Topic > Action Speaks Louder Than Words: Nonverbal Communication

It is often said that "action speaks louder than words" (Lincoln, 1856). In fact, this famous proverb highlights the importance of non-verbal communication. According to Nordquist (2019), “Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without the use of words, either spoken or written.” Additionally, it includes body language, clothing and appearance, paralanguage, proxemics, color, tense, and touch. Nonverbal communication is exceptionally crucial, not only in ordinary interactions, but in intercultural communication. However, this type of communication is often seen but rarely understood and appreciated. However, our actions speak louder than words. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayFirst of all, it is worth considering that non-verbal communication makes the message more meaningful. According to Schrier and Shaenfield (2016), “research suggests that nonverbal behavior accounts for between 60% and 70% of all meaning.” It's also because most people feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, or emotions through nonverbal cues rather than spoken words. Beyond that, information is delivered with clarity and precision, as nonverbal cues intensify the meaning of the message due to its unique function: repetition, contradiction, substitution, complement and accent. Furthermore, Schimtz (2012) stated that “nonverbal communication can convey a lot of meaning when verbal communication is not effective due to language barriers.” Secondly, it helps to attract the attention of the audience. The reason is that the speaker uses a different nonverbal signal that attracts listeners and therefore makes them pay attention. For example, attracting the audience's attention during the presentation. According to McGowan (n.d.), “By nature, everyone has a different pitch, pitch, and volume in which they speak. Some speech characteristics are more engaging and will naturally attract more attention, but those with softer voices who tend to speak quickly may change the way they speak to get the audience's attention. "Finally, it uses other senses, not just the sense of sight and hearing, so the message transmitted will be remembered more. According to Schimtz (2012), “nonverbal communication, on the other hand, can be captured by all five of our senses” For example, a person can see gestures, hear voices and smell odors or perfumes. He/she can feel the touch of others and can taste foods and drinks an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay To conclude the essay, nonverbal communication can convey many different things and all of these rely on the effectiveness of an individual's communicator we are affected and the effects can range from good to bad. However, managing our way of conversing and developing our emotional awareness and intercultural sensitivity would strengthen our relationship with others and help us prevent communication problems that lead to misunderstandings. To summarize, effective communication is best defined as this famous proverb: “The superior man acts before he speaks, and then speaks according to his actions.” (Confucius, 551 BC - 479 BC).