Non-Verbal Communication Since Time Immemorial Research Paper

  • Length: 9 pages
  • Sources: 8
  • Subject: Communication
  • Type: Research Paper
  • Paper: #55224991

Excerpt from Research Paper :

This expose the fact that non-verbal communication is imperative and effective because the eye, voice, or even touch sense is being used in a general conversation that are a part of non-verbal communication (Calero 2005).

Sending and receiving silent gestures on a constant basis is the regular and unconscious practice during general interactions. This demonstrates that all the non-verbal behaviors of an individual during the general conversations such as the appearance, way of talking, sitting, eye contact, hand contact and various others prove to send powerful and effective messages. Besides, the non-verbal message communication still continues even if the group stops talking or is silent (Calero 2005).

Non-verbal communication has not only proved to be effective in general conversations but specific conversations also rely on Non-verbal communication most of the time. It has been analyzed that nonverbal communication acts as a primary and essential source in creating the first impression, as clothing, gesture, and the way a person greets play a vital role in common situations that not only lead to initiation to specific conversation but also helps strengthening and intensifying it (Wood 2009).

In specific conversations for instance like a teacher-student interaction during the class lecture, postures become pivotal because it communicates a variety of messages. It normally helps the teacher determine degree of attention, concentration, interest or involvement from the student and the level of likeness of the students towards the teacher (Wood 2009).

Nonverbal communication has also been considered as a more effective method for specific interaction in comparison to verbal communication because this natural process facilitates the individual to express and broadcasts their true sentiments and intentions with respect to the particular incident or situation at the same time, the person gets to know the feelings of others as well through their response and reactions (Wood 2009).

Considering the example of a personal relationship of husband and wife, if a husband gets late in coming, the wife on many instances does not say anything but her actions communicate what she has to say. This can be elucidated from the example that upon being late the husband greets the wife with the same emotions with which the husband greets everyday but does not receive a good response from the wife. She keeps her busy with the kitchen work and does not pay any attention to her husband. Her mood, silent treatment and unspoken communication spells out that she is angry and nothing is fine. In this case, verbal communication can never prove to be effective to the extent non-verbal was (Wood 2009).

Considering the third aspect of non-verbal communication that is client-counselor relationship, and the primary aspect that is required with this relationship is trust and clarity with emotions and sentiments. Looking at this element of the relationship, non-verbal communication is alleged to be the most effectual approach. Since the non-verbal communication comprehensively enables the counselor and client to realize that the other person is communicating in a truthful manner through the way one listens, looks, and moves. Since the client-counselor relationship is a two way communication, hence, it also helps the individual determine if the other person was clearly listening to the first one or not (Trusty 2002).

This denotes that when your nonverbal gestures and other pointers match up with the verbal communication, it is likely to increase trust, clarity, and relationship with each other, as this would not have been possible only with the verbal communication process. While on the other side, non-verbal communication can also lead to the development of tension, mistrust, and confusion if the communication is not in a clear and open style (Trusty 2002).

Eye contact in this kind of relationship is also of paramount value due to the reason that visual sense plays a dominant part in the nonverbal communication process. The level of eye contact maintained in the client-counselor relationship signifies the degree of interest, confidence, trust, hostility, and various other emotions. In addition, eye contact also helps not only in maintaining the proper flow of conversation but also for measuring the response and reaction of the other person (Trusty 2002).

At many occasions in the client-counselor relationship, it has been observed and witnessed that the verbal communication does not match the body language of the person who is trying to convey his message due to various reasons. However, the observations expose the fact that the listener opt to believe the non-verbal aspect of the communication instead of going on words and verbal communication. This behavior has been monitored in most of the cases because for the listener, the true meaning of the words lies behind the non-verbal gestures and signals (Trusty 2002).

The inference from this data is that non-verbal communication is the most common and frequent method for sending the messages that is used by the people. Facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, touch, physical space, and tone of voice are few of the universal approaches used in the non-verbal communication. However, it is the non-verbal communication or the body language of the person that is the most powerful and effective tool of contact over verbal communication. This is predominantly due to the reason that it facilitates the individual to create a strong bonding with others, express in an open, precise and clear manner and ultimately construct enduring relationships.


Calero, H.H. (2005). The Power of Nonverbal Communication: How You Act Is More Important Than What You Say. First Edition. Silver Lake Publishing, USA.

The author has focused on the effects of non-verbal communication on human beings and how it can play a substantial role in building relationships or associations. The book also highlights that the human nature takes decisions that are based on their subconscious impressions when communication is involved. Similarly, the paper has also provided a useful overview of how effective this communication can be.

Ivey, a.E., Ivey, M.B. & Zalaquett, K.P. (2009). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society, Seventh Edition. Cengage Learning, USA.

This book has provided with the essential tools that needs to be considered and likewise acclimatize basic skills in order to meet uniqueness. The author has compared how communication (both verbal and non-verbal) can create an impact on the learning process and form behaviors of individuals, which has been reflected within the report as well.

Krueger, J. (2008). Nonverbal Communication. GRIN Verlag.

This book is the introduction to nonverbal communication that accompanies the general population in their everyday activities. The author has emphasized on the extent of non-verbal communication that is used by the people consciously and unconsciously. In fact, the author has also highlighted the existence of non-verbal communication that dates back to centuries. This book is aimed at providing an overview of the different forms of non-verbal communication, which is also a considerable part of the report.

Merriam-Webster, Inc. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Eleventh Edition, Merriam-Webster, USA.

Merriam-Webster is the book of vocabulary that provided clear and precise definitions for more than two hundred thousand words.

Shepherd, G.J. & Rothenbuhler, E.W. (2000). Communication and Community. Routledge, USA.

This is one of the masterpieces of the author that has addressed how communication and community is linked to each other in a wide variety. The book is the combination of various theoretical perspectives and researches. However, the approach with which communication and community should be practiced is also elucidated. The significance of communication is similarly mentioned in the report.

Trusty, J. 2002, Multicultural Counseling: Context, Theory and Practice, and Competence. Nova Publishers, USA.

This textbook has included a comprehensive study about the multicultural aspect in the country that has a long history. However, looking at the contemporary multicultural aspect, issues have been observed and discussed in multicultural counseling with respect to how non-verbal communication can play an imperative role.

West, R. & Turner, L.H. (2010). Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times. Second Edition. Cengage Learning, USA.

This work of art presented by the author is to empower the reader with the knowledge and skills that is essential in non-verbal communication with respect to the today's rapidly changing and technologically advanced world. The report in the same way has focused on the non-verbal communication as an effective practice regarding the modern era.

Wood, J, T. (2009). Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters. Sixth Edition. Cengage Learning, Canada.

The author has presented a pragmatic introduction with…

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