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Nonverbal communication is the way of conveying a thought, feeling, or opinion through physical
gestures, posture, and facial expressions. If you can communicate using signs, gestures, facial
expressions, postures etc. Without using any words, you are using nonverbal communication; for
example, a smile or a frown can communicate and convey the message without words.
3.1.2. FOURCATEGORIES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal communication is natural, effortless, and spontaneous. However, there are
occasions when non-verbal communication contradicts a spoken statement. When A says to B,
“Congratulations on your promotion,” without a smile or warmth, or with a ham -fisted handshake,
a sense of jealousy and competition between the indicated.
Reading between the lines is important, and being aware of non-verbal communication aids with this.
Human nature and character are very complex.
In today‟s world of fierce global competition, non-verbal cues are clues to their all intentions of
communicators. G.W Porter divides non-verbal communication in to four broad categories.
Physical: This is a personal type of communication. It includes facial expressions, tone of
voice, sense of touch and smell and body motions.
Aesthetic: This a type of communication that takes place through creative expressions, for
example playing instrumental music, dancing, painting and sculpturing.
Signs: This is a mechanical type of communication, which includes the use of signal flags,
the21-gunsalute, horns and sirens.
Symbolic: This is a type of communication that makes use of religious, status, or ego-
building symbols.
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