Communicating Without Words

Abstract

When discussing communication, we intuitively think of the language of words. Words are powerful conveyers of meaning and they do matter in getting your message across. But, there is a whole other realm of communication, one that transfers meaning between sender and receiver without using words. This is the realm of non-verbal communication (also referred to as “subtext”).

It has been estimated that between 60% and 95% of the meaning transfer in a communication system is accomplished through non-verbals. This is more than “body language.” Non-verbal communication includes physical and psychological signals, subtle inferred meanings in the motions of sender and receiver, implications of unspoken words, and buried cultural expectations present when communicating. Indeed, we often rely more on non-verbal cues than the actual words used. It is not just what you say with words, but how you say them. Non-verbal communication is all the ways we add or change meanings of the words actually spoken. In this chapter, we discuss some of the ways we are socialized in the use of non-verbal communication. It should be used to enhance your spoken message to improve clarity and increase credibility. It must be emphasized that non-verbal language is dependent on culture, since many symbols and movements can vary dependent on the user or receiver’s experience and semi-conscious intent.