Nonverbal communication is the process of getting a message across to another person without using written or spoken words. Nonverbal communication consists of gestures, body language, touch, eye contact, posture and facial expressions. HelpGuide.org states in the article, "Nonverbal Communication Skills: The Power of Nonverbal communication and Body Language," that the majority of our communication with others is nonverbal, and this type of communication helps us to connect with one another.
Types
Metacommunication was the original term for nonverbal communication. It stems from the Greek word "meta." which means beyond; therefore, nonverbal communication means beyond communication. Better Communication Results states that there are two forms of nonverbal communication: paralanguage and silence. Paralanguage refers to the pitch and inflection in someone's voice that may change or enhance the meaning behind the words they actually speak. Silence communicates different feelings when used as a response to demonstrate feelings and attitudes as well as to encourage feedback from others.
Significance
It is helpful for teachers to understand nonverbal communication when presenting new information to students because it allows them to communicate better with their classrooms, according to "Six Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communication." Understanding nonverbal communication gives teachers the ability to know if a student is absorbing what is being taught. It also reinforces learning and creates a bond between teacher and student.
Expert Insight
Communication expert Michelle LeBaro, writes in her article, "Cross-Cultural Communication," that despite the best intentions, miscommunication will occur due to cultural differences. Besides culture, other factors influence how a person communicates non-verbally, and these can change daily due to your mood, circumstances and your personality. It is helpful to watch someone when you speak to observe her nonverbal responses to ensure that she understands the message you are trying to get across.
Misconceptions
Albert Mehrabian, a professor who studied verbal and nonverbal communication, is best known for his study defining the three elements of communication: words, tone of voice and gestures. In Mehrabian's communication study on nonverbal communication, he suggests that only 7 percent of communication involves actual words, while 55 percent involves body language such as gestures and eye contact and 38 percent involves voice patterns, such as inflection and tone. ChangingMinds.org challenges this theory because it is obvious that people understand more than 7 percent of what they read and cannot possibly understand 93 percent of someone speaking to them in a foreign language. The most effective way to communicate with others is with a combination of both verbal and nonverbal language.
Drawbacks
Nonverbal communication does have its drawbacks with learning. For example, Culture-At-Work.com points out in the article "Communicating Across Cultures" that those who communicate non-verbally have a difficult time explaining complex ideas, cannot always state actual facts and can only explain things when someone is present. This can be quite frustrating when trying to make a point non-verbally. This is why nonverbal communication is a helpful addition to verbal communication while learning, but is difficult to use on its own.
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