NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION
The expression ‘action speaks louder than words’ is absolutely true.
In written and verbal communication, the writer or speaker can choose the words carefully and intentionally.
However, it’s not that easy to manipulate non-verbal communication like body language, facial expressions and eye contact.
They show expressions that generally covers all forms of emotions such as interest, happiness, boredom, confusion, defensiveness, contempt, sadness, fear or anger. In fact, non-verbal communication acts as the tattletale in conversations.
You have to pay attention to see what the speaker is saying beyond words. Sometimes, a person is too reserved to express their thoughts through words and show it through their actions.
Other times, actions and expressions amplify a person’s genuine thoughts, indicating truthfulness and confidence.
And there are times when people don’t mean what they say and their actions contradict their words.
This is why understanding non-verbal communication is very important in professional and personal situations.
Let’s look into forms of non-verbal communication.
Happiness
” : -D “
Happiness – the look of happiness is described as having an upwards and diagonal lips (a smile) with muscles around the eyes tightened as a result from the smile.
Surprise
” 0_0 ”
Surprised – a person feeling surprised is described as having the eyebrows and eyelids pulled up with the mouth slightly open (hear the silent ‘gasp!’) and dilated pupils.
If the eyes relax and the lips turn into a smile, that is being pleasantly surprised ;D
Fear
” š® “
Fear – an expression very similar to ‘surprise’, except that fear lasts longer. The eyebrows and eyelids are pulled up so as to open the eyes extra wide and pay extra attention to what’s going on.
Anger
” >:( “
Anger – this expression has got your eyebrows and eyelids pulled downwards with the ends of the eyebrows going upwards (frown) and pursed lips.
Contempt
” :-/ “
Contempt – this expression is unique because it will make your lip corner pulled up and back on just one side.
Disgust
” -_- “
Disgust – this expression is described as having your eyebrows pulled down, nose slightly crinkled and upper lips slightly arched.
Sadness
” š “
Sadness – someone who is feeling sad will have their eyebrows and eyelids pulled downwards, lips curved downwards.
Power Gaze or Business Gaze
The power gaze is used for business and formal meetings. The eye contact triangle is limited to the area in between the eyes and the forehead only.
Social Gaze or Personal Gaze
The eye contact triangle for this gaze is the area in between the eyes, through the nose and down to the lips.
Intimate Gaze
The intimate gaze starts from the eyes down to the chest. This type of gaze is completely unacceptable in professional settings.
Open posture
confident or open
Crossed arms
defensive
Crossed arms + chin up + smug smile
confident
Resting face on hand
bored
Hands on hip
confident
Hands on hip
angry
