NON- VERBAL COMMUNICATION:Environmental Factors

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Lesson 7

NON- VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Type

Examples

Vocal characterizers laughing, crying, sighing, yawning, clearing the throat,

groaning, yelling, whispering

Vocal Qualifiers

intensity (loud/soft); pitch height (high/low).

Vocal Segregates

sounds such a `uh-huh', `um', `uh'; silent pauses.

Proximity (Use of Space)

Proximity means nearness, in terms of physical space. How people use their personal space and

that of others communicates a message. This response to spatial relationships in formal, informal

and intimate setting indicates how that person perceives and feels in that space.

People also use their height and weight to convey a message. If you tower over other people in a

way that intrudes on their personal space you may cause their discomfort and withdrawal.

Personal space varies according to:

· Gender

· Status

· Roles

· Culture

Research has shown that Australians speaking to acquaintances or work colleagues leave about an

arm's length of space between themselves and the other person. People speaking to friends and

family leave about half an arm or an elbow's length between themselves and others. People in

intimate relationships allow direct and close contact when speaking to each other. The use of space

reflects the way people feel about others.

Artifacts

Artifacts are objects used to convey nonverbal messages about self-concept, image, mood, feeling

or style. For example, perfume, clothes, lipstick, glasses and hairpieces project the style or mood of

the wearer. Many artifacts are common to the group but we also use artifacts, particularly clothing,

as an individual form of communication.

Appearance and cloth are important and highly visible parts of nonverbal communication. Consider

the different between the clothes you wear to the beach and the clothes you wear to a job interview.

The choice of clothes reflects your mood and your attitude to the occasion. Other people note and

place their own interpretation on your dress.

Even if you decide you will not bother about personal appearance or clothes, others will read this

message as part of your nonverbal communication.

Environmental Factors

The environment can influence the outcome of communication. For this reason, organization gives

careful consideration to office space, factory layout, the sales area and conference venues. The

environment should put people at ease and match their expectations; an unsuitable environment

can produce `noise' that causes communication barriers and interferes with the communication

process.

Certain instincts, such as desire for privacy, familiarity and security, need to be satisfied. Careful

design of the workplace can meet these needs and in so doing improve communication,

productivity and morale. Natural and artificial light, colour, temperature, tables, chairs, desks,

lounges, plants, sound, artwork, magazines, and floor and wall coverings all have an impact on

people's perception of an organization.

In the workplace, attention to punctuality or a disregard for it can make a strong nonverbal impact.

A disregard for punctuality may, like a sloppy appearance, merely reflect a casual attitude. However,

a deliberate decision to keep a contact waiting may be a way to communicate a negative message.

While punctuality is a matter of courtesy, attitudes towards its important vary between cultures. To

be kept waiting for a business appointment on a tropical island will not have the same significance

as a delay in some European counties where punctuality is highly regard.

The above discussion of the seven aspects of nonverbal communication provides a theoretical

analysis. However, to consider each aspect in isolation is artificial. In practice, what is sent as a total

message is a cluster of nonverbal cues in association with the spoken words

Your Response to Behaviour

Nonverbal Behaviour

Teacher

Student

Body movement

Physical characteristics

Touching behaviour

Vocal qualities

Use of Space

Artifacts

Environment

Your Response to an Organization

Characteristics

Organization I Like

Organization I dislike

Atmosphere

Use of space

Smells

Colour

Service

Building

Inclusions and fittings

Sounds

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