Non-verbal communication entails “all non-verbal stimuli that are both intentional and unintentional, and that have potential to convey a communication message” (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . Many researchers since Darwin have managed to establish that certain expressions can be said to be universally understood and hence can be said to be inherent. They include those displaying disgust, joy, anger, sadness, and surprise. Studies indicate that the aforementioned non-verbal expressions have eight times the impact in comparison to verbal messages. Consequently, the verbal and non-verbal expressions may conflict with people relying on the” non-verbal cues rather than the actual words” (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) .
In the universal context, non-verbal communication is vital in guiding individuals’ decisions. In some circles, this might be dubbed as impression or gut-feeling. Therefore, any interpersonal communication is influenced by non-verbal cues that individuals convey consciously or unconsciously. This is evident in interviews where the first ten seconds are usually used to garner and grade an interviewee’s first impression on the interviewing panel. In a multicultural setting, non-verbal communication is critical (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . However, it may be riddled by complexities due to the prevailing divergent interpretations. Silence communicates different messages in various cultures. Silenced to a query such as “will you marry me?” Would be translated as uncertainty in English, in Japanese, it would be deemed as an acceptance. Therefore, the contextual environments must be taken into consideration in any interpersonal communication.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Importance of Non-Verbal Communication Theory to Interpersonal Communication
It is prudent to understand that non-verbal cues as advanced by the non-verbal communication theory are central in advancing an intended or an unintended communication to another party. However, to understand the importance of non-verbal communication, it would be essential to analyze different cues and their role. Firstly, non-verbal communication provides the needed credibility to any communication (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . For instance, eye contact is critical in providing the assurance required to another party that concerns are mutual. This means that the message’s essence should be captured verbally and non-verbally. Facial expressions are particularly important since the face is said to be the index of the mind. It mirrors one’s thoughts.
Non-verbal communication is fundamental in communicating the attitude and actual feelings of individuals. This is critical in measuring the receptivity of the message or the attachment a communicator has to the message being availed to the other party. Additionally, non-verbal communication theory aids in the acquisition of knowledge about a class of people. Jewelry, stature, hairstyle, and clothing may provide information on one’s class or status within the contextual environment (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . Additionally, non-verbal communication is critical when communicating with the disabled. The deaf rely on sign language for communication purposes. This is critical in creating all-inclusive society information and communication-wise. Non-verbal cues are fundamental in the quick expression. Symbols and signs provide instantaneous communication such as in the traffic. Many roads across the world use signs and symbols as they are convenient for communication in comparison to texts or writings.
Application of the Non-Verbal Communication Theory
The theory will play a critical role in evaluating the credibility of any communication that takes place between two parties. With an emphasis on the various non-verbal cues, communication can entirely be looked at from a different spectrum. This is essential in interpersonal communications that are usually initiated from an acquaintance level signaling a certain degree of trust between two parties (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . As such the theory pinpoints the cues and elements that one must observe or expect from a genuine and honest communication between two persons. This is critical especially for an individual that endeavors to be a good communicator.
The non-verbal communication theory stands out as it enhances the value of communication. The non-verbal cues go a long way in ensuring that the exchange of information is done in a holistic or wholesome manner. Therefore, the incorporation of non-verbal cues stands as the bridge towards fruitful conversations that may bring forth tangible benefits (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . The holistic nature of the communication ensures that much of the content is understood and synthesized by the communicating parties. This is essential in creating a balanced exchange that may limit room for misinterpretation.
It is the basis for verbal interaction. The theory appreciates that non-verbal cues offer the structure on which traditional verbal communication is founded on. This is because it offers emphasis or echoes the spoken sentiments that might be ignored in the course of communication. For instance, a frowning individual will highlight the seriousness of his communiqué to the other party that might have been less concerned about the whole issue in totality.
Non-verbal communication as appreciated by the theory of interpersonal communication serves to reflect individual personality. This is because a personality is the holistic mental organization of an individual at any developmental stage. It embraces various attributes of the human character ranging from temperament, intellect, morality, attitude, and skill that has been forged in one’s lifetime (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel, & Roy, 2017) . This means that part of these attributes can be communicated through non-verbal communication. The facial expressions and behaviors may signal to what kind of an individual one is dealing with. These are some of the assessments that may fail short of being noticed if we were to rely wholly on verbal communication. Lastly, non-verbal communication theory allows us to appreciate non-verbal cues and how they aid the formation and performance of distinct rituals such as goodbyes and greetings. Simple things such as bowing form rituals that are observed in Asian countries when it comes to greetings. Similarly, waving one’s hand is deemed as the multicultural indicator for a goodbye.
Reference
Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., McDaniel, E. R., & Roy, C. S. (2017). Communication between cultures (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
