Nonverbal communication

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Often defined as nonverbal communication (NVC) refers to all aspects of a message which are not conveyed by the literal meaning of words. This differs from unconscious communication, which may be verbal or non-verbal. Both written and spoken communication can be nonverbal. The main types of NVC are chronemics, kinesics, paralinguistics and semiotics. Culture, gender and social status influence nonverbal communication. NVC also includes object communication, haptics or touch, oculesics, vocalics, and olfactics.

Proxemics refers to how people use and interpret space. Kinesics is the analysis of body language and includes facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact. Paralinguistics is the sound element of nonverbal communication.

1 Object communication
2 Haptics
3 Oculesics
4 Vocalics
5 See also
6 External links

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Object communication

The most common form of object communication is clothing. The types of clothing that people wear are often used to determine their personality traits, though this is considered a form of stereotyping. Social groups often use a common form of clothing to set themselves apart from other, presumably unaligned social groups. A good example of clothing as object communication is the uniform.

Object communication extends beyond clothing to other body adornments, such as wedding rings or bindis to indicate marital status, tattoos, piercings, and brands. Also included in object communication is anything used as a status symbol

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Haptics

Haptics is the study of touching as nonverbal communication. Touches that can be defined as communication include: Handshakes, holding hands, kissing (cheek, lips, hand), back slap, "high-five", shoulder pat, brushing arm, etc. Each of these give off nonverbal messages as to the touching person's intentions/feelings. They also cause feelings in the receiver, whether positive or negative.

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Oculesics

Oculesics is the study of the role of eyes in nonverbal communication. This includes the study of eye contact and pupil dilation. Studies have found that people use their eyes to indicate their interest. This can be done through eye contact (or lack thereof). For example, when a professor is giving a lecture and you read a magazine instead of looking at him/her and giving your full attention. This would indicate to the professor that you are disinterested in his/her lecture.

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Vocalics

Vocalics is the study of nonverbal cues of the voice. Things such as tone, pitch, accent, and volume can all give off nonverbal cues. It's possible to learn about an individual's personality, mood, and culture with the information given by their voice.

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