NAME: ZAFRAN UD-DIN REGISTRATION NO: CH120192082 Department: CHEMISTRY SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION SKILL ASSIGNMENT NO 1: NON-VERBAL COMMUNICTION Non verbal communication Non verbal communication Non verbal communication refers to the ways of communication and interpretation of information by any means other than language. Non verbal communication includes the communication done through behaviours like facial expression, gestures, vocal tones, pitch etc. Both the listener and the speaker are liable to send non verbal cues during the communication. This form of communication is unconscious and cannot be controlled, therefore it is reliable and it expresses the person’s genuine feelings. It gives a great deal of information about the person’s emotional state at the moment. Non-verbal cues can be as important, or in some cases even more important , than what we say. Non verbal communication reinforces or modifies what is said in words. For example, people may nod their heads vigorously when saying "Yes" to emphasize that they agree with the other person, but a shrug of the shoulders and a sad expression when saying "I'm fine thanks,” may imply that things are not really fine at all! Non verbal communication also reinforces the relationship between people. Non verbal communication provides feedback to the other person and regulates the flow of communication, for example signaling to others that they have finished speaking or wish to say something. Therefore it makes sense to conclude that non verbal communication gives insight to therapy. A counselor who is attuned to the client’s non verbal communication as well as verbal communication can easily identify if the client’s expressions are not congruent with what he is saying. The lack of body language also conveys a message; it suggests that the client is carefully monitoring his body language, therefore is trying to hide something. These kinds of cues will help the counselor to gain access to the deeper emotional issues that the client is not aware of.

The non verbal communication of the counselor is also important as it creates an impact on the client. It can affect the client’s adherence to treatment, client’s recovery and ultimately, the client’s survival. Clients are sensitive to the behaviours of the counselor as they feel nervous and insecure and want to discern the feelings of the counselor. So they pay close attention on how the counselor communicates rather than what is said. A subtle gesture, change in vocal tone or too little or too much eye contact can give the client a different interpretation. Therefore a counselor must be aware of these aspects. Certain forms of nonverbal communication have different meanings in different cultures. For example forming a circle by touching the thumb with the index means okay in western countries, in Japan it means money and in Arabian countries it means threat.