Importance Of Non Verbal Communication

Working in the science world, it is very easy to get lost in the monotony of report writing and doing tasks to an exact standard. It is unsurprising therefore that many science professionals forget the importance of non-verbal communication techniques and their significance in the workplace.
Non-verbal communication accounts for every action we perform which does not require words. It can include facial expressions, gestures, how we dress, our general appearance etc. This aspect can be used as a tool to move up in the scientific world and improve interpersonal skills with clients. Michael Argyle is a world-renowned social psychochologist who formulated a set of non-verbal communication codes outlining the diversity and significance of this …show more content…
It includes the study of posture, face and eye behaviour, position, gestures and physical appearance. Facial expressions are vital when communicating face to face with a client as it is a clear indicator of how we are feeling. For example, smiling can be used to make an encounter feel more relaxed and help the other person feel more at ease. Also during an interview or similar pressurising situation, smiling can potentially release endorphins into our body which are hormones that make us feel good. Eye contact is another factor that many people fail to acknowledge when communicating non- verbally. Lack of eye contact usually indicates a lack of confidence or possible dishonesty. It could also be interpreted as a lack of interest in what is being discussed which could look extremely rude and insulting if not addressed. This factor along with many others varies with culture which is why it is important to be aware of non-verbal communication rituals worldwide as well as in the western society to minimise the possibility of offending potential clients. Some Asian cultures interpret eye contact as a sign of rudeness and it is therefore important to respect their values when interacting with them. Our facial expressions often betray our words and show our true feeling or thoughts on a particular subject. Experts have found that a certain micro-expression in the eyebrows is often an …show more content…
The western society uses the gesture of a circle being made with the thumb and forefinger as a symbol for the work ‘OK’ whereas in parts of the Mediterranean it is seen as an obscene insult and in France it means ‘worthless’. Sometimes we must also understand the type of person we are dealing with in order to understand the correct type of gesture to use. If someone is going through a tough time or an emotional ordeal, they may find comfort in a hug. Others may find this as a breach of their personal space and would be taken aback by any form of personal contact. (Ruth Faherty, class notes