Non-verbal communication

Nonverbal and Verbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the process of sharing information by means other than words, such as gestures. Nonverbal communication also includes facial expression, conversational silence, and eye contact. Verbal communication, on the other hand, refers to the process of conveying information via the use of words. Oral or written communication is used to share information (Little et al. 2015). The two methods of information exchange aid in efficient communication. There are also vocal and nonverbal actions that influence how people interact with others in society. People’s interactions with others are influenced by a variety of circumstances. Ethnicity, culture, and gender are examples of such elements. A better understanding of factors controlling verbal or non-verbal communication helps people to understand each other thus able to develop strategies to enhance effective communication.

Different Cultures in Communication

Different cultures have their ways of expressing beliefs, values, religion, and norms which affect the way people interact with each other verbally or non-verbally. For example, each culture has their way of expressing greetings or conducting parties (Little et al. 2015). Ethnicity also plays a huge role in determining the patterns of verbal and non-verbal communication. The way of dressing in different ethnicity can be one form expressing non-verbal communication. However, non-verbal leads to stereotyping of people due to dressing for example where dressing leads to associating people with the Muslim religion. The ethnic verbal pattern may arise from the learning process which depends on the behavior different people portray. Gender determines the pattern in non-verbal and verbal communication depending on the relationship existing among people (Little et al. 2015). The emotional feeling of different gender also determines the form of communication in use while expressing such feeling. Therefore, outlining patterns in verbal and non-verbal communication require an understanding of factors such as gender, ethnicity, and culture which influence effective communication.

Reference

Little, P., White, P., Kelly, J., Everitt, H., Gashi, S., Bikker, A., & Mercer, S. (2015). Verbal and non-verbal behaviour and patient perception of communication in primary care: an observational study. Br J Gen Pract, 65(635), e357-e365.