What are non-verbal means. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication gestures

Our body language is unique in comparison to other verbal (speech) means of communication. If we imagine that it is he who carries from 60 to 80 percent of the information transmitted to the interlocutor, it is easy to understand the need to interpret this method of contact. If we want to be sure that we have understood the person exactly, we must combine information from the body and verbal expressions into one big picture.

Who among us has not encountered a feeling of vague anxiety when communicating with a person when he asserted one thing, but subconsciously you felt his falsity. You will say that this is intuition and it is good for those who have it. In fact, it is easy to develop intuition by observing the interlocutor and, knowing the specific meaning of the gestures, draw the right conclusions.

An example of non-verbal communication

An experiment was conducted in a psychology class at one university. The audience, which consisted of married couples, was divided into two groups according to gender and were given video recordings of different types of crying babies. They were then asked to explain their meaning. Most women who had children deciphered them accurately (hunger, wet diapers, pain, etc.), while men did not see much difference in crying options. This allowed us to conclude that women, being more sensitive and observant, are easier to interpret non-verbal gestures. It is more difficult for men to do this, they need specifics, and not all sorts of sentimental experiences. There are, of course, exceptions.

This case also explains the fact why it is difficult for the stronger sex to tell a lie to his wife, who seems to be reading the real state of affairs in her eyes.

Non-verbal communication

So, let's look at non-verbal communication. To clearly understand their diverse structure, here is their classification:
1. Expressive-expressive movements (body posture, facial expressions, gestures, gait).
2. Tactile movements (shaking hands, patting on the back or shoulder, touching, kissing).
3. Eye contact (direction of gaze, its duration, frequency of contact).
4. Spatial movements (orientation, distance, placement at the table).

In this article, we will dwell in detail on the first two groups of non-verbal communication means and try to characterize their meaning. It should be remembered that to interpret a single gesture without a combination of other body signals is to mislead oneself. Therefore, before drawing specific conclusions, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of the interlocutor's behavior, as well as his physical and psychological state.

Expressive-expressive movements

Open body gestures and postures

Openness

The interlocutor's hands are turned with palms up and spread wide to the sides. The seating position of the head is straight, the shoulders are straightened. The look is direct. Facial expressions are natural, without tension and stiffness. This pose of friendliness, as a means of non-verbal communication, speaks of openness and sincerity. Shaking hands with her two hands around her also speaks of her. Men can unbutton their shirt or jacket in conversation. Communicating with such a person, you involuntarily relax and feel trust in him.

Sympathy

In non-verbal communication, there is the concept of mental contact, which is expressed in involuntary copying of each other's gestures or all behavior. A signal is sent to each other: "I understand you perfectly." And indeed, if we glance at a peacefully chatting couple at a table, we will see similar poses, the same arrangement of hands, up to specularity. If you want to convince another person to unconditionally share his opinion, just copy his body position.

If we observe the gait of a happy person in love, we note the flying gait, which is very striking. It is also characteristic of self-confident, energetic people. It seems that they do not care about all the problems.

Closed gestures and postures (protection, suspicion, secrecy)

Deception

You've probably seen how someone hides their hands in a conversation? It is likely that he is not telling the truth, since subconsciously the human brain sends signals to the body and when a lie is told, a strong desire arises to put his hands in his pocket, scratch his nose, rub his eyes. All these are typical signs, however, as MirSovetov already said, it is necessary to explain the meaning of non-verbal gestures together. A person with a runny nose can scratch his nose, rub his eyes - a child who has just woken up, etc.

Defense

Arms crossed on the chest, crossed legs in standing and sitting positions are a classic gesture of being closed, inaccessible. Frequent blinking is a sign of protection, confusion. The emotional status of a person does not allow one to feel free and at ease. If you try to negotiate something with such an interlocutor, it is likely that you will get rejected. To "melt the ice", MirSovetov advises to use the means of non-verbal communication already described above, try to take an open pose with palms up.

Reflection and evaluation gestures

Concentration

It is expressed in pinching the bridge of the nose with closed eyes. When the person with whom you communicate decides what to do or what to do, in general thinks about solving a certain issue - at this time he can rub his chin.

Criticality

If a person holds his hand at his chin, extending his index finger along the cheek, and with the other hand supports the elbow, his left eyebrow is lowered, you will understand that he has matured a negative assessment of what is happening.

Positivity

It is interpreted as a slight forward tilt of the head and a light touch of the hand on the cheek. The body is tilted forward. Here is a person who is interested in what is happening and has a positive attitude to information.

Gestures of doubt and uncertainty

Mistrust

You probably noticed how some students, listening to the speaker, cover their mouths with their hands? This gesture indicates disagreement with the opinion of the lecturer. They seem to restrain their statements, suppress true feelings and experiences. If in a conversation your friend suddenly makes a gesture of disbelief, stop and think about what words caused this reaction? Observing the behavior of the boss, the subordinate will understand what needs to be said and what is better to remain silent. Mistrust quickly turns into rejection and then into rejection.

Uncertainty

A non-verbal gesture such as scratching or rubbing the back of the ear or neck may indicate that the person does not fully understand what is wanted from him or what you mean in the conversation. How to interpret such a gesture if you have been told about complete understanding? Here, preference should be given to the non-verbal signal from the body. In this case, the person did not understand anything. A hand clasping the other by the elbow from behind also speaks of insecurity, probably its owner is in an unfamiliar society.

Gestures and postures that indicate unwillingness to listen

Boredom

The interlocutor rests his head with his hand. It is clear that he is indifferent to what is happening. If he is sitting in the audience, we can say with confidence: the material presented by the lecturer is completely uninteresting. In such cases, MirSovetov recommends changing the topic of the conversation to an exciting one or "shake it up" with an unexpected question. Be sure that he will wake up, and this is exactly what you need.

Disapproval

Shaking off non-existent villi, straightening the folds of clothes, pulling a skirt in non-verbal communication is a sign of your opponent's disagreement with the stated point of view. You will quickly understand the need to move to neutral topics. However, if a thread really stuck to the sleeve of the jacket, clothes are wrinkled, you should not regard this as a gesture of disapproval.

Willingness to leave

It can be identified by such signs as drooping eyelids (loss of interest), scratching the ear (blocking out the flow of speech), stretching the earlobe (does not want to speak), turning the whole body towards the door or pointing the leg in this direction. The gesture of removing the glasses also signals the end of the conversation.

Irritation

When a person tells an obvious lie, and realizes that you saw through him, he will experience irritation from your innocence, which can manifest itself in the involuntary loosening of a tie or collar. In non-verbal communication, this can also manifest itself in rubbing the neck, unnecessary hand movements, pinching a lady's purse, mechanically drawing on paper.

Dominance gestures

Superiority

The so-called "director pose" or "boss pose" in a seated position. Hands are behind the head, one leg on the other. If the eyelids are barely covered or the corners of the eyes are slightly squinted, the gaze is directed downwards - you are in front of arrogance, disdain. This body position as a means of non-verbal communication is often accepted by bosses, people leadership positions... They are confident in themselves, demonstratively express their importance in front of others. An attempt to copy this gesture threatens to be fired from work soon.

Equality

Almost all men use a similar gesture, women are much less. The nature of the handshake can say a lot, first of all it will reveal the intentions of the other person. If, at the moment of joining two hands, one is above the back, its owner demonstrates his leading position. You can check how firmly he defends his status as a leader in a simple way: turn his hand up. If you felt resistance, then you will not be able to convince him to take equality between you.

Sexual gestures

When a man likes a woman, he displays his thumbs tucked in a belt, places his hands on his hips, or spreads his legs wide apart. The look at a woman, as a rule, is intimate, and can linger for a long time on selected parts of the body. A man may involuntarily adjust his tie or collar with his hand.
If a woman seeks to interest, she unconsciously lifts her head, straightens her hair, straightens her blouse. The more subtle art of seduction with the help of non-verbal communication means exposing the wrists, spreading legs in a sitting or standing position. If a woman shows an intimate look in conjunction with an accidentally slipped shoulder strap, half-dressed cross-legged shoes, be sure of her desire to start flirting. Open mouth and wet lips are typical sexual urges.

Tactile movements

These include hugging, shaking hands, patting the shoulder or back, touching, kissing.

Embrace

By the nature of hugs, their strength, duration determine the meaning of feelings expressed by a person.
Bosom friends who were in a long separation, when they meet, almost strangle each other in strong embraces. Lovers linger in a gentle embrace for a long time. Hugs between distant relatives, depending on previously maintained contacts, can be both restrained, cold, and passionate. Between loved ones, they carry a soft, soulful meaning. In wrestling competitions, for example, participants hug briefly and part ways.

Such a means of non-verbal communication as hugs are more common among representatives of the strong half of humanity, between women they are a little less common. Now you can see two teenage girls on the streets running towards each other with open arms. At this age, the frequency of such contacts, both between boys and girls, is expressive in nature, when you want to throw out the excess of joy, delight and admiration for the meeting. If you see same-sex couples walking slowly along the sidewalk in a woven embrace, it might inadvertently suggest gay sex.

Handshake

Handshakes, as one of the means of non-verbal communication, also differ in the way they are performed, strength and duration. A strong, energetic shaking of the interlocutor's hand, coupled with a joyful exclamation, speaks of the partner's sincerity, his desire to continue the conversation. The girth of one's hand in the form of a "glove" also speaks of friendliness. But if a dead hand is extended to you, like a dead fish, they do not want to contact you.

A cold hand in a shake can signal that its owner is either cold or very worried. Misted palms speak of a nervous experience. A hand that is palm down in a shake indicates a desire to dominate another person. If, on the contrary, it is turned with the palm up, its owner unconsciously recognizes himself as subordinate to the interlocutor.

Patting on the back or shoulder

Patting on the back or shoulder is mostly typical for men. These non-verbal gestures are often interpreted as showing friendship, sympathy, or encouragement. They can be seen in almost all age categories. Patting, as it were, demonstrates masculine strength and the willingness of its owner to come to the rescue.

By the way, this gesture should not be confused with the one used in medical practice. A newborn child is slapped on the back to make him scream and straighten his lungs, and a choked person is slapped from behind. Patting is a form of massage practice. That is, the specific meaning of this gesture depends on the current situation.

Touches

Touching is common in the world of non-verbal communication. In educational activities, it helps to stop a mischievous mischievous person, in the case of a deaf person, to draw his attention to oneself, in medical practice, using this gesture, a state of health is diagnosed, the massage technique is based on a set of methods of touching the body, in the intimate sphere between spouses they serve as a prelude to the connection. Different types of touch are an indicator of the partner's unspoken feelings. They can be gentle, affectionate, light, strong, rude, hurtful, etc.

Kissing

Kissing, as a type of tactile gesture, is widely used in all aspects of a person's life. In relation to a specific object, the nature of the kissing changes. The mother kisses the child gently and lovingly, between loving people, they can range from a light touch of the lips to a passionate kiss. MirSovetov in a separate article reveals the whole range of this type of gesture in courting the opposite sex. Here we will note that kisses can be both sincere expressions of feelings, and formal, cold, traditional. They kiss at the meeting and goodbye, kiss at the time of birth.

Eye contact

Eye contact is an undeniably important communication process. As you already know, it is through sight that a person receives about 80% of impressions from all senses. With the help of the eyes, you can convey a variety of expressions, thanks to them we can carry out the process of managing the course of the conversation, provide feedback in human behavior. The look helps in the exchange of remarks, since most of the statements without the participation of the eyes would be meaningless.

