6.1 Overview of non-verbal communication
Yoder et al. (1996) define non-verbal communication as 'all non-language aspects of communication behaviour'. Adler et al. (1992) define non-verbal communication as 'messages expressed in non-linguistic means' . Both of these definitions suggest that, with the exception of our verbal communication or the language aspect of communication, every behaviour used falls into the non-verbal category. Non-verbal communication contributes significant meaning to any message, it is continuous communication and it communicates emotional states, interpersonal attitudes and our self-concept. Because of its significance it is important that we study non-verbal communication. In so doing we will find:
- where verbal and non-verbal messages conflict, non-verbal messages can be relied upon more
- non-verbal messages can have different meanings for different people
- non-verbal messages cannot be avoided: even when we do nothing, we convey a message
- non-verbal messages help us evaluate others
- non-verbal messages express messages difficult to communicate verbally
However we should remember that non-verbal communication does not communicate anything unless we attach meaning to it and the meaning we attach may differ between sender and receiver.
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