Role of Non-Verbal Communication in Business Communication

This article explains the role of non-verbal communication in an overall communication process. It covers types of non-verbal communication styles and aspects related to the same. In addition to this, the discussion shows the importance of non-verbal communication in the overall communication process of a business.

Running head: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Business Communication
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note

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Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................2
Discussion..........................................................................................................................2
Types of Non-Verbal Communication............................................................................2
Role of Non-verbal Communication in Communication Process...................................4
Aspects of Non-Verbal Communication.........................................................................4
Relationship Between Non-verbal Communication, Speaking and Listening...............4
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................5
Reference..........................................................................................................................6
Introduction

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The main purpose of the assessment is to explain the role of non-verbal
communication in an overall communication process. An effective communication
process involves use of both verbal and non-verbal styles in order to effectively make
the listener understand the message (Mehrabian 2017). The discussion would be
covering types of non-verbal communication styles and aspects related to the same. In
addition to this, the discussion would also be showing importance of non-verbal
communication in overall communication process of a business.
Discussion
Types of Non-Verbal Communication
1. Facial Expressions: The facial expressions form a very important part of non-
verb communication the face reveals the emotional state of the speaker. Further,
in a communication process, the first thing is the face which comes to view
before we can listen any words (Knapp, Hall and Horgan 2013). For example,
when a person smiles, it shows that the person is in a happy mood and similarly
if the person frowns than it means something has upset him.
2. Gestures: These refers to deliberate movements or signals which are quite
frequently used in a communication process. Some of the common gestures
which are used in day to day life are waving of hands, pointing or using fingers.
For example, a lawyer has to use his hands quite vigorously to demonstrate his
involvement in a case. This is a kind of gesture which makes his communication
more effective.
3. Paralinguistic: This refers to the use of vocal sounds which are quite different
from verbal words. This includes the pitch of the speaker, tone of the speaker.
These are also used in a communication process and application of such aspects
also shows the activeness of the speaker. For example, a good tone in a
communication process represents the confidence of the speaker.
4. Body Language and Posture: Body Language and Postures also convey a
great deal of information regarding the speaker and the seriousness of the
communication process. A positive body language always helps a speaker to

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effectively convey his message. For example, the body language of celebrities
needs to be positive so that they can inspire people to follow them.
5. Eye Contact: One of the mot expressive part of our face is the eyes and most of
the communication process is supported by eye contact (Eaves and Leathers
2017). In a formal communication, eye contact denotes trust and honesty in the
speaker and in such cases, the words which are spoken by the speaker are
taken seriously. For example, in an interview, it is always advised that eye
contact should be maintained with the interviewer in order to get recruited.
6. Proxemics: This refers to the need of personal space which also forms a major
part of non-verbal communication (Denham and Onwuegbuzie 2013). This
means the space which is present between a speaker and a listener in a
communication process. For example, the personal space which is there when
two persons are having casual communication.
7. Personal Appearance: The personal appearance of the speakers also plays a
vital role in the communication process and the same needs to be considered as
a non-verbal form of communication (Matsumoto, Frank and Hwang 2013). For
example, an interview attire and a casual meet up attire would be different which
communicates itself.
Role of Non-verbal Communication in Communication Process
Non-verbal communication is the simplest form of communication and the same
can even take place without the attempt of the speaker. Non-verbal communication
helps the listener to identify the mood of the speaker considering the facial expressions,
body language and adapt accordingly in order to acquire as much information as
possible. The non-verbal communication allows both the speaker and the listeners to
understand each other emotions and thereby take part in effective communication
process (Riess and Kraft-Todd 2014). Such form of communication makes the entire
process of communication complete as they often complement the verbal words which
are used, provides more emphasis on key matters, makes the listeners more attentive
(UniversalClass.com. 2019). Further research has shown that facial expressions
depicting some emotions always remains constant irrespective of cultural differences

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and thereby it can be said that it makes communication with different people from
different culture much easier.
Aspects of Non-Verbal Communication
The three aspects which re involved in a non-verb communication and
considering those aspects which are used in every communication process are listed
below in details:
 The facial expression of the speaker is important in communication process and
the same can reveal lot of information relating to the message which the speaker
wants to convey (Mandal 2014).
 The use of gestures and postures are also common in a communication process
and the same helps the speaker to effectively communicate the matter with
confidence.
 The use of pitch and tone are also clear indication regarding whether the matter
is serious or casual.
Relationship Between Non-verbal Communication, Speaking and Listening
The process of communication is a two-way process and the same requires
active commitment from the part of the listener and also the speaker. If no one is
listening then there would be no point in speaking (Walther et al. 2015). A
communication process is regarded to be complete only when, the message which is
forwarded by the speaker is understood by the listener considering the required
meaning. Non-verbal communication is also used in a communication process and the
same makes it much more effective for the speakers to present the information and also
much more interesting for the listeners to decode the message (Tracy, Randles and
Steckler 2015). Therefore, it can be said that there lies a positive relationship between
non-verbal communication and speaking and listening.
Conclusion
Communication process is quite dynamic in nature as the same involves use of
non-verbal and verbal forms of communication for getting the message delivered. The
discussion above shows the role of non-verbal communication in an overall

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communication process and also identifies the different types of non-verbal
communication forms which can be used. In addition to this, the discussion also shows
the relationship which exist between non-verbal communication and speaking and
listening. Therefore, it can be established that non-verbal communication makes the
entire communication process much more effective.

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Reference
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Mandal, F.B., 2014. Nonverbal communication in humans. Journal of human behavior
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Matsumoto, D., Frank, M.G. and Hwang, H.S. eds., 2013. Nonverbal communication:
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Mehrabian, A., 2017. Nonverbal communication. Routledge.
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UniversalClass.com. (2019). The Role of Nonverbal Communication in Effective
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https://www.universalclass.com/articles/self-help/the-role-of-nonverbal-communication-
in-effective-communication.htm [Accessed 17 Sep. 2019].
Walther, S., Stegmayer, K., Sulzbacher, J., Vanbellingen, T., Müri, R., Strik, W. and
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