals have universal nature, e.g. two crossed bones and human skull placed in between signifies danger or a lighted cigarette with cross mark on it indicates “no smoking” communication through such visuals is very effective because of its speedy ways of conveying.
• There are also auditory 'signals', which are heard and the message is communicated instantly to the concerned receiver, e.g. factory sirens means 'time' for workers of a particular shift. Church bell indicates the time for prayer; school bell gives a specific message for school children, and traffic policemen whistle is properly understood by the traffic-rule breakers. All such audio signals convey the message to distinct types of people at a different time.

10. Communication by Charts, Maps and Graphs

Communication by charts, maps and graphs worksheets are given in the diagram below.

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Communication by charts, maps and graphs modern curriculum press are discussed below.

Charts, maps, and graphs are visual non-verbal communication. They are pictorial representations of statistical and other kinds of information.

In communication by charts, maps and graphs, message conveyed with the help of charts; maps and graphs have a greater impact because they compress much information in a small space and project it very clearly. Charts are used to represent numeric and statistical information. Maps are used for conveying a space relationship between places.

Examples of Communication by Charts, Maps and Graphs

Examples of communication by charts, maps and graphs are that it shows information regarding size of countries, heights of mountains, length of rivers flowing, crop, rainfall, etc. Graphs are used for showing trends in continuous information over-period of time. Thus, information could be reflected on charts, maps and graphs easily.

11. Communication by Posters

Communication by posters are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Communication by posters for children are discussed below.

In communication by posters, a poster is a kind of visual communication. Posters are used most extensively in advertising. Posters consist of pictures or photographs along with a slogan. Thus, it is a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication.

For e.g. inside the factory, a poster indicating that smoking in the premises could lead to fire and endanger your life, has a greater impact than oral or written verbal warnings.

For making the posters more effective, following points should be taken into consideration are follows:

• The burden of communication should be put on the picture. The caption or slogan should not be more than two or three words.
• Posters should be displayed at different locations in order to make a greater impact on the audience.
• The posters should be well-designed and artistic and should have great visual appeal.
• Proper attention to the color scheme of the posters should be provided as per the nature of the message.

Examples of Communication by Posters

Examples of communication by posters are posters are used to advertise films, products, e.g. Along with making public appeals of all kinds; family welfare program and family planning have been widely known in countries. Through displayed of posters in the backward areas, gives the messages like “Save Water” or “Save Oil” etc.

12. Communication by Colors

Communication by colors are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Communication styles by color are discussed below.

In communication by color, the use of colors is a visual, non-verbal communication. We use colors in our clothing in our home for decoration, etc. Colors play an important role in our life.

In communication by color, colors have psychological effect. Light colors are thought to be the colors of sophisticated while, bright gaudy colors are worn by good-for-nothing people or youngsters. Light colors are sober colors while, shiny colors are said to be indicative of aggressive, passionate persons.

In communication by color, color tells us about people and their culture. In offices, banks, various color papers are used for different kinds of requirements, e.g. Bank uses distinctive color papers for preparing withdrawal slips or paying in slips. Colors also help in labeling extremely small objects or very large ones. The only disadvantage of communication by colors is that the partially color blind people do not get the right messages.

Examples of Communication by Colors

Examples of communication by colors are follows:

Colors are used to give messages,

• Black for death,
• White for purity,
• Red for danger, green for safety,
• white pigeons are released to send the message of peace and harmony etc.

13. Communication by Silence

Communication by silence notes are given in the diagram below.

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Communication by silence quotes are discussed below.

In communication by silence, we can communicate with the help of silence. There are glowing tributes paid by pronounced authors to the significance of silence. Thomas Carlyle's “speech is great, but silence is greater” or the old saying, “speech is silver, but silence is golden 'or' silence speaks louder than words,” are the best examples. Silence can be used to express consent, disagreement, indifference, appreciation or withdrawals.

Examples of Communication by Silence

Examples of communication by silence are follows:

In many situations, silence can be a very effective method of communication.

• When an employer asks for a rise in salary, and the boss remains silent it means that the raise has been refused.
• When a boss questions a particular employee, “were you were absent yesterday,“ and the employee keeps quite it means that he has replied to the affirmative.
• When your friend is angry with you, he may choose to be to be silent, a person who is worried or sad may not like to say anything. His behavior and facial expressions are enough to convey his thoughts and feeling.