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examBoard: AQA
examType: GCSE
lessonTitle: Review and Practice - Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication makes up a huge part of how we interact with others. Research suggests that up to 93% of communication effectiveness comes from non-verbal cues! Let's review what we've learned about this fascinating topic.
Key Definitions:
Eye contact signals attention, interest and engagement. In the UK, maintaining appropriate eye contact shows you're listening, but staring too long can make people uncomfortable. In some cultures, like parts of Asia, prolonged eye contact can be seen as disrespectful or challenging.
Hand movements that emphasise or replace words. Some gestures are nearly universal (thumbs up), while others vary dramatically across cultures. For example, the "OK" sign is positive in the UK but can be offensive in Brazil and some other countries.
Let's explore the main categories of non-verbal communication in more detail:
Our bodies constantly send messages through posture, movement and positioning. Even when we're not speaking, we're still communicating!
How you hold your body. Standing straight with shoulders back shows confidence, while slouching might signal disinterest or low self-esteem.
How you walk, shift weight, or fidget. Excessive movement might indicate nervousness, while calm, purposeful movements suggest confidence.
Physical contact like handshakes, hugs, or pats on the back. Touch norms vary widely across cultures and relationships.
Our faces are incredibly expressive, capable of conveying countless emotions. Research by Paul Ekman identified six universal facial expressions recognised across cultures:
Genuine smiles (called Duchenne smiles) involve both the mouth and eyes crinkling.
Lowered eyebrows, intense or glaring eyes and tight lips.
Drooping eyelids, downturned mouth and sometimes tears.
Albert Mehrabian's famous research in the 1960s suggested that when communicating feelings and attitudes:
While these exact percentages are often misapplied (they only apply to specific emotional communications), the study highlights how important non-verbal cues are in how we interpret messages.
Non-verbal communication varies significantly across cultures, which can lead to misunderstandings. Being aware of these differences is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication.
In the UK and Northern Europe, people typically maintain more personal space (about arm's length) than in Latin American or Middle Eastern cultures, where closer proximity is normal. Standing too close or too far away can cause discomfort or be perceived as rudeness.
Being punctual in the UK shows respect, while in some Mediterranean and Latin American cultures, arriving 15-30 minutes late might be perfectly acceptable. This difference in "chronemics" (time communication) can cause friction in international settings.
In job interviews and workplace environments, your non-verbal cues can significantly impact how others perceive you:
Despite popular belief, there's no single non-verbal "tell" that someone is lying. Research by Bond and DePaulo (2006) found that people are only about 54% accurate in detecting lies barely better than chance!
Common myths about lying include:
The truth is that non-verbal cues to deception vary widely between individuals and situations.
Understanding non-verbal communication can help you in many real-life situations:
Being aware of your own non-verbal signals helps ensure your body language matches your words. When speaking to others, pay attention to their non-verbal cues to gauge their true reactions and adjust your approach accordingly.
Showing open, positive body language (uncrossed arms, appropriate eye contact, genuine smiles) helps create trust. Being mindful of others' personal space and cultural norms demonstrates respect and consideration.
Non-verbal communication is a complex and fascinating aspect of human interaction that includes:
Remember that non-verbal communication varies across cultures, contexts and individuals. Being aware of these differences and developing your non-verbal skills can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in all areas of life.
Next time you're watching TV with the sound off, try to interpret what's happening based solely on the characters' non-verbal cues. What emotions are they expressing? How can you tell? This exercise helps develop your ability to read non-verbal signals.
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