Speaking Without Words

There are several different ways of communicating one's feelings, ideas and intentions. The most commonly used form is verbal. Most persons communicate orally their messages and this is not surprising. Before the print and telecommunications media came into prominence information was passed and preserved orally in the forms of stories told from generation to generation. Next came hieroglyphics where pictures were drawn to depict a story. These two forms of communication are examples of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is communication that is done without the use of spoken words. These include:

• Body Language
  
• Vocal Elements such as quality, pitch, tone etc.
• Space
• Physical Characteristics and Appearance
• Symbols

Non-verbal communication serves to:

• Support or reinforce verbal messages
  
• Contradict/invalidate verbal messages
• Replace or substitute for verbal messages
• Regulate verbal messages
• Change the flow of verbal messages

Non-verbal cues are powerful tools of communications. However many non-verbal cues are culturally based and as such their meaning may be misunderstood by someone outside of the culture from which it derives its meaning.

It is important to recognize the message that is sent beyond the spoken words. "Reading between the lines" is a communication skill that is well worth mastering. It could be the difference between failure and success!
To read an exerpt on non-verbal communication from your learner guide click here