The Silent Language: Nonverbal Communication is a Powerful Tool
by You probably do not notice this, but just by keeping quiet, you are actually communicating as well!
Nonverbal communication, as the term suggests, means to communicate without verbal words. It could be facial expressions, gestures, dress code, vocal inflections and so on. So, what exactly is nonverbal communication? Here are some common cues to look out for, plus my own interpretations on the subject.
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Love is a BIG nonverbal cue
You probably are not unfamiliar with this four-letter word called “Love”. There have been many attempts to define love, but what many fail to realize is that love is never just a four-letter word. Love is not a physical object, so we can’t measure it in terms of its physical stats, texture, etc. Most who truly understand what love is will attribute it to a very strong feeling. As I would see it, love is a big nonverbal “heart-shaped bubble”, encompassing a lot of other smaller “bubbles” within it. These “bubbles” are different nonverbal cues like hugging, kissing, holding hands or simply gazing at someone you love, with an array of hints leading to that special affection you call “Love”. Below is an illustration drawn by me.
Look at the picture above. Can you tell what the scenario is all about? If the “F” word – flirting that is, comes to your mind, you are probably right. There is always the flirting stage before a couple gets together, no matter how hard many try to deny that. For example, there are some nonverbal flirting cues like making eye contact, smiling and winking. These seemingly common nonverbal cues get a whole new meaning when used appropriately in courting someone you like. I watched “Date Patrol” on “Discovery Home & Health”, and learnt that there are nonverbal cues for capturing the attention of someone you like. For instance, mirroring your partner, dressing well for the occasion, tilting your head a little while in a conversation(for the ladies) to show your interest are but a few flirting nonverbal cues used in a date.
However, sometimes, men are oblivious to what women are getting at. Research shows that “women are more adept at reading body language, spotting contradictions between verbal and nonverbal messages, and noticing the small details of body language that can reveal so much” And why do women possess these abilities? Researchers say that this has to do with the “nature” genes, that it is an intrinsic characteristic for bringing up children. Since toddlers depend mainly on body language to communicate for the first few years, women, being the ones who take care of them most of the time naturally acquire the knowledge to comprehend the messages that are conveyed. According to traditional gender roles, researchers have claimed that women are more accurate on decoding nonverbal cues since they have better acquired knowledge of them.
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Post CommentChristine Ramsay
On August 26, 2009 at 3:13 am
A very interesting read. I had no idea simple movements could mean so much. I am going to have to watch myself in future.
dora
On February 18, 2010 at 7:38 pm
you guys should put all the words and symbols in slient language and you should show all that okay thank you very much.
jade
On March 24, 2010 at 6:42 pm
thats is suck