Remember how badly the interlocutors on the Internet need a variety of emoticons, which are a substitute for such a means of non-verbal communication as an exchange of views, facial expressions. After all, without seeing each other, it is much more difficult to convey the feelings experienced. Developers of instant messaging programs, while improving their software characteristics, try to include and expand the function of eye expression, general facial expressions and various hand gestures. And, as practice shows, the demand for such programs like ICQ is very high. People are hungry for full communication and on the web. And the appearance of the function of video calls in cell phones and the installation of video equipment on a computer that allows one to communicate interactively, contemplating each other, is precisely the answer to the need for live communication at a distance.

Also, the look takes part in the expression of intimacy, frankness. With it, you can set the degree of proximity to a person.

In communication, the gaze, as a rule, carries out an information search, for example, the listener looks at the speaker, and if he pauses, silently waits for the continuation, without interrupting the eye contact; gives a signal about a free communication channel, for example, the speaker with an eye sign informs that the conversation is over; helps to establish and maintain social relationships when we are looking for a person's gaze to enter into a conversation.

In psychology, there are several types of views, each of which carries very significant information about a person's thoughts:
1. Business look - when we look at the forehead and in the eyes of the interlocutor. Often we behave this way when we meet with unfamiliar people, leaders and bosses.
2. Social gaze - when we direct our eyes to the area of ​​the person's face in the area of ​​the mouth, nose and eyes. It is typical in situations of easy communication with friends and acquaintances.
3. Intimate gaze - passes through the line of the interlocutor's eyes and goes down to the level below the chin and neck to other parts of the body. There may be dilation of the pupils as an anticipation of pleasure.

We have already mentioned the fact that it is more difficult for men to deceive their wives, girlfriends, since women can convict a lie much faster by reading in the eyes. How do they do it? First of all, according to the characteristic changes in the eyes due to the contraction of the eye muscles. When trying to deceive, it is difficult for a person to withstand a gaze, he blinks and averts his eyes to the side. These signs can also be present with sadness, shame, and disgust. If he experiences suffering, tears flow from his eyes, but they also appear with laughter, joy.
In any case, for the correct interpretation of non-verbal gestures, we take into account the environment, the context of the circumstances. One thing is definitely certain: the dilation or constriction of the pupils, which arises as a response to arousal, occurs involuntarily, without taking into account consciousness, the autonomic nervous system is involved in this. If the direction of the gaze can still be somehow controlled, then the change in the pupils is beyond our control. When we talk about a person: “he has expressive eyes,” “she has an evil look,” “she jinxed me,” we mean just that information obtained through non-verbal communication when observing a person's pupils. Children abandoned by their parents have a dry, detached look, filled with the pain of loneliness, which gives them an adult expression. On the contrary, beloved and affectionate babies look at the world in a completely different way.

The length of the gaze can indicate the degree of interest. The intent, unbreakable will tell you about the intention to find out some information from you or force you to obey. For couples in love, such a look serves as a signal to begin active courtship. If a gaze is directed at a sleeping person, subconsciously he may experience anxiety, even wake up. Interestingly, in the animal world, a gaze serves as a signal for an impending attack, so there is nothing surprising when, feeling such a signal from an unfamiliar person, you feel anxiety and a desire to hide. With peripheral (lateral) vision, we are able to see objects and the environment around us, to analyze the degree of danger.
Serial killers and maniacs have a very different gaze from that of an ordinary person. All the behavior of a person prior to a given point in time, the situations that he solves and the methods he uses in eliminating problems - everything leaves an imprint on the expression of his eyes. A tired mother after a sleepless night with her baby, a pensioner living on crumbs, a student who did not receive the scholarship he hoped for - everyone has peculiar expressions in their eyes. If, for example, you are in a close relationship with such people, you will definitely understand the reason for this look.

Spatial movements

One or another distance in contacts between individuals is determined by the social status of the communicators, their national characteristics, age, gender, and the nature of the relationship between partners. And it is also one form of non-verbal communication that is good to know. By the way, this knowledge of spatial orientation according to a specific situation is actively used by psychologists, sociologists, and political scientists.

By the location of two people at the table, one can judge the nature of their communication.

1. The position of the angular arrangement is the most favorable for communication between a student and a teacher, a leader with subordinates, since both have enough space for exchanging views, gesturing. The corner of the table serves as a soothing barrier against unexpected attacks. Their views do not intersect and when difficult moments of discussion are touched upon, you can always direct your eyes to a stationary object and focus on formulating an answer.

2. Competitive and defensive position - used in heated discussions, disputes, discussions. The interlocutors sit opposite each other, which allows a good observation of facial expressions, gestures, which can change every second depending on the severity of the issues discussed. The barrier in the form of a table between them gives a chance of relative safety in case a peaceful discussion suddenly turns into a phase of waving hands and a desire to grab the opponent by the chest. In this case, the position opposite each other helps not to miss the non-verbal signals of the interlocutor and to react to them in time.

3. Independent position - speaks of unwillingness to communicate. The interlocutors sit in different corners of the table, which negatively affects the communication process. If you try to change the position, sit closer, the other person can defiantly get up and leave the room. This is the most negative form of communication at the table and a form of non-verbal communication in general.

4. The position of directed cooperation - there are no physical barriers between the participants in the conversation, they are sitting side by side. Communication is confidential and intimate. In this position, you can discuss almost all questions and topics, since the interlocutors fully accept each other.

According to the position of the two people talking, their degree of proximity to each other, the types of personal spaces are distinguished:
- public (the distance between them is more than 3.5 meters);
- social (from 3.5 to 1.5 meters);
- personal (from 1.5 meters to 40 cm);
- intimate and super intimate (from 40 cm and closer).

If a stranger tries to overstep your personal distance, you will instinctively step back or stretch your arms to prevent intrusion into your personal space. You may feel anger, increased heart rate, and adrenaline rush. If you find yourself in a situation where an invasion is inevitable (elevator, overcrowded transport), we recommend trying to stay calm, not talking to him, it is better to refuse even non-verbal contact with him (do not look the person in the eyes).

An interesting experiment was carried out regarding the preservation of its territorial space. After the instruction, the girl was asked to sit next to the student at the table in the library. She imperceptibly tried to sit as close as possible, and with each of her attempts, the neighbor instinctively moved to the edge. Each of you felt a similar desire in such a situation to preserve your territory with the help of various non-verbal gestures, for example, pushing your elbow, fencing off your shoulder from an annoying neighbor, pulling your head in.

Maintaining personal distance can also be seen in vehicles. It has been noticed that in empty vehicles, people sit alone in paired places. If they are not there, they take a place next to a trustworthy neighbor, turning the other way.

Another example of non-verbal communication. In the park, people love to take up all the space on the benches. If another person approaches the lonely person and asks for permission to sit down, as a rule, he receives consent. But very soon the first one leaves, looking for a free shop.

In rural areas, the concept of personal space is much broader than in the city. The interlocutors can talk at a distance of 2-5 meters, and this is not a problem or inconvenience. In the city, where the population density is rather high, the personal territorial space is narrowed to a minimum and, again, this does not interfere with free communication. A villager experiences the greatest discomfort while in the city. He will literally physically feel the lack of air and space. There is evidence of how many problems of adaptation they encountered when moving to the city, how they experienced an agonizing longing for the vastness of fields and meadows, the silence and freshness of the air, saturated with the peculiar aromas of earth and grass. Needless to say about psychological suffering in dealing with a large number of absolutely indifferent people who are always in a hurry on important matters.

An intimate distance is tacitly established between loved ones, in which everyone feels comfortable. Changes in the previously established boundaries of personal space may indicate the emergence of a different type of relationship. A striking example of such non-verbal communication: a guy and a girl who have just met each other establish social distance. As the relationship deepens and develops, the distance changes to personal and intimate.

By the spatial arrangement of several people in the room, you can determine who sympathizes with whom, even if they do not advertise their feelings. One's benevolent attitude towards a neighbor is expressed in the body, head turned towards him and the toes of shoes pointed at him. If a boring person is caught in communication, and you want to talk to an interesting girl, the toes of your feet are in her direction, although the body continues to remain turned towards the boring.

Once in a certain room, people often break up into small groups and begin their own discussions within them. It is interesting to trace the means of non-verbal communication in such a situation. For example, when an outsider tries to join the group. He comes closer first. The group looks back at him and if he has caused antipathy, the circle of conversations imperceptibly closes, so that he is on the sidelines. If he attracted the attention of the interlocutors, a small passage is formed, into which a new participant enters. In case of loss of interest in the newcomer, the circle imperceptibly pushes him out, forming a chain of active members of the group.

Concluding this review, MirSovetov will allow itself to note that the above classification of non-verbal means of communication is by no means complete and complete. It reflects only one side of the variety of ways a person enters society. After all, no matter how much a person lives, he constantly brings new and new options for communication, which are most relevant in specific circumstances.

The ability to correctly interpret non-verbal signals will greatly facilitate attempts to integrate into any area of ​​human relations and more than once will serve you well in critical situations.

Non-verbal communication is the exchange of information between interlocutors using facial expressions, gestures, postures, gaze, intonation, etc. without using linguistic means of expression. Non-verbal language is also called body language. Non-verbal codes either complement information and express the emotions of the interlocutors, or replace speech. Experts say that for more effective communication, you need to have the skills to recognize and interpret non-verbal signals. Sometimes we do not even realize what a strong emotional influence we have on the interlocutor with our gestures, glances, facial expressions, etc.

Non-verbal communication functions:

• Non-verbal cues duplicate our speech and back it up with evidence in the form of emotion.
• Facial expressions, gestures, postures are sometimes impossible to control and they betray the true face of a person. That is, if a person tells you something very beautifully and inspiring, his non-verbal gestures can show something completely different.
• Non-verbal cues sometimes replace speech. For example, nodding your head, shrugging your shoulders, blinking your eyes, waving your hand, etc.
• Also, non-verbal communication can complement verbal communication. For example, when we sympathize with or pity a person, we hug him and pat him on the back or head.
• Non-verbal cues can emphasize a statement. For example, expressing your protest and unwillingness, saying the word "No!" you can bang your fist on the table.

Having knowledge of the functions of non-verbal language will help a person to control their non-verbal gestures and become a pleasant interlocutor. This is undoubtedly important in the way that "body language" expresses our subconscious, and people trust more non-verbal means, rather than speech. Looking closely at non-verbal signs, we will see what the interlocutor did not express to us in words.

Factors Affecting Non-Verbal Signs

• Cultural features. Each country has its own system of non-verbal signs. Before meeting with a foreign partner, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the etiquette of his country.
• Health. A person with certain diseases may change their voice, look, gestures, facial expressions, etc. Do not make hasty conclusions, take a closer look at the interlocutor.
• Profession. A person may have professional features of non-verbal expression of emotions (this often applies to people in creative professions).
• The level of culture and education.
• The status and rank of a person. The higher the position, the fewer gestures.
• Age group.
• Inconsistency of signs. If the combination of non-verbal signs is incorrect, the impression of insincerity of speech can be formed.

Our body expresses our feelings and emotions much faster than speech. Non-verbal cues convey a large flow of information and facilitate understanding between speakers.

Experts identify the following channels for the perception of non-verbal signals:

• Auditory canal - intonation, voice, tempo, timbre, volume, coughing, laughter, pauses, stuttering, repetition of sounds, etc.
• Visual channel - facial expressions, gestures, postures, gaze, image, makeup, age, race, etc.
• Tactile channel - touching, shaking hands, kissing, hugging, etc.
• The olfactory channel is the perception of odors.

