Exercise: Brainstorm some instances of non-verbal communication that occur during the course of a normal conversation between friends. How much of communication do you think is verbal vs. non-verbal?

What is non-verbal communication?

• Posture: sitting, standing, erect, relaxed
• Proximity: use of space, physical distance, positioning
• Touch: handshake, pat, physical contact during physical
• Body movements: hand/arm gestures, fidgeting, nodding, foot/leg movements
• Facial expression: raised eyebrows, frown, smile, crying
• Vocal cues: pitch, rate, volume, rhythm, silence, pause, intonation, speech errors
• Use of time: early, late, on time, overtime, rushed, slow to respond
• Physical presence: race, gender, body shape, clothing, grooming
• Environmental cues: location, furniture placement, lighting ,temperature, color

What is the difference between Verbal and Non-verbal Communication?

Verbal Communication	Non-verbal Communication
Discrete with clear endpoints	Continuous, occurs as long as communicators within each other’s presence
Auditory (spoken) or visual (written)	Several modes (all of our senses)
Mostly voluntary control	Operates at the edge of or beyond conscious awareness
More effective at communicating discrete packets of information, ideas/thoughts	More responsible for communicating attitudes, emotions, and affect

How do verbal and non-verbal communication interact?

1. Reinforce: non-verbal cues enable verbal messages to be delivered more accurately and efficiently
2. Contradict: non-verbal messages tend to override

Exercise: Think of common place examples where verbal and non-verbal communication conflict.

E.g. Doctor: ‘Please, tell me more about that’ as they check their watch for the time.

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.