Transcript Lecture 7 - Non-verbal Communication

COMM11003
Professional & Technical
Communication
Lesson 7
Non-verbal Communication:
Understanding Yourself and Others
What is non-verbal
communication (NVC)?
• Occurs separately to that which is spoken.
• Very powerful means of communication.
• Specifically relates to:
•
•
•
•
Body language
Voice tone, pitch, rhythm
Use of space and environment
Artefacts (objects that convey meaning)
• Occurs at a personal and cultural level.
Why is NVC Important?
• Occurs at subconscious level.
• If NVC is in conflict with what is being
spoken, people tend to react to NVC
rather than spoken word.
• Indicator of ‘noise’.
• Affects meaning and interpretation of
messages.
NVC and Social and Cultural
Literacy
• Being aware of social and cultural
‘norms’ will help you understand some
aspects of NVC when dealing with a
diverse audience.
• Spend time with people.
• Understand other perspectives.
Listening
• Hearing and listening are different.
• 75% of oral communication is ignored,
misunderstood, or quickly forgotten
(Bolton, People Skills).
• You can work on being a good listener.
• Responsive listening will encourage a
speaker to continue.
Understanding yourself…
• Identify your ‘stress indicators’, and
your own habits that may affect
communication.
• Once you are aware of your behaviour,
you can develop strategies to manage it
– for example, consciously take your
hands off hips, or uncross your arms in
a meeting.
Readings
• Business Communication: Building Critical Skills
• Module 3 – Communicating Across Cultures
• Module 17 - Listening
Exercise 7
This week you will view some video scenarios (on
your course CD).
• You should identify non-verbal communication
and how it affects communication in each
scenario (in point form).
See your study guide for details.