non-verbal communication

Examples of non-verbal communication in the following topics:

• The Importance of Language

  • Language, from verbal to non-verbal communication, helps your audience understand your speech.

• Presentation

  • Your non-verbal communication is equally as important as the words you have to say.

• Interaction in Public Speaking

  • Your non-verbal interaction with your audience consists largely of body-language cues.
  • Your audience will use your non-verbal cues to more fully comprehend your message and will often connect with or disengage from your message based on those cues.
  • Just remember that all body language and non-verbal communication requires appropriate context.
  • Practice your speech in front of a mirror or record yourself so you can take note of any unintentional non-verbal signals you may be sending to your audience.
  • Use verbal and non-verbal audience interaction to keep your audience engaged and involved with your speech

• Channel

  • A simple speech communication model includes a sender (that is, a speaker), a message, a receiver (that is, an audience), and a channel.
  • When speaking to an audience in person, a speaker uses both verbal and non-verbal methods to communicate the message.
  • When the speaker and the audience are in the same room at the same time, the channels of communication are synchronous, in real time.
  • Speakers also use communication channels that are mediated, meaning there is something between the speaker and the receivers.
  • Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is able to overcome physical and social limitations of other forms of communication, and therefore allow the interaction of people who are not physically sharing the same space.

• Read Feedback Cues

  • Feedback is the verbal and non-verbal responses from an audience which help the speaker modify and regulate what s/he is saying.
  • Feedback can take the form of verbal or non-verbal responses to an in-person speech, or verbal responses which are electronically captured for large or remote audiences .
  • The non-verbal feedback may be intentional vocalizations, such as groans or encouragement (such as clapping).
  • However, much of the non-verbal feedback may be unconscious physical body language, which can provide feedback for you.
  • All the non-verbal feedback needs to be processed with knowledge of the cultural context of the speaker and the audience.

• Cultural Differences in Approaching Criticism

  • When giving criticism, it is important to keep in mind cultural differences such as eye contact, verbal style, and speaker expectations.
  • Different cultural groups have different ways of communicating both verbally and non-verbally.
  • With this style, the listener must pay attention to verbal, nonverbal, and relationship clues in order to understand the message.
  • In the United States, students believe that it is up to the professor to communicate the material to the students.
  • The attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of the attendees shape the communication inside and outside the conference.

• The Responding Stage

  • Following the remembering stage, a listener can respond to what she hears either verbally or non-verbally.
  • Nonverbal responses like nodding or eye contact allow the listener to communicate her level of interest without interrupting the speaker, thereby preserving the speaker/listener roles.
  • For example, if a listener's brow is furrowed and her arms are crossed, the speaker may determine that she needs to lighten her tone to better communicate her point.
  • If a listener is smiling and nodding or asking questions, the speaker may feel that the listener is engaged and her message is being communicated effectively.
  • There are many ways, both verbal and nonverbal, to respond to what you hear.

• Message

  • The message is the most important and instrinsic element of all speech communication models.
  • You can't have communication without a message.
  • Messages can be sent both verbally and non-verbally.
  • You can say one thing with your words, but depending on how you say it and the non-verbal cues such as posture and eye contact, you may send an entirely different message to your audience.
  • That said, it's important to consider all aspects of your overall message, from verbal to non-verbal to the meaning and message behind the message, when crafting your speech.

• Feedback: Visual and Verbal Cues

  • Your audience can provide you with immediate feedback; pay attention to the visual and verbal cues they give you in the moment.
  • The simplest model of communication relies on three distinct parts: sender, message and receiver.
  • The most advanced communication models include a fifth element: feedback, that is, a return message sent from the receiver back to the sender.
  • Verbal and visual cues refer to those sounds and reactions you may hear and see made by your audience.
  • You audience may give you visual, non-verbal cues that signal how they may be receiving your message.

• Rules to Follow When Speaking

  • These rules include ethical goals, full preparation, honesty, and non-abusive language.
  • This means attacking your audience verbally, or, in a debate-style setting, even verbally attacking your opponent.
  • Effective speakers engage in ethical goals, fully prepare their speeches and materials, practice honesty, and don't use non-abusive language when speaking.