NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS

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Verbal and nonverbal communication  are interconnected elements in every act of communication. Non verbal behaviors can operate in several relationships with verbal behaviors.

REPEATING

The repetition is not just favour one in communication.  People can communicate effectively by gestures accompanied with words .

COMPLEMENTING

 Nonverbal behavior can reinforce what’s been said. Complementing nonverbal behaviors match the thoughts and emotions the communicator is expressing linguistically. You can appreciate the value of this function by imagining the difference between saying “thank you” with a sincere facial expression and tone of voice, and saying the same words in a deadpan manner.

SUBSTITUTING

Many facial expressions operate as substitutes for speech. It’s easy to recognize expressions that function like verbal interjections and so on.  Nonverbal substituting can be useful when communicators are unwilling to express their feelings in words. A parent who wants a child to stop being disruptive at a party can flash a glare across the room without say.

ACCENTING

We use nonverbal devices to emphasize oral messages. Pointing an accusing finger adds emphasis to criticism. Accenting certain words with the voice (“It was your idea!”) is another way to add nonverbal emphasis.

 REGULATING

Nonverbal behaviors can serve a regulating function by influencing the flow of verbal communication. We can also regulate conversations nonverbally by nodding (indicating “I understand” or “keep going”), looking away (signaling a lack of attention), or moving toward the door (communicating a desire to end the conversation).

CONTRADICTING

Some of the ways in which people contradict themselves are subtle, mixed messages have a strong impact. As we grow older, we become better at interpreting these mixed messages. Children between the ages of six and twelve use a speaker’s words to make sense of a message. But as adults, we rely more on nonverbal cues to form many impressions. For example, audiences put more emphasis on deliberate behavior (like the “thumbsup” sign) and unintentional cues (like facial expressions) can complement, contradict, or substitute for spoken messages.