Different Types Of Non-Verbal Communication

Communication without using words called non-verbal communication. In this type of communication there is no use of either words or written message. Here message conveyed through body movements, paralanguage or by facial expressions.

In the words of Thill and Bovee, “Non verbal communication is the process of communicating without words. “

Lesikar and Pettit said that, “Non verbal communication means all communication that occours without words”

Example:

• A pounding first on a table means anger
• A forefinger and thumb touching to form a circle ‘means OK
• V=Victory sign

In short we can say in non-verbal communication we convey message through body movements, paralanguage, facial expressions and by different symbols.

We can express our feelings by our facial expression, eye movement, body movement or simply by touching others. So it can be observed that there are different types of non verbal communication. 

1.Facial Expression:

Face is the index of mind. It tells us what is happening within a man. Facial expression especially movements of eyes have different meanings. Happiness, Sorrow, Fear and all types of emotion can be expressed through our face and eyes.

2.Tone and volume of voice (Paralanguage):

Different tone of voice can create different meanings of same word. In the world of Leisker and Pettit, “Paralanguage involves how we say something.” Thus our interest or boredom, happiness or sorrow or any other attitudes can be expressed through pattern of voice.

3.Body Language:

One of the major types of non-verbal communication is body language or ‘Kinesics’. We can also communicate our inner feeling through body movements. Not only by face and eyes but can also convey message by moving our hands, by shaking our shoulders or by nodding our head.

4.Gestures:

A gesture is also a body movement but is a deliberate body movement to convey a specific message. Gestures include movements of the arms, legs, hands and head. Example- By weaving our hands we express ‘good-bye’, by shaking our head from side to side we express ‘we do not know’

5.Personal Appearance:

Personal appearance includes our clothing, our grooming and our consciousness to styles. It projects our self images to others. A person’s social status and attitude expressed through his or her personal appearance.

6.Touching Behavior:

Touching is an effective non-verbal communication tool. Different ‘touch’ bear different meanings, for example….

7.Time Language:

There are an old saying, “Time is Money”- in modern business culture time is already important. By using our own attitude towards time we can convey specific massage. For example, in our country sometimes some high officials show their importance by making other people wait for them. We can also demonstrate our eagerness or positive attitude by arriving at time

8.Space and Distance:

Space and distance are also meaningful non-verbal communication technique. Two colleagues of same rank can sit side by side in an office or even can walk keeping hand but a subordinate has to maintain a specific distance from his boss. Thus space end distance between different individuals indicates their position and relationship among them.

9.Silence:

Like other types of non-verbal communication a complete silence also can transmit out inner view of mind. Both positive and negative attitude can be expressed through silence.

Finally it can be reveled that different types of non-verbal communication are indispensable part of our life.