Characteristics or importance of nonverbal communication
Answers
Importance of Nonverbal Communication
Some important points expressing the importance, necessity, advantages or functions of non-verbal communication are discussed below:
Well Expression of the Speaker’s Attitude
Various non-verbal cues of the speaker like physical movements, facial expression, a way of expression, etc. play important role in expressing the inner meaning of the messages in face-to-face conversation and interview.
For example, the facial expression of the speaker indicates his attitude, determination depth of knowledge etc.
Providing Information Regarding the Sender of The Written Message
The format, neatness, language and the appearance of the envelope used in a written message send a non-verbal message regarding the writer’s tests, choice, level of education etc.
Expressing the Attitude of the Listener and Receiver
Sometimes the appearance of the listeners and receivers conveys their attitudes, feelings, and thoughts regarding the messages they have read or heard.
Gaining Knowledge about a Class of People
Clothing, hairstyle, neatness, jewelry, cosmetics, and stature of people convey impressions regarding their occupation, age, nationality, social or economic level, job status etc.
For example; students, policemen, nurses etc. can easily be identified through their dresses.
Gaining Knowledge about the Status of a Person
Non-verbal cues also help to determine the relative status of persons working in an organization. For example, room size, location, furnishings, decorations, lightings, etc. indicate the position of a person in the organization.
Communicating Common Message to All People
In some cases, non-verbal cues can effectively express many true messages more accurately than those of any other method of communication.
For example; use of red, yellow and green lights and use of various signs in controlling vehicles on the roads.
Communicating with the Handicapped People
Non- verbal cues of communication greatly help in communicating with the handicapped people.
For example; the language of communication with the deaf depends on the movements of the hands, fingers, and eyeball.
Conveying Message to the Illiterate People
Communication with illiterate people through written media is impossible. There may also be some situations that do not allow the use of oral media to communicate with them.
In such situations, non-verbal methods like pictures, colors, graphs, signs, and symbols are used as the media of communication.
For example; to indicate danger we use red sign and to mean dangerous we use a skull placed between two pieces of bone put in a crosswise fashion.
Quick Expression of Message
Non-verbal cues like sign and symbol can also communicate some messages very quickly than written or oral media.
For example; when drivers of a running vehicle are to be communicated that the road ahead is narrow or there is a turn in the road ahead, we generally use signs or symbols rather than using any written or oral message.
Presenting Information Precisely
Sometimes quantitative information on any issue may require a lengthy written message. But this quantitative information can be presented easily and precisely through tables, graphs, charts etc.