Nonverbal Communication in Business

This assignment delves into the significance of nonverbal communication in a business context. It explores various aspects like body language, gestures, facial expressions, voice modulation, personal appearance, and environmental factors that influence communication effectiveness. The student analyzes how understanding and utilizing these elements can lead to successful negotiations, build strong relationships, and avoid misunderstandings in professional settings.

Running Head: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
Reflective Journal- Nonverbal Business Communication
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

Contents
Non Verbal Business Communication.......................................................................................2
Personal Reflection....................................................................................................................3
Application of Non Verbal Business Communication...............................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................6

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Non Verbal Business Communication
Any communication that is not done in the form of words is Non-Verbal
Communication. It is estimated to form 65% of the total communication. It plays an
important role in the understanding and interpretation of the communication. Actions and
behaviours such as silence, time taken to respond to messages, punctuality etcetera form the
part of non-verbal communication. Similarly, body language is an essential part of non-verbal
communication (Lunenburg 2012). Nonverbal communication of the speaker can influence
the interpretation drawn by the other party. Human beings interpret nonverbal communication
according to several factors such as their religion and culture etcetera. They are genetically
programmed to interpret the particular expression and cues in certain manner (Knapp, Hall
and Horgan 2013).
According to scientific analysis, only 7% of the communication comprise of verbal
communication and rest 93% comprise of nonverbal in the form of body movements,
expressions, gestures, voice tone and modulation. Thus, it is clear that words one speak form
very small part of the communication and thus focus shall be driven to nonverbal
communication more. Thus, correct use of nonverbal communication becomes and effective
tool of communicating the right message in the right way to the co-workers and managers in
the workplace which shall lead to overall success of the organization. Developing good
nonverbal skills shall also be beneficial for the individual for his personal and professional
growth (Leathers 2015).
There are endless types of nonverbal communication. Facial expression, personal
distance and space, eye contact, clothing, appearance, time and physical environment are
some of the aspects most relevant for business communication. It is important for business
communicators to understand and interpret the body language of other communicators in

proper context to derive right meaning of their nonverbal behaviour. Different people respond
differently to particular stimulus depending upon their culture and skills. Business person can
use his polished communication skills to influence the others in his favour(Cornelissen 2017).
Personal Reflection
The course on Nonverbal Communication has helped me understand various factors
that shall be kept in mind while communicating with others in a business setup. With the
increasing complication in working environment in the organizations, it shall help my
communications in conducting myself in the most appropriate manner. This module helped
me differentiate between concepts of body language and nonverbal communication, learn
how to avoid misunderstandings in the communication and areas to focus on to polish my
nonverbal communication skills. Learning congruence between verbal and nonverbal
communication has helped me able to sync my both skills together in order to avoid putting
forward a confusing message. Also that the nonverbal communication shall be believed in
case of discrepancy between the two (Leathers 2015).
Further, learning the various factors influencing nonverbal communication such as
eyes, facial expression, various body gestures, physical space, posture, movements, physical
setup and voice modulation have helped me understand their importance and their
interpretations in different cultures. In some culture a higher pitch may mean confidence
while in other, arrogance. So as an employee representing the company, learning this
difference shall prove to be useful for me. Each of these influences communication in a
variety of ways (Knapp, Hall and Horgan 2013).
It is because of the topics dynamic nature, that it has caught my interest in it. The
subject of nonverbal communication is said to be a still growing and unexplored study in the
science of communication and management. Exploring this subject has helped me understand

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minute details of how human being perceive the communication which may altogether vary
from the words spoken. By studying this subject further I shall be able to develop my
communication to level where I shall have the command over the message I put forward
which shall be aligned with my words.
Application of Non Verbal Business Communication
This subject of nonverbal communication shall help me in my personal as well as
professional life in present as well as in the future. The learning from this module shall help
me in conducting communications in my personal and professional life in a way that the
results of the communications and negotiations are fruitful for me. Also decoding body
language, postures, physical setup and space shall help me refrain from taking inappropriate
decisions and trusting inappropriate people. Understanding facial expressions and eyes
movement shall help me interpreting the emotions and the hidden intentions of the opposite
party. Also understanding how one expression or a type of gaze can be interpreted in different
cultures shall help me mould myself accordingly to get my way through the communication
(Lunenburg 2012).
Further voice modulations as per the audience, type of communication, and questions
shall help me make the communication more interesting and meaningful for others. Gestures
also play an important role in communication. Different cultures perceive different body
movements differently. Having control over them shall help me not upset the other
communicator with a wrong gesture and lose the communication and an important client or
spoil a relation with colleagues. With the knowledge of gestures, I can give a message which
can be different from what I actually feel. For example, in an interview, despite being
nervous I can convey confidence with the help of right gestures. This shall prove to be
beneficial for me. Right gestures and postures, shall help in positive communication
(Leathers 2015).

Further body movements such as orientation, synchronization, and touching the other
person have varied influences on different people. Being cautious with them shall help me
avoid any unwanted situation in personal and professional life. In this subject, I have also
learnt how one’s clothing and adornment either in the form of physical decoration or body
modification can help me win the communication. Like, display of tattoo is inappropriate in
certain professional setups while it’s okay in others. Similarly, physical space varies
according to the person, cultures and genders (Lunenburg 2012).
Concepts like environment, time and culture gives me an insight to varied ways of
influencing a communication and making the most of it by doing the right things like being
punctual, keeping the room at right temperature, discussing one project or multiple tasks at a
time.

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References
Cornelissen, J., 2017. Corporate communication. 5th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE
Publications.
Knapp, M., Hall, J. and Horgan, T., 2013. Nonverbal communication in human interaction.
8th ed. Australia: Cengage Learning.
Leathers, D., 2015. Successful nonverbal communication. 4th ed. London: Routledge.
Lunenburg, F., 2012. Louder Than Words: The Hidden Power of Nonverbal Communication
in the Workplace. International Journal of Scholarly Academic Intellectual Diversity, 12(1).