Non-verbal speech can confirm or deny the speaker's speech. If non-verbal signs confirm the words, then what is said increases its effect on the interlocutor. If the gestures do not correspond to the words, then you should trust more non-verbal signals than verbal ones.

If your interlocutor unconsciously copies your postures and movements, then he is listening to you and is open to mutual conversation. The effectiveness of a conversation depends not only on verbal speech, but also on non-verbal signs. Therefore, a business person simply needs to be able to recognize non-verbal signals.

In contact with

Non-verbal communication Is a kind of non-speech interaction of a communicative nature between living beings. In other words, non-verbal communication of a person is a type of transfer of all kinds of information or the ability to influence the environment without using speech (linguistic) mechanisms. The instrument of the described interaction is the physical body of individuals, which possesses a wide range of tools and specific techniques for broadcasting information or interchange of messages.

Non-verbal communication includes all kinds of gestures and facial expressions, various bodily postures, timbre of voice, bodily or visual contact. The means of non-verbal communication of a person convey the figurative content and the emotional essence of information. The language of non-speech communication components can be primary (all of the above means) and secondary (various programming languages, Morse code). Many scientific minds are sure that only 7% of information is transmitted through words, 38% of data is sent using sound means, which include tone of voice, intonation, and 55% through instruments of non-verbal interaction, in fact, with the help of primary non-speech components. From this it follows that the fundamental in the communication of mankind is not the spoken information, but the manner of its presentation.

Non-verbal communication

The surrounding society can learn a lot about an individual solely by his style of choosing clothes and talking, used gestures, etc. As a result of many studies, it was revealed that non-verbal communication methods have two types of source of origin, namely biological evolution and culture. Non-verbal remedies communication is necessary in order to:

Regulating the flow of the process of communicative interaction, creating psychological contact between interlocutors;

Enrichment of meanings conveyed with the help of words, direction of interpretation of the verbal context;

Expressions of emotion and reflections of the interpretation of situations.

Non-verbal communication includes well-known gestures, facial expressions and bodily postures, and besides this, the hairstyle, the style of clothing (clothes and shoes), the interior of the office, Business Cards, accessories (watches, lighters).

All gestures can be divided into gestures of openness, suspicion, conflict or defense, thoughtfulness and reasoning, uncertainty and doubt, difficulty, etc. Unbuttoning a jacket or reducing the distance between a conversation partner is a gesture of openness.

Rubbing the forehead or chin, an attempt to cover the face with your hands, and especially avoiding eye contact, averting your gaze to the side testifies to suspicion and secrecy. Conflict or defensive gestures include crossing arms, fist-fisting. The pinching of the bridge of the nose, the hand on the cheek (posture of the "thinker") speaks of the pensiveness of the interlocutor. Scratching the space above the earlobe or the side of the neck with your index finger means that the interlocutor has doubts about something or indicates his insecurity. Scratching or touching the nose indicates the person's predicament. If during a conversation one of the participants lowers their eyelids, then such an action indicates his desire to end the conversation as soon as possible. Scratching the ear demonstrates the other person's rejection of what the partner is saying or the way he says it. The earlobe sipping reminds that the partner is already tired of listening, and he also has a desire to speak out.

Handshakes, which express different positions of participants in communication interaction, also belong to non-verbal communication communications. Grabbing the hand of one of those who meet in such a way that her palm is below, indicates the authority of the interlocutor. A handshake, in which the participants' hands are in the same position, informs about the same status of those who meet. Stretching the hand on one side, palm turned up, speaks of submission or submission. Emphasizes the different status of those encountered or a certain distance in the position, or expresses disrespect for a squeeze made with a straight, not bent hand. Outstretched only the tips of the fingers for a handshake indicate the complete disrespect of another individual. Shaking with both hands testifies to trusting sincerity, excess of feelings, intimacy.

Also, the handshakes of citizens of different states may differ. So, for example, Americans are characterized by strong, energetic handshakes. After all, they talk about strength and efficiency. For people from the Asian part of the continent, such handshakes can cause confusion. They are more used to soft and long handshakes.

Non-verbal communication in business communication plays an important role. So, for example, the gestures of disapproval and disagreement in the negotiations are the collection of villi from the suit. In order to prolong the pause for making the final decision, you can take off the glasses and put them on or wipe the lenses. You can also highlight actions that will non-verbally speak about the desire to end the meeting. These include: forwarding the body, while the hands are located on the knees or on the armrests. Hands raised behind the head demonstrate that for the interlocutor the conversation is empty, unpleasant and burdensome.

The non-verbal language of communication is manifested even in the way an individual smokes. An introverted, suspicious communication partner directs the exhaled stream of smoke downward. Exhalation of smoke from the corners of the mouth downwards indicates a stronger hostility or aggression. Also, the intensity of exhalation of smoke is of no small importance. A quick exhalation of smoke testifies to the confidence of the interlocutor. The faster it is, the more confident the individual feels. The more intensively the flow is exhaled downward, the more negatively the interlocutor is. Ambitiousness is indicated by exhaling smoke through the nostrils with the head up. The same, but with the head down, reports that the individual is very angry.

Verbal and non-verbal means of communication in the course of communicative interaction are perceived simultaneously, as a result of which they should be analyzed as an indivisible whole. For example, during a conversation with a smiling, beautifully dressed subject with a pleasant timbre of voice, his interlocutor anyway, without realizing it, may move away from the partner due to the fact that the smell of his eau de toilette is not to his taste. Such non-verbal action will make the partner think that he is not all right, for example, with his appearance. Understanding this can lose confidence in your own words, blush your face and make ridiculous gestures. This situation indicates that verbal and non-verbal means of communication are inextricably linked. After all, gestures that are not supported by words are far from always meaningful, and words in the absence of facial expressions are empty.

Features of non-verbal communication

The positions of the body, head, arms and shoulders, which are most difficult for self-control, are of the greatest importance in communications. This is exactly what the features of non-verbal communication in the process of a conversation consist of. Raised shoulders indicate tension. When relaxed, they descend. A lowered shoulders and a raised head often indicate openness and an attitude towards successful problem solving. Raised shoulders in combination with a lowered head are a sign of displeasure, isolation, fear, insecurity.

An indicator of curiosity and interest is a head bowed to the side, and in the fair half, this gesture can express light flirting or flirting.

The expression on his face can tell a lot about an individual during a conversation. A sincere smile indicates friendliness, a positive attitude. Dissatisfaction or withdrawal is expressed by tightly compressed lips. The curling of the lips, as if in a grin, speaks of doubt or sarcasm. Also, the gaze plays an important role in non-verbal communication. If the gaze is directed to the floor, then this demonstrates fear or the desire to stop communication interaction, if to the side, it speaks of neglect. You can subdue the will of the interlocutor with the help of a long and motionless direct look into the eyes. Raising the head in conjunction with looking up means a desire to pause in the conversation. Understanding expresses a slight tilt of the head combined with a smile or a rhythmic head nod. A slight backward movement of the head in combination with frowning eyebrows indicates a misunderstanding and the need to repeat what is pronounced.
In addition, a rather important feature of non-verbal communication is the ability to distinguish between gestures that speak of lies. Indeed, most often such gestures are expressed unconsciously, therefore it is rather difficult to control them for an individual intending to lie.

These include covering the mouth with the hand, touching the dimple under the nose or directly to the nose, rubbing the eyelids, leading to the floor or to the side of the gaze. The fair sex, when they lie, often hold a finger under the eye. Scratching the neck area, touching it, pulling back the collar of the shirt is also a sign of lying. The position of his palms plays an important role in assessing the sincerity of a communication partner. For example, if the interlocutor, holding out one palm or both, reveals them partially or completely, then this speaks of frankness. Hidden hands or motionless and collected ones indicate secrecy.

Non-verbal and verbal communication

Communicative interaction or communication refers to a rather complex multifaceted process at the beginning of establishing and then developing contacts between individuals, caused by the need for joint activities and covering the exchange of messages, the development of a general direction or strategy of interaction and perception with the subsequent understanding of another subject. Communicative interaction has three components:

1. Communicative, representing the direct exchange of information between communicating people;
2. Interactive, consisting in the organization between the subjects of interaction;
3. Perceptual, consisting in the process of individuals perceiving each other and in establishing mutual understanding.

Communicative interaction can be verbal and non-verbal. In the process of everyday life, individuals talk with many people, using both verbal and non-verbal. Speech helps people share knowledge, worldviews, make acquaintances, establish social contacts, etc. However, without the use of non-verbal and verbal means of communication, speech will be difficult to understand.

Features of non-verbal communication and verbal interaction consist in the use of various tools for accepting and analyzing incoming data in the course of communications. So, for the perception of information conveyed by words, people use intelligence and logic, and to understand non-verbal communication, they use intuition.

Verbal communication means understanding how speech is perceived by a communication partner and what effect it has on it. After all, speech is one of the fundamental means of interpersonal communication.

For the human individual, a phenomenon begins to exist in the full sense when it is named. Language is a universal means of human interaction. It is the basic system by which people encrypt information and an essential communication tool. The language is considered a "powerful" encryption system, but along with this it leaves room for destruction and creation of barriers.

Words make the meaning of phenomena and circumstances understandable, they help individuals express thoughts, worldview and emotions. Personality, its consciousness and language are inseparable. Often, language is ahead of the flow of thoughts, and often does not obey them at all. An individual can "blurt out" something or systematically "waggle his tongue" at the same time, practically not thinking about the fact that he forms certain attitudes in society with his statements, directs them to a specific response and behavior. Here you can apply the saying - "as it comes around, so it will respond." With the correct use of words, you can control such a response, predict it, and even shape it. Many politicians are proficient in the art of using words correctly.

At each stage of communication interaction, obstacles arise that hinder its effectiveness. In the course of interaction, the illusion of mutual understanding of partners often arises. This illusion is due to the fact that individuals use the same words for the purpose of denoting completely different things.

Data loss and information distortion occurs at every stage of communication. The level of such losses is caused by the general imperfection of the human language system, the impossibility of accurately and completely transforming thoughts into verbal structures, personal attitudes and aspirations (wishful thinking is perceived as real), the literacy of the interlocutors, vocabulary, and so on.

Interpersonal communication interactions are mainly carried out through the use of non-verbal tools. Non-verbal language is considered richer in comparison with verbal. After all, its elements are not verbal forms, but facial expressions, body positions and gestures, intonation characteristics of speech, spatial frames and time boundaries, a symbolic communicative sign system.

Often, non-verbal communication is not the result of a deliberate behavioral strategy, but a consequence of subconscious messages. That is why it is very difficult to fake it. The individual perceives unconsciously small non-verbal details, considering this perception as a "sixth sense". Often people unconsciously note the discrepancy between the spoken phrases and non-verbal signals, as a result of which they begin to distrust the interlocutor.

Types of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal interaction plays an essential role in the exchange of emotions.

Facial expressions (presence of a smile, direction of gaze);

Movement (nodding or shaking the head, swinging limbs, imitating some behavior, etc.);

Walk, touch, hug, shake hands, personal space.

Voice is the sound that an individual makes during a conversation, when singing or shouting, laughing and crying. Voice formation occurs due to the vibration of the vocal cords, which create sound waves as the exhaled air passes through them. Without the participation of hearing, the voice cannot develop in its turn, hearing also cannot be formed without the participation of the vocal apparatus. So, for example, in an individual suffering from deafness, the voice does not function, due to the fact that there are no auditory perceptions, and stimulation of the motor speech centers.

