Decoding Nonverbal Communication: Body Language Essentials

Posted on Sep 2, 2025 in Other civil servant exams

Decoding Nonverbal Communication

Channels expressive body language. In interpersonal communication, three sets of signs: The word is a vehicle of verbal communication. Writing: graphic expression. The gesture nonverbal communication channel. The non-verbal language can not receive an equivalent treatment to that received verbal language, since both are carriers of a particular specificity.

Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

According to M. Mateu (1990):

  • Verbal language moves in succession, nonverbal language in simultaneity.
  • With verbal language, we are able to listen to feedback as we speak.
  • Verbal language has the property of semantics; every word refers to an entity external to it, but there is no definite attitude inventory.
  • Verbal language, while concealing, is much more unaffordable to lie than nonverbal.
  • Verbal language translation and interpretation support, property less apparent in the bodily expression.

Common Features

  • Rapid Extinction of the minimal units that compose it.
  • Interchangeability.
  • The extensive vocabulary in both.
  • Optional possibility of travel, or refer to future situations removed in time.

Body Expression: Nonverbal language through which man sends messages to others.

Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

In the 50s starts the study of “nonverbal communication” by Birdwhistell, Scheflen, Hall, Goffman and Ekman. The verbalization is not the only form of communication that exists: the posture and body movement and gestures are also important.

Interpersonal Distance: Proxemics

DISTANCE provides social interaction, or different space structure that makes each individual in immediate communication with others. ET Hall, creator of proxemics.

Levels of Analysis of Space:

  • Space environment conditions.
  • Spatial distribution of the different objects.
  • Distance observed among those establishing a communication (interpersonal distance).

It distinguishes in every man a fixed organizational space (determined by the social way to meet material needs), a semi fixed organizational space (determined by the grouping of individuals) and an informal space that includes the distance with others live unconsciously “interpersonal distance.”

Interpersonal distance, is divided into four areas for action:

  • “Distance intimate”
  • “Personal distance”
  • “Consultative social distance”
  • “Public distance”

Channels of Nonverbal Communication: Gesture, Gaze, and Posture

Gesture: “movements of the face or hands expressed the different states of mind”, provide a wealth of information. It is a verbal language.

Types of Gestures (According to Wolf):

  • Automatic (first weeks)
  • Emotional (from 6 months)
  • Projected (up to 6 years)

J. Stoetzel, gesture, there are two components: attitude and body gestures (facial expressive movement). Classifies gestures:

  • Autistic (communicated without communicative intention)
  • Common (can place the individual in relation to the social environment to which it belongs)
  • Symbolic (culturally determined)

Scheflen, distinguishing: reference gestures, emphatic, demonstrative and tactile.

Gaze

Of all the body parts that are used to transmit information, the eyes are the most important and can convey the most subtle.

Posture

The position is key nonverbal more easy to discover and observe. Postural changes are parallel are parallel to spoken language.

  1. Congruence-incongruence. Indicates reciprocity or psychological distance as appropriate, referring to the ability of group members sharing a position to imitate.

Kinesics

“Attempt to codify the language of the body Birdwhistell RM. Parties:

  • Kino: mov barely perceptible.
  • Kinema: movements which are known to acquire meaning when they are taken together.
  • kinomorfemas (word).
  • kinomórficas complex are gestures that include several movements.

The object of study is Kinesics behavioral patterns of nonverbal communication.

Introduction: Elements of Body Language

The expressive elements of the body and motion are: The way to use the muscles, occupy space and use and structure time.

Awareness of Space

In space develops communication and is how the encounter of self with him and the others. Patricia Stokoe types of space:

  • Personal space that is occupied by our body and also the interiors of the same.
  • The interior space is limited by the skin that separates the outside.
  • Preparation of the internal image of the body, space, partial or “Kinesfera” space of others and tototal space.