Functions of non-verbal

communication

Lecturer : Sara Akhtari

▫ Pounding your hand on the table while saying, “Listen to me”, conveys a more
effective message than the words alone. While your gesture Opens in new window
may be redundant, it adds emphasis to your statement and captures the listener’s
attention.

▫ This function means that you can use nonverbal communication to duplicate and
support a verbal message. This function makes a spoken message clearer to avoid
misunderstandings.
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▫ When your sister joins a competition, you not only say “good luck.” You hug her.
You smile and cheer her on as you say encouraging words. Then, when the
competition starts, you not only shout her name. You also wave your hands, clap,
and jump to show that you support her. Nonverbal cues confirm the message so
that the receiver can understand it well.
▫ Now, imagine the scenarios above without the body language. Imagine yourself
saying “good luck” to your sister without sounding excited. You seem like a robot,
don’t you? Also, your siblings think that what you say may not be true. This is
what the reinforcement function is for. It adds clarity and emotion to your message
so the receiver can understand what you mean.

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▫ In fact, your nonverbal cues give the meaning and emotion to your verbal
message. The meaning of words depends on the sender’s tone and body language.
Saying “good luck” with a crossed arm and a low voice can mean you do not want
your sister to win. Saying it with a chuckle and an eye roll can mean that you do
not think she can win.

▫ People use the reinforcement function when applying for jobs. In interviews,
employers are very observant of body language. They give clues to your thoughts
and emotions because they are involuntary. So, you should master this function.
When you talk, use the correct hand gestures with good timing. Moderate your
voice, speak at a good pace, and mind your posture. All this can support your
claims of being a good candidate.
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Substitution
Substitution:
▫ There are times when nonverbal communication is enough to send a message. It
can be more expressive and meaningful than words. In many cases, it is easier to
do and understand. Also, it can be performed in various ways, so it is a versatile
communication tool.
▫ Some of the most common substitutions we use are waving our hands instead of
saying “hello” or “goodbye.” Oftentimes, we also hold a hand up instead of asking
someone to stop talking. When our loved ones break down or lash out, we choose
to touch them gently rather than tell them to take it easy. In these scenarios, our
nonverbal cues are better tools than words in expressing a message.

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▫ One of the best uses of the substitution function is as a solution to language
barriers.
▫ People use different languages, while others cannot speak at all.
▫ Babies, for example, are not able to use words. But we can observe their reactions
and body language to know what they want.

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▫ When you visit other countries and cultures, you will rely on nonverbal
communication.
▫ This is how you make sure you understand what the natives are saying.
▫ For example, they act out what they say when they give you directions or explain
something that is new to you. Nonverbal communication also substitutes words
when dealing with heightened emotions. When receiving great news, you often
leap in happiness rather than saying, “I’m so happy.” When you get hurt, you will
find yourself speechless but in tears. When something shocks you, your body
responds with a dropped jaw. You will not even be able to say a word.

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▫ Another useful use of the substitution function is in sensitive situations.
▫ Sometimes, words should not be said out loud because of the effect they
may have on other people.
▫ In these cases, it is better to give nonverbal cues than to say something.
▫ We also use gestures to send silent messages to people that we do not
want others to notice. An example is when we are attending a meeting or
seminar. You use gestures to excuse yourself, so you do not disturb other
attendees.

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Contradiction
Contradiction:
▫ Verbal and nonverbal communication are two sides of the same coin. But they sometimes
send opposite messages. This is where the contradiction function comes in. It results in mixed
messages. You have probably heard people tell you that you look terrible; but they look at
you as if you are a beautiful painting. That means that they are just teasing you, and they
think you are gorgeous.

▫ Some mixed messages can confuse and even hurt people. Others use contradicting verbal and
non-verbal cues to make insults. A classic example of this is sarcasm. Sarcastic people are
good at saying the opposite of what they think by contradicting words. When your food tastes
bland, they might say, “What a flavorful meal.” The emphasis on flavorful gives the sarcasm
away.

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Cont.
▫ Contradictions can also occur unconsciously. Sometimes, we notice people acting
differently than what they say. When this happens, we get confused. Our common
reaction is to observe their body language and behavior to find out what they
mean. For example, your partner might tell you that she is okay. But you can
notice that she does not enjoy the same things anymore.
▫ In the scenario above, you will most likely conclude that she is lying; she is not
okay. That is because people trust nonverbal cues more than words.

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Cont.
▫ Nonverbal cues are developed way before we learn to speak. Take the substitution
function in babies, for example. When we talked about the evolution of
communication, gestures, and body language came first before verbal language.
Nonverbal communication is more natural. It occurs automatically, so it is hard to
fake. That is what makes them more believable than the words we say.

▫ If you notice, reading body language is an interesting topic for many. Together
with facial expressions, they give clues on whether a person is lying. Knowing
when the contradiction function occurs is a powerful tool in reading and handling
people.

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Regulation
Regulation:
▫ The regulation function helps us take turns in speaking, without using any words,
so we do not interrupt others. It helps us send signals when we want a response or
when we are done talking and want someone else to talk. We can use paralanguage
(pitch and speed of speaking, hesitation noises, gesture, and facial expression and
eye contact for this function.)
▫ Pitch is a useful paralanguage in expressing our intention to ask a question.
Raising our pitch or intonation at the end of a sentence cues others that we are
asking them. On the other hand, when we lower our pitch, it means our sentence
has ended. This tells the audience that they can now clap for your speech.

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Cont.
▫ The volume of our voice and the pauses we take also mean something.
Making our voice louder in some parts of our speech means that we need
the audience to pay attention to the point we are making.
▫ It is like telling the audience that you are now saying the climax or the
most important part of your speech. Pausing also gives a signal. It tells
your audience to think about what you just said. Pausing gives them time
to get your point. This is a very powerful speech tool used by speakers
and politicians.

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Cont.
▫ As we talk, we also use our body to direct the audience’s attention toward
something or someone.
▫ For example, when we want to thank someone, we turn our body toward them.
▫ Sometimes, we use our hands to ask them to stand up so everyone can see them in
the crowd.
▫ We also use body language to send signals when we want to talk or ask others to
talk. For example, if you are part of an audience, you may raise your hand to
signal that you want to ask or say something. You do not say your intentions out
loud because you’re going to interrupt the speaker. And as a speaker, you also use
your body language to signal the next speaker to prepare to take over.

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Thanks!
Any questions?

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