Page 51 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

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Channels of Communication | 39

A verbal language can be divided into vocal and non-vocal. A vocal
sound need not always be symbolic; for example, a scream may be vocal and
nonverbal at the reflex discharge level. At the same time a scream when
interpreted by a passerby may be of a different meaning than that of
the screamer. Thus, the passerby’s meaning being the result of his past
experience—actual or vicarious—is interpreted by him in terms of this
world of experience. Frank Dance suggests that the situation and commu-
nicators determine what is and what is not nonverbal. Mark Knapp defines
the field of nonverbal based on the premise that, if words are not spoken
or written, they become nonverbal in nature. Nonverbal communication
would then include such factors as tone of voice, and nuances surrounding
words. Nonverbal communicators can either reinforce of refute the verbal
messages. A good communicator will seek to reinforce the verbal message
with the nonverbal message.
Paralanguage, dress, physiological, behavioural characteristics, and spatial
and timing qualities are important components of nonverbal communication.
The primary function of the voice is to carry words while a secondary fun-
ction is to carry additional information about the words. This is accomplished
through each individual’s distinct, unique vocal apparatus and his manner
of using it. One’s speech is determined by the rate, intensity, and pitch, while
linguistic variables contribute to meaning. Rate of speech is sometimes faster
or slower depending upon a mental state of anxiety or a state of relaxation.
Silence is a form of nonverbal communication in addition to verbal
punctuations such as ‘Ah…’, ‘Ugh’, ‘You know’, ‘Well…’, etc. Among the
nonverbal aspects of communication it is important to include these features
of speech that are concerned with HOW something is said rather that with
WHAT is said. It includes a rise and fall in the pitch, stress, and loudness of
speech as well as the tempo of speech and the unsure utterances that inter-
rupt it. The same verbal content can be expressed in a variety of ways, and
each time a different message is received, it is even possible to contradict
the verbal content para-linguistically and to say ‘no’ in such a way that one
obviously means ‘yes’. These nonverbal aspects of speech are often referred
to as a paralanguage.
An individual’s appearance also contributes to nonverbal communica-
tion. Attire influences the way you feel about yourself, the way others feel
about you and the way you communicate. Apparel that reflects the personality
and attitude of an individual are termed as artifacts.

• emblem: An emblem is an insignia. It is a symbol or feature of dress
worn to suggest who or what the person wearing the dress is and how
he desires to be identified by: a tattoo, an earring, etc.
• Posture: One’s emotions or general state of being is revealed in the pos-
ture. Standing, sitting or walking—or putting into action such inherent

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