1. The Importance of Non-verbal Communication Jean G. Trout PSY492 Advanced General Psychology Professor Mary Viventi

2. Non-verbal communication Non-verbal communication consists of the feeling or emotion we convey behind the words we speak verbally. “Transmission of messages by a medium other than speech or writing” (Non-verbal communication, 2011). “Non-verbal communication includes pitch, speed, tone and volume of voice; gestures and facial expressions; body posture, stance, and proximity to the listener; eye movements and contact; and dress and appearance” (Non-verbal communication, 2011). Problems occur when our verbal messages do not match the non-verbal messages that our bodies are sending out. This can result in counter-productivity within the business world while also destroying one’s credibility (Raudsepp, 1993).

3. Verbal skills and non-verbal recognition In 2010, Albanese et al. published their findings in a journal entitled Emotion comprehension: The impact of nonverbal intelligence. This study focused on the question: At what age does emotional awareness begin? What they found was that comprehension of emotion recognition increased with age and language ability.

4. Verbal skills and non-verbal recognition In a similar study, Chiang (2008) investigated challenging behavior among Australian and Taiwanese children with autism who are non verbal or have limited speech. What they found was that challenging behavior was most often observed among non-verbal autistic children when they were frustrated. Chiang discovered that the more expressive skills that the children possessed, the less frustration they experienced – which served to lessen behavioral issues.

5. Emotional recognition= language abilities? Is this an indicator as to why individuals with autism are unable to interpret non-verbal communication? Are verbal language skills a necessary prerequisite for interpreting non-verbal communication?

6. Everyday language Carol Kinsey Gorman’s article Lost in Translation (2008),discusses the importance of non-verbal communication in day-to-day business transactions and emphasizes the importance of observing the five Cs of interpretation as a group when observing body language: Context– non-verbal communication changes as message changes Clusters – “A group of movements, postures and actions that reinforce a common point” (Gorman: sidebar, 2008). Congruence – synchronicity between an individual’s body language and their message; when people believe what they are saying is true. Consistency – the need to know an individual’s baseline behavior (i.e., when not stressed) in order to read any changes in behavior. Culture – what is proper and correct for the individual’s culture.

7. More than just congruency Even if an individual’s non-verbal communication is congruent with one’s verbal message, his or her natural inclination as an introvert or extrovert may under emphasize or overwhelm the point trying to be made. Raudsepp (1993) uses the example, “Faster delivery often indicates impatience, anger, or anxiety, whereas slower speech may indicate contemplation, friendliness, or occasional boredom” (Vocal cues, ¶ 1). If an extrovert suddenly begins speaking like an introvert or vice versa, it could indicate inconsistency between the message being delivered and the actual truth (Raudsepp, 1993).

8. What is corporate trying to say? In the article, Actions speak loudly (2008), Lee cites specific examples of corporate leaders demonstrating congruence between verbal communication and non-verbal communication and how they are perceived by their employees. These examples lend support to an article by Filipczak (1996) in which he examines the importance of non-verbal communication by corporations as a whole and how it can affect public attitude toward a company both nationally and internationally.

9. Interacting cross culturally Cameron, in her article entitled Understanding cultural differences: Tips for working with international staff and campers (2000), reveals various methods of how to work with a culture different than our own: Do not judging people harshly if they don’t look you in the eye when speaking; understanding that it is considered disrespectful in some cultures. Refer to individuals by their cultural names, not by an American equivalent or nick-name. Realize that in some cultures, verbalizing loud noises while eating is a way of showing appreciation, not rudeness.

10. conclusion The importance of recognizing and interpreting body language in a global economy can mean the difference between success and failure, literally by the sleight slip of a hand. Although most non-verbal communication occurs naturally, its origins are based in one’s cultural upbringing (Hargrave, 2008). If individuals are not knowledgeable of such differences when interacting with various cultures, he or she runs the risk of insult as well as possible business repercussions.

11. References Albanese, O., de Stasio, S., di Chiacchio, C., Fiorilli, C., & Pons, F. (2010). Emotion Comprehension: The Impact of Nonverbal Intelligence. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 171(2), 101-115. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Cameron, S. (2000, Understanding cultural differences: Tips for working with international staff and campers. The Camping Magazine, 73(4), 24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/235248334 Creighton, E. (1999, Body language what we say when we move can speak volumes. The Times - Transcript, pp. n/a. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/422718235 Filipczak, B. (1996). Corporate body language. Training, 33(11), 8. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Goman, C. K. (2008). Lost in translation. Communication World, 25(4), 31. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210274387 Hargrave, J. (2008). Do you speak body language? Forensic Examiner, 17(3), 17. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/207648613 Hansen, J. (2010). Teaching Without Talking. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(1), 35-40. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Hsu-Min, C. (2008). Expressive communication of children with autism: the use of challenging behavior. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(11), 966-972. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01042.x Lee, T. J. (2008). Actions speak loudly. Communication World, 25(4), 24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210250066 Non-verbal communication. (2011). BusinessDictionary.com: Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/non-verbal-communication.html Raudsepp, E. (1993). Body language speaks louder than words. Machine Design, 65(19), 85. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/217145370