Communication Skills
Unit5 - Non Verbal Communication
Dr. Ebtihal H. G. Yousif
Sudan University of Science & Technology
Electronics Engineering
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Objectives
The objective of this unit is
To introduce the components of non-verbal communication
To introduce the subject of body language لغة الجسدand the
communicating ability of the face, hands and feet
To introduce the concept of mirror imaging
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Outline
1 Non-Verbal Communication
2 Body Language
Facial Expressions
Head Movement
Hands and Arms
Standing & Sitting Styles
3 Mirror Imaging
4 Other Non-verbal Signs
5 Final Comments
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Non-Verbal Communication
Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal.
Verbal Communication التواصل اللفظيdeals with words,
sentences or spoken expressions,
Non-verbal Communication التواصل غير اللفظيincludes
body-movements حركات الجسد, gestures الإشارات/ الإيماءاتand
facial expressions تعابير الوجه.
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Paralanguage Body
Language
Proxemics
Use of time
Non-verbal
Communication
Personal
Appearance
The major components include paralanguage, body language,
proxemics, use of time and personal appearance (Rani 2012)
Non-Verbal Communication
Paralanguage جنائب الكلام
Paralanguage is a non-verbal element of speech referring to
voice qualities such as tone, volume, speed of speaking
Body Language لغة الجسد
Body language is definitely a very important pointer to our
attitude موقف سلوكي, our feelings and emotions.
There are three main categories of body language
1 Facial expressions
2 Hands position and movement
3 Legs position and movements
Proxemics
The study of the effects of physical distance between people
in different cultures and societies.
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Non-Verbal Communication
Use of Time
A person who cannot be on time is not given enough respect
in the society or the workplace.
Personal Appearance
Personal appearance reveals your emotions, attitude and
personality
Personal appearance includes your way of dress, accessories
used, make-up,etc.
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Body Language
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are the most effective indicator of emotions.
1 Researchers have found 8 basic facial emotions: surprise,
interest, joy, rage, fear, disgust, shame and anguish.
2 The face may show a mixture of two different emotions
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Body Language
Facial Expressions
Eye Contact
Constant and moderate eye contact implies honesty,
confidence and interest in the audience and subject.
Unsteady eye contact implies shyness and nervousness
Constant sharp eye contact and widening of eyes implies
aggressive personality.
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Body Language
Facial Expressions
Given below is a list of the facial expressions and the emotions
they suggest.
Emotion Facial Expression
Surprise or astonishment Raised eyebrows
Anger or frustration Furrowed forehead
Displeasure or confusion Frowning
Antagonism عداوة jaw muscles are tightened
Defiance مواجهة/تحدي Pushing out of the chin
Aggression عدوانية The eyes will be wide-open. The lips are
tightly closed. The corners of the eyebrows
will be turned down and teeth clenched.
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Body Language
Facial Expressions
Emotion Facial Expression
Dislike, rejection or Turning up of the nose
contempt الإزدراء
Extreme shock open-mouthed expression.
Interest A relaxed mouth, a smile and a projected chin.
This can suggest that the person is interested.
The blank face An emotionless face which is completely relaxed
implies that a person is completely withdrawn
into oneself. It also implies “Do not disturb”.
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Body Language
Head Movement
Slight tilt of the listener’s head is always seen as a sign of
sharp listening and interest.
A small head nod generally implies attention
repeated nods implies strong agreement
The nodding of the head accompanied by the head-tilt
position imply empathy and agreement with the speaker.
A straight head implies a neutral attitude.
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Body Language
Hands and Arms
While speaking,
Using your hands freely implies a confident personality
Usage of hands above the neck imply aggressive and/or over
enthusiastic personality
No use of hands implies nervousness and a submissive
personality
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Body Language
Standing & Sitting Styles
Standing and leaning on a table for support implies a weak
and nervous person.
Standing or sitting with equally spreading both legs with a
straight back and straight neck with clasped hands, implies a
confident personality
When walking, keep your head upright. Hands should swing
freely by the sides. Eyes should look straight in front.
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Mirror Imaging
This is a situation where people mirror or imitate one another’s
body positioning
After a meeting or during a break if two people are chatting,
mirroring one another’s body posture, it is a sign that they
agree with one another.
Mirror imaging can be particularly helpful in situations like
interviews or a negotiation table.
Be careful. Obvious imitation, which the other person can see
and observe, can be seen as a mockery or trying to make the
other person feel uncomfortable.
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Other Non-verbal Signs
Signs of nervousness عصبيةinclude scratching, nail biting,
foot tapping, looking at the ceiling, blinking excessively,
clicking a pen or speaking too fast
Signs of aggression عدوانيةinclude staring and folding both
arms
Signs of rudeness فظاظةinclude shaking hands too firmly�
standing too close, using your phone in meetings and social
situations
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Final Comments
Non-verbal signs may occur consciously or unconsciously.
The meaning of some non-verbal signs is not constant and
may change based on culture and society.
Positive gestures are body signals that makes you look
relaxed, confident, and polite.
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References
Sunita Mishra, and C. Muralikrishna
Communication Skills for Engineers, Second Edition.
Pearson, .2011
D. Sudha Rani
Business Communication and Soft Skills Laboratory Manual.
Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd., .2012
P. D. Chaturvedi and Mukesh Chaturvedi
Business Communication Skills, Concepts, and Applications,
Third Edition.
Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd., .2013
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