Non-Verbal Communication Analysis

Non-verbal Communication is one skill that I feel I need to improve upon. “Non-verbal communication is defined as messages expressed by non-linguistic means (Ronald B. Adler, 2014, p. 188).” I believe that this is a skill I need to improve upon because missing subtle bits of information used in non-verbal communication can affect the meaning behind it. I am going to look more into who, what, what, when, where, why and how non-verbal communication. Then looking at ways to improve using this skill and how it will be applied in the future. First, let us observe non-verbal communication as a skill. Non-verbal communication cues are Gesture, movement, appearance and facial expression, as well as the tone, rate pitch and volume in which something is said. These type of cues are open for miss representation and being missed all together. Another way in which they can be missed is not using listening skills. As a child, I remember hearing if your mouth is moving your ears aren’t working. That is one way in which cues can be missed. Not taking into account someone’s cultural back ground you can miss some of that non-verbal communication. With this type of communication leaving so much to interpretation having an understanding of the person you are talking to can prevent some of the misunderstandings that can happen. Second, we are taking a look at who, what, when, where, why and How Non-verbal communication is used and applies to daily lives. Non-verbal communication effects everyone, it’s often a skill we don’t recognize we are using until the time has passed. Different groups of people had different forms of non-verbal cues that are acceptable, for example, avoiding direct eye contact is used in Latin based cultures. To them, it is a sign of respect but to the person that does not understand that it can be a sign that the person is not paying attention (Ronald B. Adler, 2014, p. 197). If you were to take into account the cultural reference it would be understood that they are paying attention and that they are showing respect to the speaking by not making eye contact. Whereas is this is misunderstood one or both parties would be upset because of the misunderstanding. The skill of understanding nonverbal needed all the time. Using a perception check and listening to skills for tone inflection and possibly an exasperated sigh can tell a lot of how a person is feeling. This skill is in effect everywhere you go and is used to bolster relationship when the communication is understood. While by itself it is an ambiguous form of language putting it together with other forms brings it into perspective. Techniques that I can use to …show more content…
I am going to use perception checks to gain more understanding as to the room and listen more than speak. The specific technique I will work on doing perception check to understand body movement, voice, touch, appearance, physical space, environment, and time. I expect that upon perceiving and improving my skill of observation and interpretation of non-verbal skill communication will become easier. Knowing if observing and making changes to the way I act, dress, speak and understand nonverbal communication has made a difference by how conversations end and how they progress forward. Understanding a person is key to if a relationship truly exists or if you just an acquaintance. I would like to see improvements in new and existing