NON-VERBAL SKILLS/PARA-LINGUISTIC TECHNIQUES/

EXTRA-LINGUISTIC FEATURES

Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

a) Understand what nonverbal skills entail.

b) Use the different nonverbal cues correctly in communication.

c) Answer any question on the topic correctly.

Introduction.

People use a variety of communication methods. The most prevalent is speaking, which is the use of words (verbal) to communicate one's views. It is also vital to realise that humans communicate through body language rather than words. This is referred to as the usage of nonverbal communication abilities.

Nonverbal cues are indications or signs that are used to support or strengthen the points, ideas, or concepts that are being conveyed verbally or orally during any type of presentation.

Nonverbal cues that are commonly used include:

a. facial expressions;

b. eye contact;

c. gestures; and

d. body language.

e. dramatization;

f. mimicry.

1.Facial Expression

It refers to making facial expressions or signs. The human face is highly expressive and can convey a wide range of emotions. People can, for example, demonstrate:
A delighted or happy expression on happiness or joy
To express sadness, you can frown or make a sad face.
Wearing a surprised expression to express surprise
To express sadness, make a sad face.
Wear a confident expression to demonstrate courage and confidence.
To express fear or fright, make a scared face.
Wear a worried expression to show your concern.
A smile or grin can convey happiness or joy.
A grimace indicates a strong dislike.
A scowl indicates that you are irritated by something or someone.

In contrast, a lack of expression indicates boredom or a lack of interest in what is going on. Facial expression is used as a nonverbal cue to strengthen or reinforce the point made verbally. The exam questions that assess students' performance;

For example,

How will you say this line from a poem or sentence from a narrative? If the students realize they will use facial expressions, they should phrase it as follows:

"I would use appropriate facial expressions, saying the words, "I am in pain," while wearing a grimace on my face."

Facial expressions written without a contextualized illustration will not be graded well in the exams.

2.Eye Contact.

It is an important aspect of nonverbal communication. Looking at someone can convey feelings of affection, hatred, attraction, hostility, shyness, anxiety, or nervousness. When speaking to someone, it is important to face them; this allows the speaker to stress or emphasize their point while also allowing the listener to better understand the message.

For instance

Consistent eye contact is interpreted as an indication that the person is telling the truth.

During a conversation, looking away or avoiding eye contact may indicate that you are not interested or are not convinced by what the speaker is saying.

Avoiding eye contact can also indicate deception or shyness.

3.Gestures

Gesture is the use of one's hands to emphasize a point that is being communicated orally. It is one of the most common nonverbal cues used in conjunction with verbal communication. Among the gestures are:
Using the index finger to point at someone or something
Waving to someone
Hands are stretched
Hands in the air curved hands
Fingers folded
Twisting the wrist Clapping
When used appropriately, gestures as a nonverbal cue help to reinforce the point being made orally and also aid in the creation of a mental picture that helps the listener understand what is being said deeply and effectively.

4.Body Movement

Except for the hands, body movement entails moving any part of the body. Jumping, lifting legs, bending, enlarging the stomach, twisting one's body, swinging legs, sitting, dancing, nodding, shaking the head, and so on are all examples. When used correctly, it strengthens or reinforces the point made orally.

5.Dramatization

During a presentation, dramatization refers to acting out scenes or demonstrating episodes or instances. Jumping, moving from one corner to another, dancing, running, and demonstrating how things happened, were happening, or are happening are all part of it. When used correctly, it strengthens the point or message conveyed orally.

6.Mimicry

Mimicry encompasses all forms of imitation. For example, one can imitate how people or animals behave, act, or say things. When used properly, it helps to reinforce the message or point being made orally.

To summarize, all of the above nonverbal cues help to strengthen what is said orally. It is also important to note that for nonverbal cues to be effective, they must be used appropriately to match what is being said.