What is Non-verbal Communication? Definition of Non-verbal Communication, Non-verbal Communication Meaning and Concept
Non-verbal communication is a communication process that manifests itself through gestures, expressions or body movements. Body language is key when carrying out non-verbal communication.
Non-verbal communication aims to convey a message through gestures, facial expressions or certain postures.
In this type of communication there is no room for verbal communication, but is based on body language.
It is not an easy task to express what cannot be spoken, so managing non-verbal communication with ease can be considered a great skill. A great skill especially valued in sales departments.
A gesture, a look or a certain posture can convey a lot of information about what a person thinks or feels at that moment. Non-verbal communication is an unconscious communication process at times.
Characteristics of non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication is considered to convey much more information than verbal communication. Such is the importance of non-verbal communication that according to the estimated data, the first represents 65% and the second 35% of what we transmit.
These are the main characteristics of this type of communication:
- Expressions predominate: Facial expressions and gestures denote the state in which a person is, as well as their appearance. For example, if someone is depressed, you can probably tell by looking at their face and they may not feel like dressing up, they are careless and not paying attention to their appearance.
- The importance of non-verbal communication: It is much more revealing than verbal communication because many times it cannot be hidden and controlled. For example, in a discussion, although the tone of the words used is controlled, gestures and body movements can express the opposite. Hence the high percentage that is designated as to its importance.
- It is always present: It always manifests itself, even through silence. The latter can also be an answer.
Elements of non-verbal communication
These are the types of non-verbal communication that stand out the most:
- Postures: They indicate how someone feels and are very explanatory to know the state in which they are.
- Expressions: Facial expressions are an ideal thermometer to know if someone is sad, happy or depressed.
- Gestures: They are usually very present when a conversation is held and they arise as information is exchanged with the different interlocutors. For example, gestures of surprise at news or sadness are common and denote what that person feels at a specific moment.
- Appearance: It is closely related to the state of mind in which a person is and must be taken into account when we talk about non-verbal communication. Thanks to it we can know someone's age, origin or sex.
Non-verbal communication example
As we have mentioned previously, non-verbal communication is highly valued within sales departments. A good salesperson not only stands out for what he says, but also for what his body transmits.
A good salesperson is confident, friendly, smiles, and is friendly. The gestures, the way you behave and even the way you look at customers, can make a big difference when it comes to selling.
