Inspired by various
discussions I’ve had in my introduction to linguistic anthropology course, I
have chosen to blog about non-verbal communication. According to Fatik Mandal
(2014), nonverbal communication is defined as the behavior that “includes all
communicative acts except speech”. Nonverbal communication is much like speech;
humans perform both behaviors without having to think too much about it most of
the time. Arguably, nonverbal communication conveys just as much information as
speech does in a conversation. Mandal (2014) touches base on this phenomenon in
his section on “interpretation of nonverbal behavior”. The people that
demonstrate “good listening skills, have self-depicting humor . . . and show
courteous behavior” (Mandal 2014) are likely classifiable as humble or
insecure. Similarly, those who “keep greater than average distance from others,
bore easily and quit listening,” etc, come a crossed as arrogant.
Similarly, did you know
that effective salespersons must have a working understanding of appropriate
nonverbal communication? A recent study conducted by Dr. K. Sri Gayathridevi, a
Professor at the PSG Institute of Management, analyzed a random sample of 950
surveys a crossed 11 retail stores in order to determine the most important
aspect of nonverbal communication in face to face interactions. The results of
the study found that customers “considered smile, eye contact and facial
expression to be the most important nonverbal cues” (Gayathridevi 2013). I read
this and thought of similar encounters I have had in my life (like when I didn’t buy
something I was interested in because the salesperson was kind of creepy)!
I find that I do many
things subconsciously (like making facial gestures, nodding my head, etc),
which in a sense is my way of nonverbally broadcasting something to the people
around me. Are there nuances about how you nonverbally communicate with others
that reveal truths about yourself?
References:
Mandal, Fatik B. (2014). Nonverbal communication in
humans. Journal of human behavior in the
social environment, 24, 417-421.
Gayathridevi, K. S. (2013). A study on nonverbal
communication of salespersons and their service behavior towards customers in a
sales encounter. Journal of contemporary
research in management, 8(4), n.p.
I think one of the most difficult parts of speech is the nonverbal component because it can conflict with the spoken message, as you noted in your salesman example. I encountered this the other day when trying to escape a conversation with an older fellow. While I spoke with him politely about a topic of his choosing, I slowly but continually backed towards the door, raising both hands palms out as if to gesture that separation was needed. I'm not sure if its my fault or his, but the conversation continued for at least five more minutes than it needed to in spite of backing away.
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