TYPES OF NON – VERBAL COMMUNICATION

TYPES OF NON – VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communication has different types. A brief description of these is given below:

1. Body Language
2. Language of Distance
3. Language of Time

1. Body Language: 

As the name suggests the study of movements of our body parts like eyes, head, hands, legs, sitting style, walking style etc. is called body language. It is also called Gestural communication or Kinesics. It truly depicts the inner feeling going in our mind. We can fake our words to conceal our true inner feeling but our body movements convey it. For example, if your mother is angry with you on something then without uttering a single word she can convey this feeling to you. As a rule, it does not lie or mislead unless someone has mastered the art of deceit or camouflaging. And also it is not man made language. We can just study it, interpret it and that too one can do after studying this language for many years.

Following are the different types of Body Language

i.) Personal Appearance: Personal appearance means the way we dress, groom ourselves and use accessories .It helps us to project an image of us on other. Our first impression creates an image thus it is important to manage our personal appearance crucially. The estimates about ones status, personality, credibility and capability are made according to our personal appearance. Thus it is important to pay attention to our personal appearance and one should be well dressed and well groomed to convey a good impression on other.

ii.) Posture: Posture signifies the way we sit, stand, and carry ourselves. A student has to cultivate and maintain elegance in his or her sitting standing and walking postures as it conveys message about your personality .For example if you are slouching in the chair it suggests you are not interested.

iii.) Gestures with hands and arms: A gesture can communicate all that the speaker feels, consciously or unconsciously. Shaking hands, touching, holding, embracing or patting on the back, all convey messages.

iv.)Eye Contact: Eye never lies. Eye contact is significant for effective communication. The frequency of contact may suggest either interest or boredom. For example, a travel counselors should look straight into the eyes of the person, although pleasantly and affably to show confidence and interest.

v.) Facial Expression: It is truly said that face is index to mind. Facial expressions like a smile, frown, raised eyebrow, yawn, and sneer all convey information. Facial expressions are most natural and unconscious. Facial expressions continually change during interaction and are observed constantly by the recipient. Smiling is considered to be pleasant and helpful. A frown conveys confusion and at times anger.

2.) Language of Distance:

The study of how people recognize and value the physical spaces around them is known as
language of distance or proxemics. Language of distance takes into account body spacing
between two individual .The physical distance between two people can be correlated to the
relationship they share be it personal or social. 

These are of four types:
1. Intimate Zone: Distance shared by Spouses, children, parents, very close
relatives and friends.
2. Personal Zone: Distance between individuals during business gatherings,
social functions and get-together`s.
3. Social Zone: Distance shared by strangers or occasional visitors.
4. Public Zone: Distance shared between speaker and Audience.

Language of distance teaches us to first determine what the relationship between us and other person is and accordingly we should manage the distance. For example when talking to your customer you should know that you are in public zone and should not enter in intimate zone.

3. Language of Time: 

Language of Time or Chronemics is the study of the use of time in nonverbal communication. The way that an individual would perceive and value time, structure time and react to time is a powerful communication tool, and also convey about our personality. Time perceptions include punctuality, willingness to wait, and interactions.