VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communication is the transmission of information without using conventional verbal messages. It can also be defined as an unconscious "supplement" to verbal communication, providing the listener with more authentic information within the content of the message. In other words, it is communication without words.

Our non-verbal signals can be either conscious (learned) or unconscious (intuitive). In non-verbal communication, it is crucial to consider what the sender intends to convey through non-verbal cues and how the receiver interprets them.

People from different cultures may interpret the same communicative signs differently, depending on their history, traditions, and customs. This can lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Non-verbal communication can be categorized as follows:

• Visually received information: Signals seen by the receiver, such as posture, gestures, facial expressions, smiles, eye contact, etc.
• Signals perceived through touch: Examples include a handshake, pat on the shoulder, kiss, etc.
• Signals received through other sources: Such as distance, smell, time, environment, etc.

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2.4.1. Dimensions of Non-verbal Communication

All nuances surrounding words—voice characteristics, speaking style—are also part of non-verbal communication. Mastering these aspects aids in successful communication or better understanding the partner you are communicating with.

Seven dimensions of non-verbal communication can be distinguished:

o   Body movement and kinesics: Includes gestures, body movements, limbs, facial expressions, eye movements, posture, etc.

o   Physical characteristics: Such as body shape, overall attractiveness, body scents, height, weight, hair, and skin color.

o   Touch: Examples include stroking, hitting, holding, handshakes, and farewells.

o   Non-verbal vocal signals (paralinguistics): Voice characteristics and vocalizations such as laughter, whispering, sighing, crying, vocal pauses, etc.

o   Proxemics: The perception of space, including personal space and distance between individuals.

o   Artifacts: Manipulation of objects that could stimulate particular behaviors or reactions, such as wigs, false eyelashes, cosmetics, etc.

o   Environmental factors: Furniture, architectural styles, interior design, lighting, sounds, colors, and temperature, which can convey specific information.

2.4.2. The significance of non-verbal communication for personal status

Information about influence and position is usually communicated non-verbally, i.e. manners, speech, sitting, etc. People in higher positions tend to observe less of those in lower positions. The latter spend a lot of time watching the former. Superiors feel entitled to dictate the topic of conversation. A superior can easily interrupt a subordinate and change the subject of the conversation, but it is difficult to imagine a subordinate doing the same unless it is an emergency.

2.4.3. Information derived from gestures and movements

Hand position, eye expression, appearance, physical data are important in the communication process. Our appearance, attractiveness and makeup have a big impact on communication. It is more pleasant for everyone to communicate with a person of good appearance and cultured manners. Some data can be changed: dyeing or cutting hair, changing accessories, cosmetics, etc.