Characteristics of Non-Verbal Communication

The characteristics of non-verbal communication are :

• Non-verbal communication cannot be avoided : Verbal communication can be avoided by refusing to speak but Non-verbal communication cannot be avoided. It is not always intentional. Sometimes silence, other actions like nodding head or yawning any itself communicate a message.
• Non-verbal communication is powerful : Non-verbal communication helps us form first impressions which generally tend to last longer.
• Non-verbal communication is ambiguous : using precise words can convey a clear message but Non-verbal communication is not always clear. Ex: sitting in a relaxed posture may be a signal of boredom or fatigue.
• Non-verbal communication cannot express all messages : Non-verbal communication can only express a person's attitude, level of interest, feelings but their ideas can only be expressed orally or in written form.
• Non-verbal communication varies across cultures : certain types of non-verbal behavior is universal but others may be different in different countries. Ex: handshake, while physical contact is not common in some countries;bowing to your superiors as a mark of respect is common in Japan but might not be in other countries. 

Classification of non-verbal communication :

Non-verbal communication can employ audio and video signals. Ex: audio - a blaring siren, visual signals - drawings, charts graphs etc. These can be used to overcome language barriers.

Non-verbal communication is not only synonymous with body-language. It includes several aspects like :

Body Language	Communication Terminology
Body Language	Kinesics
Touching	Haptics
Personal space and distance	Proxemics
Use of time	Chronemics
Toen of Voice	Paralanguage
Physical environment	Physical context

Kinesics : 

• Facial expressions : can convey feelings of sadness, surprise, happiness and anger.
• Eye movements : eye movements such as wide open pupils cann indicate  surprise, excitement or fear. Direct eye contact indicates intensity and interest, while lack of it can convey guilt and nervousness.
• Gestures : movement of hands while giving a presentation can indicate level of involvement, where as hands in your pocket can mean rude or casual.
• Head movements : like nodding your head can indicate that the message has been received.
• Posture : carriage or attitude can indicate feelings. An erect posture while sitting may convey that you are attentive while a relaxed position can indicate various things such as boredom, tiredness etc.
• Physical appearance : the outward appearance of a person can indicate a lot a about the person. Jewelry, make-up or sticking to ca dress code can tell a lot about a person.

Haptics : communication through touch. Through touch we can covey feeling like affection, assuarance, famialiarity, comfort, sympathy and other emotions. Touchin is used for following :

• Working : hair dresers, security staff, doctors etc. touch people in the course of work
• Greeting : using handshakes to greet people
• Establishing friendships : a freindly pat
• Guiding
• Managing interaction

Proxemics : derived from the word 'proximity' or closeness. The space we keep from people is also part of non-verbal communication. Different types of spaces are :

• Intimate space : our inner most circle, family and close freinds
• Personal space : other freinds, colleagues or co-workers
• Social and public space : official or workplace relations

In a business context :

• Fixed space : physical features of work environment such as seating arrangement, furniture etc.
• Semi-fixed space : some features that can be changed like the seating arrangement

Chronemics : Study of usage of time. Includes our attitude towards punctuality and willingness to wait.

Paralanguage : means 'similar to'. This is the closest to verbal communication. This includes tone of voice.

Physical Context : is the physical environment within which we communicate. This includes :

• Color and layout : colors have symbolic meaning and association with feelings. Black and Grey are associated with mourning and death while Yellow and Green can convey positive feelings.
• Design : types of chairs, desk or carpets etc.
• Space management  : arrangement of work spaces of people who work together. It can influence communication.
• Location  : while giving a speech, a podium is optimum for communication. Similarly, office location in the financial district can indicate success.
• Distance : physical distance between people communicating also influences the nature of communication.

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