In non-verbal communication, it is possible, with the help of only one intonation of the voice, to convey an enthusiastic or interrogative nature of the sentence. By the tone in which the request was presented, one can conclude how important it is for the speaker. Often, due to the wrong tone and intonation, requests can sound like orders. So, for example, the word "sorry" can carry completely different meanings depending on the intonation used. Also, with the help of a voice, the subject can express his own state: surprise, joy, anger, etc.

Appearance is the most important component of non-verbal communication and it means an image that sees and perceives a person's environment.

Non-verbal business communication begins to build precisely from the assessment of the external attributes of the individual. Acceptable appearance depends on the following characteristics: neatness, good breeding, natural behavior, presence of manners, literacy of speech, adequacy of reactions to criticism or praise, charisma. It is very important for each individual in life to be able to correctly use the capabilities of his own body when transmitting information to the interlocutor.

Non-verbal communication in business communication is absolutely essential. After all, business people often have to convince opponents of something, persuade them to their own point of view and commit certain actions (concluding deals or investing a significant amount in the development of the enterprise). This will be easier to achieve if you can demonstrate to your partner that the other person is honest and open.

Equally important is the position of the body (posture) during the conversation. Posture can be used to express subordination, interest in conversation, boredom or desire for joint partnership, etc. When the interlocutor sits motionless, his eyes are hidden under dark glasses, and he covers his own notes, the other person will feel rather uncomfortable.

To achieve success, non-verbal business communication does not imply the use of poses at business meetings that demonstrate closeness and aggressiveness. It is also not recommended to wear glasses with tinted glasses during any communications, especially at the first meeting. Since, without seeing the eyes of a communication partner, the interlocutor may feel uncomfortable, because the lion's share of information remains inaccessible to him, as a result of which the general atmosphere of communicative interaction is disturbed.

Also, the postures reflect the psychological subordination of the participants in the conversation. For example, the desire for submission or domination.

Thus, non-verbal communicative interaction is one of the tools of personal representation of one's own “I”, an instrument of interpersonal influence and regulation of relationships, forms the image of the interlocutor, clarifies and anticipates the verbal message.

Non-verbal communication gestures

Often, individuals say something completely different from what they mean, and their interlocutors do not understand at all what they wanted to convey. All this is due to the inability to correctly read body language.

Non-verbal communication methods can be roughly divided into the following:

Expressive and expressive movements, which include facial expressions, body position, gait and hand gestures;

Tactile movements, including touching, patting on the shoulder, kissing, shaking hands;

A look, characterized by the frequency of eye contact, direction, duration;

Movements in space, covering table placement, orientation, direction, distance.

With the help of gestures, you can express confidence, superiority, or, conversely, dependence. In addition, there are disguised gestures and incomplete barriers. Often in life, subjects can face conditions when they are not entirely comfortable, but at the same time they need to seem confident. For example, during a speech in front of a large audience. In this situation, the individual tries to block the intuitive protective gestures that betray the speaker's nervousness, as a result of which he partially replaces them with incomplete barriers. Such barriers include such a position in which one hand is in a calm state, and the other is holding on to the forearm or shoulder of the other hand. Through disguised gestures, the individual is also able to achieve the required level of confidence and calmness. As you know, the protective barrier is expressed in the form of fastening the crossed arms across the body. Instead of this position, many subjects actively use manipulations with various accessories, for example, spinning cufflinks, fiddling with a watch strap or bracelet, etc. In this case, all the same, one hand is across the body, which indicates the installation of a barrier.

Hands placed in pockets can also have many meanings. For example, a person may be just cold or just focused on something. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish between gestures and habits of the individual. So, for example, the habit of swinging a leg or tapping the heel while sitting at a table can be perceived as unwillingness to continue communication.

Non-verbal communication gestures are divided into the following:

Illustrative gestures (instructions, signals);

Regulatory (nodding, head shaking);

Gestures-emblems, that is, gestures that replace words or even whole phrases (for example, clenched hands indicate a greeting);

Adaptive nature (touching, stroking, pulling objects);

Affector gestures, that is, expressing emotions, feelings;

Micro gestures (lip twitching, facial flushing).

In his famous book "Body Language" the Austrian writer Alan Pease claims that every person perceives information on the basis of this calculation: 7% of information comes with words, and the remaining 97% is perceived by us using non-verbal signals.

These modes of communication are better known as "sign language" and means a form of self-expression that does not use words or any speech symbols.

Knowing types of non-verbal communication and understanding non-verbal cues is important for several reasons. First, they perform the functions of an accurate expression of feelings, because very often we experience feelings so complex that we simply cannot find the right words to describe them, but this can be done using non-verbal means and methods. Secondly, they serve as a deeper understanding.

Knowing the basic ways of non-verbal communication, you will be able to better understand and "see through" the other person, when he is trying to control his behavior in communication with you, because non-verbal signals appear unconsciously and your interlocutor simply cannot control them. The classification of non-verbal means of communication and examples of their use will help you not only better understand yourself, but also teach you to recognize lies and manipulation by other people.

Expand your perception

To learn how to better understand the interlocutor and recognize his hidden signals, first you need to learn to pay attention simultaneously to all elements or means of non-verbal communication, and non-verbal means of communication include facial expressions, gestures, postures, intonation and timbre of the voice, visual contact and interpersonal space.

Let's talk in more detail about each of these elements of non-verbal communication and give specific examples their manifestations.

Facial expressions

Mimicry is the expression of a person's face, it is the main element of the display of emotions and feelings. Positive emotions, such as love or surprise, are much easier to recognize than negative ones, which include disgust or anger. Emotions are reflected in different ways on the right and left sides of the face, because the left and right hemispheres of the brain perform different functions: the right one controls the emotional sphere, and the left one is responsible for intellectual functions.

Emotions are expressed in facial expressions in this way:

• Anger - wide open eyes, drooping corners of the lips, "squinting" gaze, clenched teeth;
• Surprise - open mouth, wide open eyes and raised eyebrows, lowered tips of the lips;
• Fear - drawn together eyebrows, stretched lips with drooping and pulled down corners;
• Happiness is a calm look, lifted, pulled back corners of the lips;
• Sadness - "faded" look, drooping corners of the lips, drawn eyebrows.

Visual contact

This method of non-verbal communication helps to demonstrate interest in the conversation and to better understand the meaning of what is being said. During a conversation, two people together create and regulate the degree of comfort, periodically meeting their gaze and taking it to the side. A gaze can build trust as well as discomfort.

Pleasant general topics maintain eye contact, while negative, confusing questions cause you to look away, showing disagreement and dislike. Features of visual contact allow us to draw conclusions about the degree of interest in the dialogue and attitude towards the interlocutor:

• Admiration - long eye contact, calm gaze;
• Indignation - intent, intrusive, somewhat alarming gaze, prolonged eye contact without pauses;
• Location - careful gaze, eye contact with pauses every 10 seconds;
• Dislike - avoiding eye contact, rolling the eyes.
• Expectation - a sharp look in the eyes, raised eyebrows.

With visual contact, you can find out not only the attitude of the interlocutor, but also determine some character traits by the color of the eyes.

Intonation and timbre of voice

To correctly understand the intonation and timbre of a voice means learning to “read between the lines” of another person's message. These features include frequent pauses, unfinished sentences and their structure, the strength and pitch of the voice, as well as the speed of speech.

• Excitement - low tone of voice, fast broken speech;
• Enthusiasm - high tone of voice, clear confident speech;
• Fatigue - low tone of voice, decreased intonation towards the end of a sentence;
• Arrogance - slow speech, even monotonous intonation;
• Uncertainty - mistakes in words, frequent pauses, nervous cough.

Gestures and postures

Feelings and attitudes of people can be determined by the manner of sitting or standing, by a set of gestures and individual movements. It is easier and more pleasant for people to communicate with those who have expressive motor skills, lively relaxed facial expression.

Bright gestures reflect positive emotions and are conducive to sincerity and trust.

At the same time, excessive gesticulation, often repetitive gestures can indicate internal tension and self-doubt.

Non-verbal communication becomes available, and the level of mutual understanding increases if you understand the postures and gestures of your interlocutor.

• Concentration - closed eyes, pinching of the bridge of the nose, rubbing the chin;
• Criticality - one hand near the chin with an extended index finger along the cheek, the other hand supports the elbow;
• Positivity - the body of the body, the head is slightly tilted forward, the hand touches the cheek a little;
• Distrust - the palm covers the mouth, expressing disagreement;
• Boredom - the head is supported by the hand, the body is relaxed and slightly bent;
• Superiority - sitting position, legs one on top of the other, hands behind the head, eyelids are slightly closed;
• Disapproval - restless movement, shaking off "villi", straightening clothes, pulling trousers or skirts;
• Uncertainty - scratching or rubbing the ears, wrapping one hand around the elbow of the other hand;
• Openness - arms outstretched to the sides, palms up, shoulders straightened, head "looking" straight, body relaxed;

Videos about non-verbal communication:

Interpersonal space

The distance between the interlocutors plays an important role in establishing contact, understanding the communication situation. Often people express their attitude in such categories as "stay away from there" or "I want to be closer to him." If people are interested in each other, the space separating them decreases, they tend to be closer. For a better understanding of these features, as well as in order to correctly distinguish between situations and the framework of contact, you should know the basic limits of the permissible distance between interlocutors:

• Intimate distance (up to 0.5 m) - intimate trusting relationships between loved ones, friends. May also be acceptable in sports where bodily contact is acceptable.
• Interpersonal distance (from 0.5 m - to 1.2 m) - a comfortable distance during a friendly conversation, where touching each other is allowed.
• Social distance (from 1.2 m to 3.7 m) - informal interaction in society, during a business meeting. The greater the distance, up to the extreme border, the more formal the relationship.
• Public distance (more than 3.7 m) is a comfortable distance for a lecturer who makes a public speech in front of a large group of people.

Such a framework of distances and their significance depends on the age, gender of a person, and his personality characteristics. Children are comfortable at a closer distance from the interlocutor, and adolescents close and want to distance themselves from others.

Women love closer distances, regardless of the gender of their interlocutor. Balanced, confident people do not pay much attention to distance, while nervous, anxious people try to stay away from others.

Learn to recognize lies

In order to feel confident and comfortable in situations of communication with different people, to avoid manipulation, you should learn to recognize the non-verbal language of communication in situations when they are trying to deceive you.

What means of non-verbal communication, gestures, postures, facial expressions should be paid attention to in order to recognize a lie?

• too long or frequent pauses, pauses and hesitation before the start of the replica;
• asymmetry of facial expressions, lack of synchronization in the work of facial muscles, when there is a discrepancy in the facial expressions of the two sides of the face;
• “Frozen” facial expression, when it does not change for 5-10 seconds, is fake;
• delayed expression of emotions, when there are long pauses between the word and related emotions;
• "Oblong" smile, when the lips are pulled back from the teeth, creating a narrow lip line;
• shallow visual contact, when the eyes of the liar meet the eyes of the interlocutor for no more than a third of the entire time of the conversation, while often looking at the ceiling and around with a restless expression on his face;
• twitching of any part of the body: tapping your fingers on the table, biting your lip, twitching your arms or legs;
• meager gestures that the liar has in control;
• high tone of voice, heavy breathing;
• bent body, cross-legged poses;
• poor facial expressions, weak work of the facial muscles;
• fast movement of the eyes, first to the upper right corner, and then to the lower left;
• quick, imperceptible at first glance, touching the nose, rubbing the eyelids;
• more vivid gesticulation with the right hand, in comparison with the left;
• any exaggeration: unnecessary movements and gestures, inappropriate emotions;
• frequent blinking of eyes

Knowing all the subtleties of non-verbal communication techniques, you can not only avoid manipulation, but you yourself can easily learn to control people.

