Non-Verbal Communication

The transfer of information from one person to another is referred to as communication. We spend around 75% of our waking hours conveying our information, thoughts, and ideas to others. There are three major types of communication, namely visual, verbal or dialog, and von-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication can be divided into body language (kinesics), eye contact (oculistics), touch (haptics), body distance (proxemics) and turn taking.

 

A. Body Language (Kinesics)

Body language is an important component of modern communication and interpersonal interactions. Body language is described as the conscious and unconscious motions and postures used to express attitudes and sentiments.

 

B. Eye Contact (Oculistics)

The meeting of two people's eyes is referred to as eye contact. Eye contact is a kind of nonverbal communication in humans that has a major impact on social behavior. Oculistics is a term that refers to the study of eye contact.

The study of social interactions can benefit from the use of eye contact. People look into each other's eyes and faces to see if they are in a good or bad mood. Eye contact traditions and importance vary substantially among cultures, with religious and societal variations frequently affecting its meaning significantly. Eye contact develops in the context of a society, and various gazes have varied meanings.

 

C. Touch (Haptics)

Touch is culturally determine, but each culture has a clear concept of what parts of the body one may not touch. Basic message of touch is to affect or control — protect, support, disapprove (i.e. hug, kiss, hit, kick).

 

D. Body Distance/Space (Proxemics)

Proxemics, often known as personal space, is described as the amount of space that people find comfortable between themselves and others. People generally feel more at ease standing near to family members than strangers.