How Nonverbal Communication Has an Affect on Others

Nonverbal communication is when a person sends messages to another person without using sounds. These messages are mostly sent through the use of body language and can be unintentional or intentional. Most people are not aware they are receiving or transmitting nonverbal messages. Nonverbal communication can be very important in a person's day-to-day interactions.

Features

• Nonverbal cues include many different things. A person's eye contact or lack thereof sends a nonverbal message. Facial expressions, vocal tone and volume, as well as posture are all nonverbal forms of communication. A person's appearance or the way they present themselves sends a message to others. Nonverbal communication is used to express a certain attitude or opinion of something without having to speak.

Function

• The use of nonverbal communication is important and serves a purpose in social settings. This type of communication is used to persuade people into or out of something. Sales people and people who present information for a living may find they use more nonverbal communication in their everyday lives. Even teachers use nonverbal communication with their students and use positive nonverbal cues to convey messages to them.

Effects

• As a substitution to verbal messages nonverbal communication may have a strong effect on the recipient of the message. A simple nod of the head or pat on the back reinforces a verbal message. Certain facial expressions and body language makes a person feel more or less comfortable in his setting. Nonverbal communication may persuade someone into something and conveys confidence or a lack of confidence.

Considerations

• People should be aware of the type of nonverbal cues they are sending. General appearance, body movements, posture and gestures influence the outcome of a situation and people should be aware of what their behaviors are saying to the recipient. To improve nonverbal communication a person should make more eye contact when speaking and use positive gestures and facial expressions. Being more aware of nonverbal messages helps improve overall communication skills.