…

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Introduction

"What is cooked in the heart will not hide on the face."

This is not "hidden" and is called facial expressions ... But she is far from always attached to our secret thoughts and feelings. A friend easily winks, and that, after that, it is imperative to believe in his friendly feelings? In a word, facial expressions are still controlled. If we go to specific areas of the face, then its lower part is least of all controlled. It is no coincidence that experienced teachers, leaders - all those who constantly communicate with people, first of all, pay attention to the wings of the nose, lips, chin.

At all times, people, when communicating with each other, pay attention to the behavior of the interlocutor during a conversation. For some people, gestures and facial movements of the interlocutor can say a lot: about attention (how attentively the interlocutor listens to the narrator), about mood, about state of mind, etc. Others, however, pay no attention to facial expressions at all or practically. Some people, well understanding the facial movements and gestures of the interlocutor, simply do not attach any importance to this. From which they can subsequently suffer, not paying attention to the listener's gestures. For example, to chat in vain without much sense if the interlocutor is not interested in your story, and he is not at all interested in listening to your speech.

Among young people, this issue is relevant, since young people almost always actively use facial movements and gestures when talking.

In our external behavior is manifested that much that we have going on and is inside. Only these manifestations need to be able to recognize. Behind the individual, barely noticeable manifestations of hands, eyes, posture, you can see the mood, desires, thoughts of your partner. As a recognized expert on people once remarked, it is easier to change your worldview than your highly individual way of bringing a spoon to your mouth.

Emotions of those communicating are naturally included in the communication of people. This emotional attitude, accompanying a speech utterance, forms the non-verbal aspect of information exchange - non-verbal communication .

Non-verbal communication means gestures , facial expressions , intonation , pauses , pose , laughter , tears and so on, which form a sign system that complements and reinforces, and sometimes replaces the means of verbal communication - words.

According to research, 55% of messages are perceived through facial expressions, postures and gestures, and 38% through intonation and voice modulation. It follows that only 7% is left to words perceived by the recipient when we speak. This is of fundamental importance. In other words, in many cases, how we speak is more important than the words we speak. Most of the non-verbal forms and means of communication in humans are innate and allow him to interact, achieving mutual understanding on the emotional and behavioral levels, not only with his own kind, but also with other living beings. Many higher animals, including, and most of all, dogs, monkeys and dolphins, are given the ability to communicate non-verbally with each other and with humans.

Thanks to non-verbal communication, a person gets the opportunity to develop psychologically even before he has mastered and learned to use speech (about 2-3 years). In addition, non-verbal behavior itself contributes to the development and improvement of a person's communicative capabilities, as a result of which he becomes more capable of interpersonal contacts and opens up wider opportunities for development.

Means of non-verbal communication as a kind of language of feelings are the same product of social development as the language of words, and may not coincide in different national cultures. Bulgarians express their disagreement with their interlocutor with a nod of the head, which the Russian perceives as an affirmation and agreement, and the negative shaking of the head, adopted by the Russians, can easily be taken by the Bulgarians as a sign of agreement.

In different age groups, different means are also chosen for the implementation of non-verbal communication. For example, children often use crying as a means of influencing adults and a way of communicating their desires and moods to them. The communicative character that crying acquires in children conveys well the often encountered warning "I am not crying for you, but for my mother!"

1. Communication and its functions

Man as a social being is in the center of the influence of the entire set of manifestations of the content of communication. However, hobby at the same time only the instrumental side of communication can level the spiritual essence of people and lead to a simplified interpretation of communication as information and communication activities. This interpretation of communication is unacceptable. In this case, the problem of a person goes into the background and then rarely returns to its proper place, or is solved according to unproductive scenarios. Therefore, with the inevitable scientific and analytical division of communication into the communicative sphere and the sphere of relationships, it is important not to lose a person in them as a spiritual and active force that transforms oneself and others in this process. That is why communication in its content is the most difficult psychological activity of partners.

COMMUNICATION - the process of exchange between people certain results of their mental and spiritual activity: assimilated information, thoughts, judgments, assessments, feelings, experiences and attitudes.

The concept of communication is also used to characterize the specifics of interaction and communication between representatives of different ethnic communities. .

COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS - its systemic properties that determine the specificity of manifestation. Communication performs six functions: pragmatic, formation and development, confirmation, unification-separation of people, organization and maintenance of interpersonal relationships, intrapersonal.

Pragmatic function communication reflects its need-motivational reasons and is realized when people interact in the process of joint activities. At the same time, communication itself is very often the most important need.

Formation and development function reflects the ability of communication to influence partners, developing and improving them in all respects. Communicating with other people, a person assimilates common human experience, historically established social norms, values, knowledge and methods of activity, and is also formed as a person. In general, communication can be defined as a universal reality in which mental processes, states and human behavior arise, exist and manifest themselves throughout life.

Confirmation function provides people with the opportunity to know, validate and validate themselves.

The function of uniting-separating people , on the one hand, through the establishment of contacts between them, it facilitates the transfer of the necessary information to each other and adjusts them to the implementation of common goals, intentions, tasks, thereby uniting them into a single whole, and on the other hand, it can contribute to the differentiation and isolation of individuals as a result communication.

The function of organizing and maintaining interpersonal relationships serves the interests of establishing and maintaining sufficiently stable and productive ties, contacts and relationships between people in the interests of their joint activities.

Intrapersonal function communication is realized in a person's communication with himself (through internal or external speech, completed by the type of dialogue). Such communication can be seen as a universal way of human thinking.

2. Sides and essence of communication

PARTIES TO COMMUNICATION - its specific characteristics, showing its unity and diversity.

Communication usually manifests itself in the unity of its five sides: interpersonal, cognitive, communicative-informational, emotive and conative.

The interpersonal side communication reflects the interaction of a person with the immediate environment: with other people and those communities with which he is associated with his life. First of all, it is a family and a professional group that use the established cultural, historical and professional patterns of behavior. Together with these patterns of behavior, a person assimilates national-ethnic, social-age, emotional-aesthetic and other standards and stereotypes of communication.

The cognitive side communication allows you to answer questions about who the interlocutor is, what kind of person he is, what you can expect from him, and many others related to the personality of the partner. It covers not only the knowledge of another person, but also self-knowledge. As a result, in the process of communication, images-ideas about oneself and partners are formed, which regulate this process itself.

Communication and informational side communication is an exchange between people of various ideas, ideas, interests, moods, feelings, attitudes, etc. If all this is considered as information, then the communication process can be understood as the process of information exchange. But this approach to human communication is very simplified, because in the conditions of communication, information is not only transmitted, but also formed, refined, and developed.

The emotive side communication is associated with the functioning of emotions and feelings, mood in personal contacts of partners. They are manifested in the expressive movements of the subjects of communication, their actions, deeds, behavior. Through them, mutual relations emerge, which become a kind of socio-psychological background for interaction, predetermining the greater or lesser success of joint activities.

Conative (behavioral) side communication serves the purpose of reconciling internal and external contradictions in the positions of partners. It provides a governing influence on the personality in all life processes, reveals a person's desire for certain values, expresses the motivating forces of a person, regulates the relationship of partners in joint activities.

ESSENCE OF COMMUNICATION - a description of the process of human-human interaction, carried out with the help of speech and non-speech means and with the aim of achieving changes in the cognitive, motivational, emotional and behavioral spheres of persons participating in communication.

In the course of communication, its participants exchange not only their physical actions or products, the results of labor, but also thoughts, intentions, ideas, experiences, etc. Each community of people has its own means of influence, which are used in various forms of collective life. They concentrate the socio-psychological content of the way of life. All this manifests itself in customs, traditions, ceremonies, rituals, holidays, dances, songs, legends, myths, in the visual, theatrical and musical arts, in fiction, cinema, radio and television. Such peculiar mass forms of communication have a powerful potential for mutual influence of people. They serve means of education, the inclusion of a person through communication in the spiritual atmosphere of life.

3. Types of communication

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION - typological components, allowing to correctly assess its essence, content and completeness of manifestation. Communication is extremely multifaceted, it can be of various types.

Distinguish between interpersonal and mass communication. Interpersonal communication associated with direct contacts of people in groups or pairs, constant in the composition of the participants. Massive communication- this is a set of direct contacts of strangers, as well as communication mediated by various types of media.

There are also interpersonal and role-playing communication... In the first case, the participants in communication are specific individuals with specific individual qualities that are revealed in the course of communication and the organization of joint actions. In the case of role-based communication, its participants act as carriers of certain roles (buyer-seller, teacher-student, boss-subordinate). In role-based communication, a person loses a certain spontaneity of his behavior, since certain of his steps, actions are dictated by the role played. In the process of such communication, a person no longer manifests himself as an individual, but as a certain social unit that performs certain functions.

Communication can be confidential and conflict . The first is distinguished by the fact that especially significant information is transmitted during its course. Trust is an essential feature of all types of communication, without which it is impossible to carry out negotiations, resolve intimate issues. Conflict communication is characterized by mutual opposition of people, expressions of displeasure and distrust.

Communication can be personal or business. Personal communication is an exchange of unofficial information. BUT business communication- the process of interaction of people performing joint duties or involved in the same activity.

Communication can be direct and mediated . Direct (direct) communication is historically the first form of communication of people with each other. On its basis, in later periods of the development of civilization, various types of mediated communication arise. . Mediated communication is interaction with the help of additional means (letters, audio and video equipment).

In social psychology, the diversity of communication can be characterized by type. Imperative communication is an authoritarian, directive form of interaction with a communication partner in order to achieve control over his behavior, attitudes and thoughts, forcing him to take certain actions or decisions. The partner in this case is the passive side. The ultimate unveiled goal of imperative communication is to coerce a partner. Orders, prescriptions and requirements are used as means of influencing. Areas where imperative communication is used quite effectively: “chief-subordinate” relations, military charter relations, work in extreme conditions, in emergency situations. It is possible to single out those interpersonal relationships where the use of the imperative is inappropriate. This is intimate-personal and marital relations, child-parent contacts, as well as the entire system of pedagogical relations.

Manipulative communication- This is a form of interpersonal interaction in which the influence on the communication partner in order to achieve their intentions is carried out secretly. At the same time, manipulation presupposes an objective perception of the communication partner, while the hidden desire is to gain control over the behavior and thoughts of another person. In manipulative communication, the partner is perceived not as an integral unique personality, but as a carrier of certain properties and qualities “necessary” for the manipulator. However, a person who has chosen this type of relationship with others as the main one often ends up becoming a victim of his own manipulations. He also begins to perceive himself in fragments, switching to stereotypical forms of behavior, guided by false motives and goals, losing the core of his own life. Manipulation is used by dishonest people in business and other business relationships, as well as in the media when the concept of "black" and "gray" propaganda is implemented. At the same time, the possession and use of means of manipulative influence on other people in the business sphere, as a rule, ends for a person with the transfer of such skills to other spheres of relationships. Relationships built on the principles of decency, love, friendship and mutual affection are most destroyed by manipulation.

Combined together on the basis of common features, imperative and manipulative forms of communication make up different views monologue communication, because a person who considers another as an object of his influence, in fact, communicates with himself, not seeing the true interlocutor, ignoring him as a person. In turn , dialogical communication is an equal subject-subject interaction aimed at mutual knowledge, self-knowledge of communication partners. It allows you to achieve deep understanding, self-disclosure of partners, creates conditions for mutual development.

