Kinesics Non-verbal Communication Research Paper 2022

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Kinesics Non-verbal Communication
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Introduction
While technological advancement has brought forth more digital-driven interactions
and less of physical interactions, it is important to know that thriving relationships are
supported by live networking. Communication is an integral part of a business and just like
verbal communication is important, so is non-verbal communication. Multiple researches
conducted on communication have indicated that only 7% of any communication is delivered
verbally. The remaining 93% of every communication conveyed is expressed non-verbally.
Thus, it is undoubtedly true that non-verbal communication holds a lot of significance, not
just in the business world but in all other relational spectra of life. For class learning, I
learned a lot about the different categories of non-verbal communication. While all the topics
discussed in class were all enriching, for this paper, I have picked Kinetics as non-verbal
communication that I found most interesting.
Overview of the topic
Simply put, kinesics refers to non-verbal communication through the body and facial
movements. Body language plays a significant role in face to face interactions. The way a
speaker dresses, stands, smiles and walks communicates many things about the speaker's
skills and personality. Specifically, kinetics involves the use of eye contact, posture, head
movements, gestures and facial expressions used to communicate (Dorai and Webster, 2015,
pp. 222). The commonly used gestures include illustrators, adaptors, and emblems. From
social situations, adaptors come from anxiety, uneasiness or the feeling of being in control of
the environment.
Posture and head movements are used together to show attentiveness and show
interest in something or an idea. Regarding head movements, nodding of the head is a gesture
used to show acknowledgment or agreement. In many cultures, a formal bow is used as a

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form of greeting. In some cases, nodding of the head is used as an abbreviated bow. There are
four major postures including sitting, standing, lying down and squatting. All these postures
have many variations and when used together with non-verbal cues or gestures, then they can
be used to indicate different meanings (Birdwhistell, 2017, pp. 168). An example of a
commonly used posture is putting the hands on the hips. This is a posture that is used as a
sign of assertiveness and to make people look bigger.
Facial expressions are widely used as a non-verbal form of communication. A lot of
meaning can be interpreted from facial expressions. There are basic facial expressions that
can be recognized across all cultures. Supported by evidence from research, the facial
expressions for fear, happiness, disgust, and sadness are universally recognizable. These
facial expressions are recognizable across all cultures. Even so, the triggers that cause these
expressions are culturally diverse. Eye contact has many communicative functions that range
from conveying information to building interpersonal connection and monitoring the
interaction. For example, eye contact is popularly used as a signal indicating that people are
ready to speak or asking people to respond to a question.
Personal Reflection
I found the study of kinesics interesting because knowledge of kinetics can help me to
develop my personality. The development of personality involves developing certain traits
and characteristics that add up to the personality of an individual. With knowledge of
kinesics, I am sure of working on developing my personality such as positive attitude, good
body language, self-confidence, listening skills, and good interpersonal skills.
Fundamentally, personality development involves building both outer and inner personal
traits to bring positive change in an individual's life. From class, I learned those kinesics
together with other forms of non-verbal communication can be used to improve one's