How non-verbal communication builds relationships

How Non-Verbal Communication Impacts Relationships

At home, at school, and in the workplace

By: Kelsey Murphy

What is non-verbal communication?

Non-Verbal Communication At Home

"What you do speaks so loud, I cannot hear what you say."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

- "Nonverbal communication is all aspects of communication other than words."

- Symbolic

- Examples include: facial expressions, gestures, one's behavior, and even personal objects such as clothing and accessories

- Can be impacted by one's environment and culture

- Relationships between family members, friends, and significant others

- The more you are around someone, the better you get to know them and their "non-verbal cues"

-Example: Ever since your sister was young, she has had a tendency to play with her hair whenever she was nervous. Today, whenever you see her play with her hair, you assume she is nervous about something

- This concept can be observed with any of your close relationships "at home"

"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said."

-Peter F. Drucker

Challenges of Non-verbal communication

- Misleading facial expressions

- Misleading body language

- Different expressions may mean different things to different people/cultures; may be perceived in different ways

Example: Greetings in Different Cultures

In the United States, the handshake is considered a standard way to begin and end a meeting

In other cultures, however, kisses on both cheeks are the standard "mode of greeting"

Non-Verbal Communication at School

Non-Verbal Communication in the Workplace

Personal Example: Non-verbal Communication on the Field

-Relationships between classmates/colleagues and teachers

- Similar to "Non-verbal Comm at Home," behavior, gestures, and facial expressions can be indicative of how you are feeling

- Relationships between workers, co-workers, and bosses

- How a worker acts, dresses, and treats others will determine how he/she is treated by both co-workers and his/her boss

- Lacrosse is a game that revolves around communication

- As a member of the CCSU women's lacrosse team, we use different gestures and movements to communicate all over the field

Example: If I am open to receive a pass, I am supposed cut towards the person with the ball, with my stick up in the air, ready to receive the ball. This lets the person with the ball know that I am open. If I were to run away from the person with the ball while dragging my stick on the field, I would not appear to be open.

Example #1: The Bad Student

Example #1: The Late Employee

Example #2: The A Student

Example #2: The Sloppy Employee

If you (a student) falls asleep in class, the teacher may think you are bored, tired, or maybe just disrespectful. Based on your non-verbal actions, your teacher may choose to take points off of your class grade, and may lose respect for you.

If you, a worker, are constantly late to work and miss important deadlines, your boss may fire you because of your irresponsible actions and lack of commitment to the company.

So remember...

If you, a worker, constantly dress inappropriately for work or have a sloppy appearance, your boss my reprimand you because of how you present yourself.

If you (a student) consistently does well on assignments and is attentive in class, the teacher may assume that you are a dedicated, hardworking student and may add extra points to your grade

THE END