4. Communication

COMMUNICATION - a) the transfer of information (ideas, images, assessments, attitudes) from person to person, from one cultural unit to another;

b) a line or channel connecting the participants in the exchange of information;

c) interaction through which information is transmitted and received; the process of transmitting and receiving information.

In the process of communication are carried out: mutual influence of people on each other; exchange of various ideas, interests, moods, feelings.

Communication between people has a number of specific features:

* the existing relationship of two individuals, each of whom is an active subject (while their mutual informing involves the establishment of joint activities);

* the possibility of mutual influence of partners on each other through a system of signs;

* communicative influence only in the presence of a single or similar system of codification and decodification in the communicator (the person sending the information) and the recipient (the person receiving it);

* the possibility of the emergence of communication barriers (in this case, the connection that exists between communication and attitude clearly stands out).

COMMUNICATION STYLES - these are ways of interacting with other people in the process of communication. There are usually 10 such styles:

1) dominant (a strategy aimed at reducing the role of others in communication);

2) dramatic (exaggeration and emotional coloring of the content of the message);

3) controversial (aggressive or proving);

4) calming (relaxing manner of communication, aimed at reducing the anxiety of the interlocutor);

5) impressive (strategy focused on making an impression);

6) accurate (aimed at the accuracy and accuracy of the message);

7) attentive (showing interest in what others are saying);

8) inspired (frequent use of non-verbal behavior - eye contact, gestures, body movement, etc.);

9) friendly (the tendency to openly encourage others and interest in their contribution to communication);

10) open (representing the desire to fearlessly express your opinion, feelings, emotions, personal aspects of your I).

5. Non-verbal communication and

non-verbal communication

There is a varied division of functions between verbal and non-verbal means of communication: pure information is transmitted through the verbal channel, and the attitude towards a communication partner is transmitted through the verbal channel.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION - communication through gestures (sign language), facial expressions, body movements and a number of other means, excluding speech. Non-verbal communication among different peoples has its own specific characteristics. .

In psychology, four forms of non-verbal communication are distinguished: kinesics, paralinguistics, proxemics, visual communication. Each of the forms of communication uses its own sign system.

Non-Verbal Means of Communication - these are non-verbal means of communication. They are needed in order to:

a) regulate the course of the communication process, create psychological contact between partners;

b) to enrich the meanings conveyed by words, to guide the interpretation of the verbal text; express emotions and reflect the interpretation of the situation.

Non-verbal means, as a rule, cannot convey the exact meaning on their own (with the exception of some gestures). Usually they turn out to be coordinated in one way or another with each other and with verbal texts. The totality of these means can be compared with a symphony orchestra, and the word with a soloist against its background. The mismatch of certain non-verbal means significantly complicates interpersonal communication. Unlike speech, non-verbal means of communication are not fully understood by both speakers and listeners. No one can completely control all their non-verbal means.

Non-verbal communication is divided into:

· visual(kinesiku - movements of arms, legs, head, torso; direction of gaze and visual contact; eye expression; facial expression; postures, in particular, localization, changes in poses relative to the verbal text);

Visual communication- This is eye contact, the initial study of which was associated with intimate communication. However, the range of such studies has now become much wider: signs represented by eye movements are included in a wider range of communication situations.

Kinesika Is a system of means of communication, which includes gestures, facial expressions, pantomime. The kinetic system appears as a clearly perceived property of general motor skills, various parts of the body (hands - gestures; faces - facial expressions; postures - pantomime). This general motor skills of various parts of the body reflects a person's emotional responses. The inclusion of the optical-kinetic system in the communication situation gives nuances to the communication. These nuances turn out to be ambiguous when the same gestures are used in different national cultures. For example, a nod of the head among Russians and Bulgarians has exactly the opposite meaning: agreement among Russians and denial among Bulgarians. Expressive movements represent a kind of "subtext" to some text that you need to know in order to correctly reveal the meaning of what is happening. The language of movement reveals the inner content in the outer action. "This language," wrote S. L. Rubinstein, "has the most sophisticated means of speech. Our expressive movements are often metaphors. When a person proudly straightens up, trying to rise above the rest, or, on the contrary, respectfully, humiliatingly or obsequiously bows down to other people etc., he personally depicts an image that is given a figurative meaning. Expressive movement ceases to be just an organic reaction; in the process of communication, it itself becomes an action and, moreover, a social action, an essential act of influencing people. "

· Skin reactions (redness, sweating);

· reflecting distance(distance to the interlocutor, angle of rotation to him, personal space); communication aids, including physique features (gender, age) and means of their transformation (clothing, cosmetics, glasses, jewelry, tattoo, mustache, beard, cigarette, etc.); Prosemica- a special area of ​​psychology dealing with the norms of the spatial and temporal organization of communication. The space and time of the organization of the process act as a special sign system, carry a semantic load, and are components of communicative situations. So, placing partners facing each other contributes to the emergence of contact, symbolizes attention to the speaker; shouting in the back can have a negative order value. The advantage of some spatial forms of communication organization has been experimentally proven both for two communication partners and in mass audiences. In the same way, some standards developed in different cultures regarding the temporal characteristics of communication act as a kind of addition to semantically significant information.

· acoustic or sound(paralinguistic, i.e. associated with speech - intonation, volume, timbre, tone, rhythm, pitch, speech pauses and their localization in the text); Paralinguistic system- this is the vocalization system, that is, the quality of the voice, its range, tonality.

· extralinguistic, that is, not related to speech - laughter, crying, coughing, sighing, gnashing of teeth, sniffing, etc .; Paralinguistic and extralinguistic systems of signs are also "additions" to verbal communication.

· tactile-kinesthetic(physical impact - leading a blind person by the hand, contact dance, etc.; takeshika - shaking hands, slapping on the shoulder) and olfactory (pleasant and unpleasant smells of the environment; natural and artificial human smells).

Each specific culture leaves a strong imprint on non-verbal means, therefore there are no common norms for all of humanity. The non-verbal language of another country has to be learned in the same way as the verbal one.

A number of studies in the field of proxemics are associated with the study of specific sets of spatial and temporal constants of communicative situations. These isolated sets are called "chronotopes". For example, such chronotopes are described as the chronotope of a "carriage companion" and others. The specificity of the communication situation here sometimes creates unexpected effects of influence: for example, not always explainable frankness towards the first comer, if it is a "carriage companion".

6. Types of non-verbal communication

There are three main types of non-verbal means of transmitting information (or they are also called paralinguistic means of communication): phonation, kinetic and graphic.

Phonational non-verbal means include the timbre of the voice, the tempo and volume of speech, stable intonations, the peculiarities of pronouncing sounds, filling in pauses (uh, uh ...). The kinetic components of speech include gestures, postures, facial expressions. Graphic non-verbal communication tools are highlighted in written speech.

Facial expressions

A special role in the transmission of information is assigned to facial expressions - movements of the muscles of the face, which is not without reason called the mirror of the soul. The main characteristics of facial expressions are its integrity and dynamism. This means that in the mimic expression of the six basic emotional states (anger, joy, fear, suffering, surprise and contempt), all facial muscle movements are coordinated.

Psychological research has shown that all people, regardless of nationality and culture in which they grew up, interpret these mimic configurations as an expression of the corresponding emotions with sufficient accuracy and consistency. And although each mine is an expression of the configuration of the entire face, nevertheless, the eyebrows and the area around the mouth (lips) bear the main informative load. By facial expressions, we mean the movements of the muscles of the face. It should not be confused with physiognomy (the science by which the shape of the face can be used to judge the mental properties of a person).

As established by Darwin, human facial expressions are rooted in the animal world. Animals and humans have many common mimic expressions - facial expressions of fear, fear, anxiety, etc. However, humans have specific feelings and their facial expressions - a state of inspiration, admiration, sympathy, enthusiasm, etc. Many human means of expression have developed from movements, which in the animal world had an adaptive meaning. Thus, the expression of hatred in humans by raising the upper lip is phylogenetically associated with the frightening exposure of canines in an animal preparing for a fight.

Mimicry is associated with the spread of an intense excitatory process to the motor area of ​​the cerebral cortex - hence its involuntary nature. In this case, a corresponding excitation of the entire sympathetic nervous system occurs. Expressing dissatisfaction, we purse our lips and pull them forward, wrinkle our face - all these movements are performed in those cases when the reflex of rejection of unsuitable food is triggered. This indicates that many of our facial expressions are genetically linked to organic sensations.

Facial expressions are different:

Strongly mobile facial expressions . Strongly mobile facial expressions testifies to the liveliness and rapid change in the perception of impressions and internal experiences, to mild excitability from external stimuli. Such excitability can reach manic proportions.

Sedentary facial expressions. Indicates, in principle, the constancy of mental processes. It indicates a rarely changing stable mood. Such facial expressions are associated with calmness, constancy, prudence, reliability, superiority and poise. Sedentary mimic play can, with reduced activity (motor strength and temperament), also give the impression of contemplation and comfort.

Monotony and rare change of forms. If this behavior is accompanied by slowness and weak tension, then we can conclude not only about mental monotony, but also about weak impulsivity. This may be due to melancholic movement disorders, stiffness, or paralysis. This behavior is typical for extremely monotonous mental states, boredom, sadness, indifference, dullness, emotional poverty, melancholy and depressive stupor (complete stiffness) arising from an exaggerated dull dominant feeling.

Conjugated facial expressions . Most facial processes consist of many separate expressions. Statements like “he opened his mouth and opened his eyes,” “cold eyes contradict a laughing mouth,” and others indicate that analysis is possible only by observing individual expressions and on the basis of the conclusions drawn from this.

Also, facial movements are subdivided into:

1) aggressive-offensive facial expressions - anger, anger, cruelty, etc.;

2) active-defensive - disgust, contempt, hatred, etc .;

3) passive-defensive - obedience, humiliation, etc.;

4) facial expressions of orientation and research orientation;

5) facial expressions of pleasure-displeasure;

6) camouflage expressions - mimicry of concealing truth, ambiguity, dishonesty, etc.

Sight

Facial expressions are very closely related. sight, or eye contact, constituting an extremely important part of communication. When communicating, people strive for reciprocity and experience discomfort if it is absent.

One of the most important elements of facial expressions is the look. The gaze of a living being, and especially the gaze of a person, is one of the most powerful stimuli, carrying a lot of information. In the process of communication, the views of people perform a synchronizing function - the rhythm of views forms a certain channel of communication.

American psychologists R. Exline and L. Winters have established that gaze is associated with the process of forming an utterance and with the difficulty of this process. When a person is just forming a thought, he most often looks to the side ("into space"), when the thought is completely ready - at the interlocutor. But about a second before the end of a separate speech block, the speaker turns his gaze to the listener's face, as if giving a signal about the onset of his turn to speak and evaluating the impression he made. The partner who took the floor, in turn, averts his eyes, going deeper into his thoughts. The listener gives with his eyes signals of his attitude to the content of the speaker's statements - this can be approval and censure, agreement and disagreement, joy and sadness, delight and anger. The eyes express the whole gamut of human feelings. And not only the eyes themselves, but the entire area around the eye.

When it comes to difficult things, they look at the interlocutor less, when the difficulty is overcome - more. In general, the one who is currently speaking looks less at the partner - only to check his reaction and interest. The listener looks more towards the speaker and "sends" him feedback signals.

Visual contact indicates a disposition for communication. We can say that if they look at us a little, then we have every reason to believe that they treat us or what we say and do badly, and if too much, then this is either a challenge to us, or a good attitude towards us.

