Sample Essay Non-Verbal Communication Paper

Non-verbal communication is communicative because it reinforces a verbal message. Non-verbal communication usually accompanies the verbal, and is valuable way of enriching a message. Non-verbal communication’s functions include

1. Used to repeat the verbal message

2. Used to accent a verbal message

3. Complements the verbal message

4. Regulate interactions

5. Substitutes verbal message

Non-verbal communication is ambiguous because

1. Non-verbal messages exert a great deal of influence on how we think and behave, they act subconsciously upon us, and typically go unnoticed.

2. Silent speech communicates enormous amounts of information, which means that it is difficult to both recognize explicitly and to control. It is for this reason that when our body languages contradict each other, others will believe the body language.

3. Despite being our predominant or sole mode of communication up to the age of three years, non-verbal communication, after that time is lost under the weight of words, even though we remain extremely sensitive to its influence subconsciously (Huczynski 2004).

Non-verbal communication is ambiguous. It is hard to read just what a particular gesture means. When non-verbal message is in conflict with the verbal message, people will believe the non-verbal message. Non-verbal communication can mean different things depending to the sender and the receiver of the non-verbal message.

My Observation of the Manager

Posture

The manager maintains a good posture that for me conveys self-assurance and confidence.

Sitting

The manager’s sitting posture – arms at side, hands on the lap and feet set firmly on the ground, conveys confidence and ease.

It also conveys his control over the situation. I see it also as a sign of control.

Standing

The manager positions himself in a spot where he can be clearly seen. He does not stand behind chairs or tables. The manager stands up straight therefore he is able to transmit more confidence. I also notice that when the manager is talking to a taller person, he tends to move back until his gaze is level with the other person.

Walking

I notice that the manager has a slow style of walking. He walks slowly, deliberately and walks tall. When he strides into a room, he pauses in the doorway, and seems to let everyone in the room view his picture of power. He takes time entering offices and sitting down. He moves smoothly, fluidly and coordinately. He conveys the silent message of relaxed confidence, authority, determination, dominance and directness.

Occupation of Space

He seems to take more space and have few reservations about invading the space of others. He freely walks into a subordinate’s office/ cubicle. He is accorded more space in the meeting table. He seems to be at ease and comfortable. He posses an air of power and dominance. He does not back off and yield space to others, instead he expects others to give him more space.

Positioning

During a meeting, the manager sat at the head of the table. This position for me conveys importance. He also maintains a clean and tidy office, which I think, is a sign of a logical and ordered mind.

Eye Contact

The manager keeps a steady and sustained eye contact. I think that is powerful. When he is speaking to a group, like in a meeting, his gaze includes everyone and then he establishes eye contact with individual members.

Facial Expression: Smile

The manager’s smile projects warmth conveys confidence and establishes rapport. He does not smile much, so when he does, the employees around him feels more relaxed and at ease. I think he smiles to put his employees at ease.

Handshake

The manager’s handshake is brief and firm. His clasp communicates confidence. He also maintains eye contact during the handshake.

 

A coworker’s observation of me

During a meeting, I ask a coworker to observe my behavior and non-verbal messages. After the meeting, I ask him about his assessment.

During the meeting, he noticed that I once or twice tapped a pencil. He believed this to be a sign of tension and nervousness. I usually do this when I am thinking or contemplate about something. Therefore, the message that he received and his assessment of my gesture was different from my intention.

He also noticed that I was sitting in an erect and straight position. When I asked his assessment of this, he said that I appeared stiff, serious, and uncomfortable. His assessment was partly true. I was serious but I never felt uncomfortable or stiff.

He also noted that I sometimes nod my head, smile and focus my gaze on the speaker (manager). He believed this to be a sign of attentiveness, interest and eagerness. His assessment was correct.