Non Lisan Communication Theory

Defining Verbal & Non-Verbal

Before we turn our attention to a detailed explanation of non-verbal communication (NVC), we need to be very clear about our understanding of the term ‘verbal’

Quick discussion – what do you think ‘verbal’ means?

Verbal Communication

We often use the term ‘verbal’ to mean ‘spoken’ eg. “I gave her a mulut warning”

In Communication & Culture, we use the word ‘verbal’ in a slightly different and more technical way

Definition of Verbal

Verbal = communicating with words and language (as opposed to images, actions or behaviour)

Verbal communication is restricted to language

‘Design Features’ of Language

Language enables us to communicate about events beyond our immediate sensory experience

The capacity of language is infinite

Definition of NVC

All this leaves us with a definition of NVC as follows: “All communication other than that involving words and language” This is fine but could include everything from animal communication to films to gardening. For our purposes we will use a more restricted definition: “Bodily communication, other than words and language”

Forms

The discussions will focus on two key areas: Different categories (or types) of NVC The functions (or uses) of NVC Before we do this, we need to establish some general points about NVC and its relationship to language and culture 

Relationship between NVC, Language & Culture

When travelling, we do not, on the whole, make the assumption that everyone will understand our first and preferred language

Most of us accept we must either learn a new language or rely entirely on mulut signals for communication We assume we will have no difficulty in decoding non-verbal clues We need to be aware of the enormous range and diversity of non-verbal behaviour

What emotions do these facial expressions portray?

NVC, Language & Culture

Even in the secure territory of your own familiar culture, care is needed in the interpretation of non-verbal clues Jumping to conclusions about meanings of non-verbal clues can be dangerous

Your Approach to NVC

You should suggest possible meanings and interpretations when analysing NVC, whilst paying due regard to the influence of context and culture and contex Your own culture and context has an impact on the deciphering of NVC Interpretations are both relative and subjective

Categorisation of NVC – Paralanguage 

PARALANGUAGE CONSISTS OF THE NON-VERBAL ELEMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY SPEECH. IT INCLUDES:

The way we speak (also known as prosodic features) Volume, pitch, intonation, speed of delivery, articulation, rhythm The sounds we make other than language Laughter, crying, yawning, sighing, screeching, coughing Filled pauses such as ‘Mmmm’, ‘Ahhh’, ‘Ummm’ Unfilled pauses

Accent & Paralanguage

Elocution lessons were once very popular amongst the middle classes, especially for those young people who were sent to ‘finishing school’ as a preparation for ‘polite society.’ ACTIVITY – Read the extract from the Daily Telegraph and then discuss the questions in a small group. Why do you think that some parents still see the advantage of elocution lessons? Do you agree that children in the UK are ‘poor at expressing themselves’?

Categorisation of NVC – Physical Appearance

Clothing, hairstyle, make-up, body adornment, jewellery, tattoos, piercings, glasses, facial hair, accessories such as bags You only have to think of the huge industries associated with the above examples to recognise the cultural significance of physical appearance

Further Categories of NVC - Activity

Read the information sheet on some more categories of NVC – on the task sheet, jot down the key points for each type.  We will then take whole-class feedback.

Body movement (kinesics)

Closeness (proxemics)

Touching (haptics)

Eye movement (occulesics)

Smells (olfactics)

Body Movement - Kinesics

Gesture, facial expression, posture, head nodding, orientation

Emblems – gestures with specific cultural meanings attached

Illustrators reinforce words of speakers

Adapters are unconscious gestures to relieve stress or boredom

Posture is heavily laden with value judgements

Closeness - Proxemics

Study of how we use space and distance

Includes seating arrangements, queuing and territoriality

Ideas of ‘personal space’, ‘invasion of personal space’ and ‘comfort zones’

Use of objects as ‘markers’ to indicate ownership of space

Touching - Haptics

Physical contact such as holding, hitting, kissing, stroking, shaking hands, guiding

Linked to proxemics

Touch is very important in our early development

Many rules and taboos regulating physical contact

Touching - Haptics

Physical contact such as holding, hitting, kissing, stroking, shaking hands, guiding

Linked to proxemics

Touch is very important in our early development

Many rules and taboos regulating physical contact

Eye Movement - Occulesics

Eye movement, length and direction of gaze, changes in pupil size

We are hypersensitive to information imparted by eyes

Can be argued eyes reveal the truthfulness of what is being said

Smell - Olfactics

Humans do not have a particularly well-developed sense of smell compared with other species Perfumes and deodorants send powerful messages, as can the natural body odours we try to suppress A rapidly growing industry has developed around the use of smells

Complex Messages

Rare for these non-verbal codes to operate in isolation from one another, or separately from language

We create and perceive messages using signs from a range of mulut and non-verbal codes

To make this even more complex, these signs and codes to not always pull in the same direction

Communicative Competence

This idea refers to our ability to use language not just accurately but appropriately. A competent communicator will:

Recognise and use different mulut and non-verbal styles as they are suited to different social situations

Recognise the subtle interplay of mulut and non-verbal elements in communication

Compensate for possible misinterpretations in communication with others

The Functions of NVC

Communicating feelings, emotions and attitudes

Replacing and regulating language

Communicating Feelings, Emotions and Attitudes

NVC has a particularly important role in establishing and maintaining relationships, otherwise known as an affective function

We rely more heavily on NVC in this area of personal communication

Looks, glances, changes in orientation allow others to know what sort of relationship we want to have

We use NVC to establish a mutually acceptable level of intimacy

Non-verbal leakage – messages ‘slipping out’ in spite of our attempts to control them – ensures that high credibility is given to non-verbal cues in the area of feeling, emotion and attitude

Puts a lot of power in the hands of a skilled communicator

Interpersonal attitudes can also be indicated by body closeness and orientation

Communicating Power & Status

Within organisations such as the army, positions within the hierarchy are clearly signalled by uniforms, badges and behavioural codes such as saluting

In other organisations the non-verbal rules of the pecking order may not be so overt, but they are just as carefully observed

Peter Collett’s Handshake Theory

The Bonecrusher

The Limp Handshake

The Firm Handshake

The Limpet Handshake

The Clammy Handshake

The Reinforced Handshake

The Relocated Handshake

The Upper Handshake

The Limp Handshake may seem the most likely to offer evidence of submissiveness, but this is not necessarily so, as Collett’s more detailed explanation reveals:

“A limp handshake occurs when someone offers a hand that is totally relaxed. It doesn’t exert any pressure on the other person’s hand and it doesn’t contribute to the mutual production of the handshake.  A person who offers a limp handshake is someone who, in more senses than one, doesn’t connect with the other person.  Like their hand, they remain passive and detached – they’re simply not focused on the person they’re greeting.  This often happens with people who are self-important or who have to shake hands with a lot of people…Women who want to cultivate an impression of languid femininity often present a rather limp hand to the person they’re greeting. Strong people often do the same, but in their case it’s to emphasise their strength.  It’s said that Mike Tyson offers a relaxed, almost tender hand when he greets people outside the boxing ring – the complete opposite to what happens inside the ring.” (Collett, 2003)

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