With the help of the eyes, the most accurate signals about the state of a person are transmitted, since the expansion or contraction of the pupils cannot be consciously controlled. With constant light, the pupils can dilate or contract depending on the mood. If a person is excited or interested in something, or is in high spirits, their pupils dilate four times against the normal state. On the contrary, an angry, gloomy mood makes the pupils constrict.

Thus, not only facial expression carries information about a person, but also his gaze.

The impression produced by the gaze depends on the lumen of the pupils, the position of the eyelids and eyebrows, the configuration of the mouth and nose, and the general outline of the face. According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall, PLO leader Yasser Arafat wears dark glasses to prevent people from watching his reactions to his dilated pupils. Scientists recently found that pupils dilate when you are interested in something. According to Hall, the Arab world has known about the reaction of the pupils for hundreds of years. The combination of these features is varied. Positive emotions increase the number of glance exchanges, negative ones reduce this number.

Thus, the analysis of all systems of non-verbal communication shows that they undoubtedly play a large auxiliary (and sometimes independent) role in the communicative process. Possessing the ability not only to strengthen or weaken the verbal impact, all non-verbal communication systems help to identify such an essential parameter of the communicative process as the intentions of its participants. Together with the verbal communication system, these systems provide the exchange of information that people need to organize joint activities.

Although the face, by all accounts, is the main source of information about a person's psychological states, in many situations it is much less informative than his body, since facial expressions are consciously controlled many times better than body movements. Under certain circumstances, when a person, for example, wants to hide his feelings or gives deliberately false information, the person becomes uninformative, and the body becomes the main source of information for the partner. Therefore, in communication, it is important to know what information can be obtained by shifting the focus of observation from a person's face to his body and movements, since gestures, postures, and style of expressive behavior contain a lot of information. Information is carried by such movements of the human body as posture, gesture, gait.

Gestures

Gestures are expressive movements of the head, arm, or hand that are made for the purpose of communication, and which may accompany thinking or a state. We distinguish between:

Indicative;

they are directed towards objects or people in order to draw attention to them.

Emphasizing (reinforcing);

Underlining gestures are used to reinforce statements. In this case, decisive importance is attached to the position of the hand.

Demonstrative; Demonstrative gestures explain the state of affairs.

Tangent gestures. With the help of tangential gestures, they want to establish social contact or receive a sign of attention from a partner. They are also used to weaken the meaning of statements.

From the information that carries gesticulation, quite a lot is known. First of all, the amount of gesture is important. No matter how different different cultures may differ, everywhere, along with an increase in a person's emotional arousal, his agitation, the intensity of gesticulation grows, as well as if one wants to achieve a more complete understanding between partners, especially if it is somehow difficult.

The specific meaning of individual gestures differs from culture to culture. However, all cultures have similar gestures, among which are:

1) communicative(gestures of greeting, goodbye, attracting attention, prohibitions, satisfactory, negative, interrogative, etc.);

2) modal, that is, expressing an assessment and attitude (gestures of approval, dissatisfaction, trust and distrust, confusion, etc.);

3) descriptive gestures that make sense only in the context of a speech utterance.

Distinguish also:

Arbitrary

Involuntary gestures.

Arbitrary gestures are movements of the head, arms or hands that are made consciously. Such movements, if performed frequently, can turn into involuntary gestures. Involuntary gestures are movements made unconsciously. They are often also referred to as reflex movements. These gestures do not need to be learned. As a rule, they are congenital (defensive reflex) or acquired.

All these types of gestures can accompany, supplement or replace any statement. The gesture accompanying the utterance is, in most cases, emphasizing and clarifying.

One of the most serious mistakes beginners can make in learning body language is trying to isolate one gesture and view it in isolation from other gestures and circumstances. For example, scratching the back of your head can mean a thousand things - dandruff, fleas, sweating, insecurity, forgetfulness, or speaking a lie - depending on what other gestures accompany this scratching, so for a correct interpretation, we must take into account the entire complex of accompanying gestures.

Like any language, body language is made up of words, sentences, and punctuation. Each gesture is like one word, and a word can have several different meanings. You can fully understand the meaning of this word only when you insert this word into a sentence along with other words. Gestures come in the form of "sentences" and accurately indicate the actual state, mood and attitude of a person. An observant person can read these non-verbal sentences and compare them with the speaker's verbal sentences.

Also, non-verbal signals can be congruent , those. corresponding to the verbal expression, and incongruent . For example, you asked the other person to express their opinion on what you just said. At the same time, he is in a pose that generally expresses a critically evaluative attitude.

Typical critical appraisal pose

The main thing here is the gesture of "propping up the cheek with the index finger", while the other finger covers the mouth and the thumb rests under the chin. The next confirmation that the listener is critical of you is that his legs are tightly crossed, and the other hand lies across the body, as if protecting him, and his head and chin are tilted (hostile). This non-verbal sentence tells you something like, "I don't like what you are saying, and I disagree with you."

If your interlocutor would answer you that he disagrees with you, then his non-verbal signals would be congruent , that is, they would correspond to his verbal statements. If he says that he really likes everything you say, he will lie, because his words and gestures will incongruent. Studies show that non-verbal cues carry 5 times more information than verbal cues, and when cues are incongruent, people rely on non-verbal information, preferring verbal information.

Pose – this is the position of the human body, typical for a given culture, an elementary unit of spatial human behavior. The total number of various stable positions that the human body can assume is about 1000. Of these, due to the cultural tradition of each nation, some positions are prohibited, while others are fixed. The pose clearly shows how a given person perceives his status in relation to the status of other persons present. Individuals with higher status assume more relaxed postures than their subordinates.

Psychologist A. Scheflen was one of the first to point out the role of human posture as one of the non-verbal means of communication. In further studies conducted by V. Schubts, it was revealed that the main semantic content of the pose is the placement of the individual's body in relation to the interlocutor. This placement indicates either closeness or a disposition to communicate.

Shown, that " closed " poses (when a person somehow tries to close the front part of the body and take as little space in space as possible; the "Napoleonic" posture - standing: arms crossed on the chest, and sitting: both hands rest on the chin, etc.) are perceived as postures of distrust, disagreement, opposition, criticism. "Open" the same postures (standing: arms open, palms up, sitting: arms outstretched, legs extended) are perceived as postures of trust, agreement, benevolence, psychological comfort.

There are clearly read postures of meditation (the pose of Rodin's thinker), postures of critical assessment (hand under the chin, index finger extended to the temple). It is known that if a person is interested in communication, he will focus on the interlocutor and lean in his direction, if not very interested, on the contrary, he will orient himself to the side, lean back. A person who wants to declare himself, "put himself", will stand straight, in a tense state, with outstretched shoulders, sometimes resting his hands on his hips; a person who does not need to emphasize his status and position will be relaxed, calm, in a free, relaxed position. Almost all people know how to “read” poses well, although, of course, not everyone understands how they do it.

clothing

Our clothes are also one of the non-verbal means of receiving information. In clothes and in the way a person would like to look, the role that he would like to play in society and his internal position is manifested. The winged expression “They meet according to their clothes ...” implies that a person, his inner essence is what his clothes are like. Clothing is a kind of convention. The explanation can be given not by the fashion, but by the direction of the style and its level.

I. Goethe in "The Years of Wanderings of Wilhelm Meister" tells how a wanderer asks a school overseer about the reasons for such a difference in the clothes of the pupils. “The answer is the following,” answered the warden, “for us this is a means to learn the character of each boy ... From our stock of fabrics and finishes, the pupils have the right to choose any color, as well as any style and cut from a limited number of them. We closely follow this choice, since any color allows us to judge the stock of feelings, and the cut - about a person's way of life ... ”.

The fact that this observation does indeed conceal certain patterns is evidenced, in particular, by the Luscher test.

The Swiss psychologist M. Luscher proposed in our time the color test, which was not only a method for studying personality, but also a whole direction in the science of color.

The essence of color tests is that the subject is asked to choose the ones he likes most from a set of multi-colored cards and rank them, and then do the same with those he dislikes. Studies have shown that color tests can reveal some personality traits.

The color red is usually preferred by physically healthy, strong people, they live for today and want to get everything they want, also today. Children who choose red from a palette of pencils are easily excitable, love noisy outdoor games. Red has long become a symbol of love and strength. And, apparently, it was no coincidence that in 1337 a decree was issued in France prohibiting commoners from wearing red clothes. This privilege was enjoyed only by kings, cardinals and senators. Crane color is usually rejected by asthenized, tired people.

Children who choose yellow are distinguished by the fact that they often go into the world of their fantasies. Growing up, they can, under certain circumstances, become dreamers "out of this world", such people do not adapt well to life. Dislike for yellow can mean unfulfilled hopes ("broken dreams"), exhaustion of the nervous system.

People who choose green are usually self-confident and persistent. They strive for security.

The preference for blue reflects a person's need for stability and order. Blue is more often chosen by phlegmatic people.

Brown is often preferred by people who are unsettled in life.

Color tests allow you to clearly record the dynamics of emotional states in a particular extreme situation.

But back to I. Goethe. “True,” the warden continues, “there is a trait in human nature that partly makes it difficult to make accurate judgments: this is the spirit of imitation, the tendency to adhere to the majority.”

Although the tendency to follow fashion is very strong in people, but by the way a person dresses, one can judge to what extent he is susceptible to mental infection, group pressure and how independent in self-esteem. Some dress as inconspicuously as possible, trying not to draw attention to themselves. Others prefer to wear bright, catchy, extravagant outfits. Still others are moderate in following fashion.

So, clothes are able to "speak" a lot about the content of the spiritual essence of people. But, of course, it is impossible to draw final conclusions about the personality only on it.

Decorations

Jewelry is an important detail in clothing.

The means to decorate yourself include the following: tattoos, coloring and tattooing, hairstyle, perfumery, manicure, makeup, accessories.

With the help of adornments, social status, willingness to make contact, aggressiveness, adaptability, adventurous nature, and personal characteristics are displayed. Decorations in the form of cosmetics, wigs and perfume products serve in most cases as additional outfits.

Prestigious jewelry . Such jewelry is often evidence of claims to possessing a certain prestige. Thus, you can demonstrate to your surroundings what you are by rubbing your nose and putting it in place.

Membership badge of a particular organization . Anyone who does not hide their belonging to a particular group of people wears a membership badge. For such a person, the membership badge is a kind of evidence of prestige, with the help of which he expresses his affiliation with a certain group... At the same time, membership badges made of various metals give an idea of ​​the social scale of ranks within the association.

Cross. Due to its design (horizontally - height, vertically - stability, and right angle - fixedness), the cross expresses precisely these properties. Due to the religious sense of security, it gives a sense of a certain security. Moreover, the choice of this decoration is driven not by the actually demonstrated behavior, but by the need.

Leather bracelets . Such decoration is worn even in the absence of direct necessity (for athletes). It should express an emphatically strong nature and serve as a decorative wrist strap.

Pieces of fur and other trophies. If they are worn on the wrist or around the neck, then they signal endurance, and judging by them, you can determine the winner.

Fur and tinsel. They make a femininely soft impression. The direct contact of the fur with the skin indicates a desire to experience gentle handling.

Small and fine jewelry. They express that their owner feels like a small and weak person who needs participation and careful handling. Anyone who wears small and dainty jewelry would like to appear as a kind and sincere person.

Large jewelry . They are usually conspicuous and express a desire to gain recognition of their social status. “I am more than you, I have more than you, I surpass you” - such is the meaning of such decorations.

