Non-Verbal Communication Refers to Exchange of Ideas

¶ … Non-verbal communication refers to exchange of ideas and thoughts or a common understanding without the usage of words, in oral or written form. It is also popularly called as body language. It refers to the non-verbal cues in the form of position of hands and legs of a person, his smile and facial expression, eye contact, firmness of a handshake, body posture and several such clues which can help identify the person's actual state of mind. These cues are mostly unintentional and reveal a lot about the person. It can help know how nervous or comfortable a person is and also as to how prepared and confident or serious and sincere a person is (Krizan et al., 2005).

Importance of non-verbal and written communication

It is extremely important a part of communication and reveals a lot about a person. It can also help in anticipating a person's thoughts and actions. It helps understand a person's reaction to a situation, his likes and dislikes and also comfort level. This can help others adjust their own actions and reactions in an appropriate manner. This can also help them play it safe or even manipulate the other person (Griffin R.W., Moorhead G, 2009).

3. Examples of effective and ineffective non-verbal communication and positive and negative non-verbal communication

Mangers are to present themselves through the effective use of verbal and non-verbal communication. They are expected to have a strong and confident body language. They have to make several presentations to the senior management and clients and also negotiate several times in several instances. All of this requires them to be patient and calm and cool. Even if they are not able to control their body language and gestures, it can cast a wrong impression on the top management officials (Dessler, et al., 2008). It can lead to them being termed as short tempered or over enthusiastic or even lacking confidence. In case of managerial aspects, subordinates and superiors may not take a manager seriously, if he does not display dynamism through his body language. So, it becomes very important to have an appropriate body language that is neither arrogant nor understated, especially while making presentations and trying to negotiate. In these cases, managers should use confidence and body language very effectively (Dessler, et al., 2008).

4. Listening and responding in case of demonstrative communication

Active listening refers to the process of listening and at the same time absorbing the information and the context in which the speaker is trying to explain or narrate his point-of-view. In case of active listening the listener not only hears to what the speaker is stating but also analyzes critically at the same time. It also includes empathizing with the speaker and forming opinions about the speaker. The characteristics of active listening include listening with an objective of understanding and also form a practical aspect for the purpose of implementation of the concepts or ideas in the future. In case of active listening the person understands the feelings of the speaker as well and so is able to absorb the concise or overall matter and meaning of the talk (Harley & Bruckman, 2002).