In many cases, no words are exchanged, yet communication happens as we can also communicate through our body language which is a non-verbal communication. It is perceived that non-verbal cues form a major part of communication process (93%) therefore it is significant that we focus our attention to this aspect of communication. The non-verbal cues are Kinesics, Proxemics, Chronemics, Haptics, Paralanguage, Silence and Sign language.
Kinesics
Kinesics is the study of body’s physical movements for the purposes of communication, that is, the way our body communicates without words, through various movements of its parts. For example, nodding one’s head communicates acceptance. Some body movements during communication are conscious, whereas others we do unconsciously. The unconscious body movements are very significant pointers in interpreting messages.
(i) Personal Appearance: Our first impression matters a lot. Before someone starts communicating, others form an opinion about her/him just by perceiving how the person has tried to present herself/ himself. Appearance includes clothes, hair, accessories, and cosmetics and so on. In today’s context, the purpose of clothing has changed from fulfilling a basic need to expressing oneself.
(ii) Posture: Posture refers to the way we hold ourselves when we stand, sit, walk, talk or choose not to talk. Our postures change according to circumstances. When one is nervous, one usually starts fidgeting with something or the other like mobile phones.
(iii) Gestures: Gestures are movements made by hands, head or face. Appropriate gestures supplement verbal communication and are also communication in their own right.
(iv) Facial Expressions: Facial expressions communicate to the receiver the intent of the message.
(v) Eye contact: Often our eyes communicate better than the words we utter. Words become more powerful when the speaker makes eye contact with the listener/receiver of the message.
Proxemics: Space or lack of it between the sender and the receiver of the message also speak volumes. When one hugs someone, though no words are exchanged but the warmth of the relationship can be felt by both. This is communication. The study of physical space in interpersonal relations is called Proxemics. Edward T. Hall (1966) divides the communication space into four distinct zones –
● Intimate: The Intimate zone extends just to 18 inches (one and a half feet). Members of family, lovers, spouses, relatives, and parents usually communicate in this zone. A handshake, a pat on the back or a hug are some of the examples of communication in the Intimate zone.
● Personal: The Personal zone stretches from 18 inches (one and half feet) to 4 feet. Close friends, colleagues, peers, communicate in this zone. This zone is personal and is quite a relaxed and casual place.
● Social: Social zone is in the radius of 4 feet to 12 feet. In this zone, relationships are more formal and official. The distance between you and the interviewers in an interview is an example of social zone.
● Public: Public zone starts from 12 feet and may extend to 25 feet or to the range of eyesight and hearing. Events are formal in this zone. For example, When the Prime minister or the President of India addresses the masses, they usually keep a distance from them for security reasons. It is an example of public zone.
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