Non – Verbal Communication

DEFINING NON – VERBAL COMMUNICATION

• Communication transmitted
without the use of words. Face to Face Interaction
• Words carry the stated meaning;
non – verbal signals transmit the
implied meaning.
• When the stated meaning and the
implied meaning are put together, Spoken Words
35%
we get the actual or the total Non Verbal
meaning. Communication
65%
• According to Ray Birdwhistell, in
a face to face interaction,
 • Verbal • Body Language
communication
(written or
oral)
Another estimate of
communication
distribution is:
7% 55%
• Paralanguage
and other non
– verbal media

38%
CHARACTERISTICS OF NON – VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• Often a spontaneous process.

• Verbal and non – verbal clues coexist.

• Body posture, gestures and dress suggestive of social status and education level.

• Non – verbal clues more reliable than verbal clues.

• Cultural bias.

• Should be interpreted in context.

• Not suitable for lengthy, complex messages.

SIGN LANGUAGE
Visual Communication
 Visual signs, road signs, traffic signals etc.

 Instantaneous transmission of the message.

 Universal acceptability.

 Suitable only for simple, short messages.

 Often used in combination with other media.

 Visuals illustrate and enliven the message.

Audio Signs
• Appeals to our
sense of hearing

• Immediate
message to a very
large number

• Very limited use

Audio – Visual Communication
 Combines the advantages of both audio
and visual communication.
 Messages retained much longer.
 Most suitable for mass publicity.
 Visual should be interesting, narration
clear, precise, lucid and easy to
understand.
 Example: Working of a new house hold
appliance like a mixer or washing
machine, the effectiveness of a new
detergent powder, etc.