Gait a person, that is, a style of movement, according to which it is quite easy to recognize his emotional state. Thus, in the studies of psychologists, the subjects with great accuracy recognized by the gait such emotions as anger, suffering, pride, and happiness. Moreover, it turned out that the heaviest gait with anger, the lightest - with joy, sluggish, depressed gait - with suffering, the longest stride - with pride.

Attempts to find a connection between gait and personality quality are more complicated. Conclusions about what gait can express are made on the basis of a comparison of the physical characteristics of gait and personality traits identified by tests.

7. Prosodic and extralinguistic means

Prosodic and extralinguistic means of communication are associated with voice, the characteristics of which create the image of a person, contribute to the recognition of his states, the identification of mental individuality.

Prosody is the general name for such rhythmic and intonational sides. speeches, such as pitch, volume of voice tone, timbre of voice, strength of stress.

The extra-linguistic system is the inclusion of pauses in speech, as well as various kinds psychophysical manifestations person: crying, coughing, laughing, inhaling, etc.

Prosodic and extralinguistic means regulate the flow of speech, save linguistic means of communication, they supplement, replace and anticipate speech utterances, express emotional states.

Enthusiasm, joy and distrust are usually conveyed in a high-pitched voice, anger and fear in a rather high-pitched voice, but in a wider range of tonality, strength and pitch of sounds. Grief, sadness, fatigue are usually conveyed in a soft and muffled voice, with a decrease in intonation towards the end of the phrase.

Speech speed also reflects feelings: fast speech - excitement or concern; Slow speech indicates depression, grief, arrogance, or fatigue.

So, you need to be able not only to listen, but also hear the intonation structure of speech, to evaluate the strength and tone of voice, the speed of speech, which practically allow us to express our feelings, thoughts, volitional aspirations not only along with the word, but also in addition to it, and sometimes in spite of it. Moreover, a well-trained person can determine by voice what movement is made at the moment of pronouncing a particular phrase, and vice versa, observing the gestures during speech, you can determine what voice the person is speaking with. Therefore, do not forget that sometimes gestures and movements can contradict what the voice says. Therefore, it is necessary to control this process and synchronize it.

8. Tactical means of communication

The taxic means of communication include dynamic touch in the form of a handshake, patting, kissing. Dynamic touch has been proven to be a biologically necessary form of stimulation, not just sentimental detail. human communication... A person's use of dynamic touch in communication is determined by many factors. Among them, the status of a partner, age, gender, and the degree of their acquaintance are especially powerful. Handshake, for example, they are divided into three types: dominant (hand on top, palm turned down), submissive (hand below, palm turned up) and equal.

Such a tactical element as pat on the shoulder, possible on condition of close relationships, equality of social status of the communicators.

To a greater extent than other non-verbal means, the tactical means of communication perform in communication the functions of an indicator of status-role relations, a symbol of the degree of intimacy of the communicators. Inadequate use of taxicum by a person can lead to conflicts in communication.

9. Prosemic agents

Communication is always spatially organized. One of the first to study the spatial structure of communication was the American anthropologist E. Hall, who introduced the very term "proxemics", the literal translation of which means "proximity". Proxemic characteristics include orientation partners at the time of communication and distance between them. The proxemic characteristics of communication are directly influenced by cultural and national factors.

E. Hall described the norms of approaching a person to a person - the distance characteristic of North American culture. These norms are defined by four distances:

· Intimate distance (from 0 to 45 cm) - communication of the closest people;

· Personal (from 45 to 120 cm) - communication with familiar people;

· Social (from 120 to 400 cm) - preferably when communicating with strangers and during official communication;

· Public (from 400 to 750 cm) - when performing in front of various audiences.

Violation of the optimal communication distance is perceived negatively.

Orientation and angle of communication- proxemic components of the non-verbal system. Orientation, expressed in turning the body and toe towards or away from the partner, signals the direction of thoughts.

If communication is competitive or defensive, then people sit opposite; in an ordinary friendly conversation - take a corner position; in cooperative behavior - take a position business interaction on one side of the table; an independent position is expressed in a diagonal position.

It should be noted that the non-verbal behavior of a person is multifunctional, it is:

· Creates an image of a communication partner;

· Expresses the relationship of communication partners, forms these relationships;

· Is an indicator of the actual mental states of the individual;

· Acts as a clarification, change in the understanding of the verbal message, enhances the emotional richness of what was said;

· Maintains an optimal level of psychological closeness between communicating;

· Acts as an indicator of status-role relations.

Optical-kinetic means organize dynamic psychophysical actions.

Gesture - this is a movement that conveys the mental state of a person who is talking or thinking to himself.

Mimicry - it is a dynamic facial expression at a particular moment of communication.

Pantomime- This is a dynamic state of the pose at a particular moment of communication.

The fusion of verbal and optical-kinetic actions forms the process of influence of one subject of communication on another and vice versa. But this effect is effective only if mechanisms of mutual understanding are included in its tissue.

Conclusion

As soon as they did not name a person: and homo sapiens (a reasonable person), and homo fuber (a person who produces), and homo habilis (a skilled person), and homo ludens (a person who plays). It seems that with no less reason it can be called homo communicans - a communicating person. Russian thinker Pyotr Chaadaev (1794 - 1856) wittily remarked: "Deprived of communication with other creatures, we would nibble the grass, and not reflect on our nature." And he was right, because the natural way of a person's existence is his connection with other people, and a person himself becomes a person only in communication.

Summing up, it should be noted that communication is a form of activity carried out between people as equal partners and leading to the emergence of mental contact.

The communication process itself is understood as a process of information exchange, that is, during joint activities, people exchange different ideas and interests, moods, feelings among themselves.

Scientific research in the field of linguistics has shown that there is a direct relationship between social status, power, prestige of a person and his vocabulary. In other words, the higher a person's social or professional position, the better their ability to communicate in words and phrases. Research in the field of non-verbal communication has found a relationship between a person's eloquence and the degree of gesture a person uses to convey the meaning of their messages. This means that there is a direct relationship between a person's social position, his prestige and the number of gestures and body movements that he uses. A person at the top of the social ladder or professional career can use the wealth of his vocabulary in the process of communication, at the same time as less educated or less professional person will rely more on gestures rather than words to communicate.

Thus, from all of the above, we can conclude that non-verbal means of communication are no less important in the communication process than verbal ones and carry a huge amount of information. Since psychologists have established that in the process of human interaction, from 60 to 80% of communication is carried out through non-verbal means of expression, and only 20-40% of information is transmitted using verbal means.

A feature of body language is that its manifestation is due to the impulses of our subconscious, and the lack of the ability to fake these impulses allows us to trust this language more than the usual speech channel of communication. The less educated a person is, the more often he resorts to poorly controlled gestures and speech blockages. It's almost impossible to counterfeit sign language.

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They teach to express their thoughts with the help of words, at school they teach writing, reading and writing. But speech and text are not the only ways for us to convey information. The very first, natural and simple way of expressing thoughts in our life is through gestures and body language. Throughout our lives, we successfully combine these two modes of communication: verbal and non-verbal communication.

What is verbal communication

Verbal communication involves the presentation of information using words, which is divided into oral presentation and written speech. Each of them, in turn, has subspecies. Speaking includes:

1. Dialogue (exchange of information between one or more people). It includes:
   • conversation - the exchange of information in the process of just natural communication;
   • interview - a dialogue process in order to obtain certain professional information;
   • dispute - verbal exchange of information in order to clarify the situation, discuss the conflict;
   • debate - reasoning in front of an audience in order to obtain a unified position on a particular difficult situation;
   • controversy - a dispute using different scientific opinions.
2. A monologue is a continuous performance by one person. It includes:
   • report - information prepared in advance based on journalistic and scientific materials;
   • lecture - comprehensive coverage of a specific problem by a specialist;
   • presentation - a small presentation of pre-prepared information on a specific topic
   • message - a small analytical summary containing factual information.

Written verbal speech is divided into:

• Instantaneous (transfer of text information immediately after writing with a subsequent prompt reply).
• Delayed (response information is received after a significant period of time or does not come at all).

Its useful to note! A tactile form of communication can be distinguished into a special category of verbal communication. This communication is typical for people with hearing or vision impairments. At the time of transmission of information, they use the "manual alphabet".

Both verbal and non-verbal communication is studied, which makes it possible to correctly assess communication with the help of species categories. As a result of many years of research, there are generally accepted ways of interpreting certain forms of information transfer.

Non-verbal communication also has a number of its own types of communication. These include:

• kinesics - a set of body movements (gestures, postures, facial expressions, looks);
• tactile actions - ways of touching the interlocutor;
• sensing - the perception of the interlocutor from the point of view of the senses (smells, tastes, color combinations, thermal sensations);
• proxemics - communication taking into account the comfort zone (intimate, personal, social or public);
• chronology - the use of temporal categories in communication;
• paraverbal communication - the transmission of certain rhythms during communication (the rhythm of the voice, intonation).

Features of verbal communication

The verbal way of communication is characteristic exclusively of human culture. Only humans can express their thoughts through words. This is precisely the main distinguishing feature of this relationship. In addition to her, you can highlight:

1. variety of styles (business, conversational, scientific, artistic and others);
2. exclusivity (words can describe any sign system);
3. the ability to tell about a person (culture, level of knowledge, upbringing, character);
4. fixing expressions, phrases for certain cultures, social groups(fascism, communism, nihilism, democracy);
5. necessity for realization in life (lack of verbal communication skills can become an insurmountable obstacle in personal and professional growth).

Features of non-verbal communication

The main feature of non-verbal communication is the difficulty of controlling one's own movements of the body, hands, facial expressions and other important elements of such communication. Other features of non-verbal communication include:

• duality of signals (there are signs of the body, facial movements that are accepted all over the world, others will differ, depending on the culture of the population);
• truthfulness (it is impossible to completely hide all the signals that reflect real emotions);
• creating a strong relationship between interlocutors (a general picture helps people to collect a complete picture of a person, to form their attitude towards him);
• strengthening the meaning of words in verbal communication;
• the ability to explain the formed thought before the appearance of suitable verbal descriptions.

How verbal and non-verbal communication helps in everyday life

Verbal and non-verbal interaction are integral parts of each other. Only the combination of these forms of communication gives us a complete picture of the information received. To effectively interact with others, you need to have skills in both of these areas.

Verbal and non-verbal communication briefly give an impression of a person a few minutes after the start of communication. The level of proficiency in oral and written speech will tell about the culture and level of intelligence of the individual. Gestures and facial expressions will let you know about the emotional state and attitude to the situation.

Not good enough to perform in public. The speaker must have the skills to influence the public. There are certain speech-building techniques that can interest the audience. But words alone are not enough. The speaker should be able to keep himself in public, make certain gestures, perform movements that attract attention, lure with intonations of his voice.

Verbal and non-verbal means of business communication are inherent knowledge of the top management of any company. In many countries, not only company directors, but also ordinary managers need to know how a person behaves at the moment of ordinary communication, at an interview and when making important decisions.

With the help of gestures during a conversation, a person can try to explain things that are difficult to reproduce in words. The interlocutor most often perfectly understands what they wanted to convey to him. Trying to talk to foreigners without having a sufficient amount of vocabulary, people actively gesticulate when communicating. In mathematical classes, explaining a function, the lecturer can accompany words with a pattern in the air, for him it is a way to visualize words, for the audience it is a little help in understanding.

Finally

Man resorts daily to different forms and communication methods. This is our natural need. Verbal and non-verbal communication means briefly make it possible to form a definite opinion about the interlocutor, speaker or opponent from the very first minutes of communication. It is impossible to single out any one, the most important way of transmitting information. Both forms of communication are informative and fully complement each other.