Verbal Communication: Nonverbal Interpersonal Communication In The Workplace

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Workplace Nonverbal Interpersonal Communication Nonverbal interpersonal communication in the workplace is an essential role in the communication process. Nonverbal communication defined by Iosim, Vuici, Popescu, and Marin (2017), as representing a message, that is not expressed in words, but which can be decoded and can have a meaning. Though nonverbal communication is like verbal communication because of its symbolic characteristics, rule-guided tendencies, intentional and unintentional qualities, and that it reflects cultural background, it is different than verbal communication in a few ways. Nonverbal communication is perceived believable, it’s multichannel and it’s continuous. A teacher at South San Antonio Independent School District …show more content…

My coworker will sometimes greet me with a hug and very seldom with handshakes. When I complement her on her success at the SKILLSUSA competition, she smiles, gives me a tight hug, and then says thank you. Other ways we use haptics is by giving hi-fives for an achievement. This demonstrates the kinesics communication with the smile and haptics communication with the embrace and hi-five. The haptics communication characteristics could also be a part of her culture values. My coworker is Mexican and their tradition is to greet with a hug and kiss. Furthermore, women tend to engage in touching more than men. Touching is perceived differently by culture and is continued in the work life of many people, regardless of gender or culture. Touch should also be used with caution because of the different cultural values. According to Phutela (2015), any actual touching can convey attraction or a level of intimacy, e.g., shaking hands, patting the back, hugging, pushing, or other kinds of …show more content…

Hall (as cited by Wood (2015), describes proxemics as space and how we use it. According to Gupta (2013), personal space refers to the space an individual maintains around himself or herself, while territory is a larger area an individual control, which can provide privacy (for example, an office or a specific chair in the conference room). Personal space is valued by many in America. When personal space is invaded it must be with an invite from the person with who the space is being invaded. My coworker and I have such great rapport, that we can go beyond the norms of proxemics and personal space. For an example, standing next to each other in a meeting may be uncomfortable to someone if they’re shoulders are touching. My coworker and I would both be comfortable if we were standing shoulder to shoulder during a meeting. Invading someone space is not always viewed as disrespectful or uncomfortable. For an example, sometimes in meetings, my coworker leans over to whisper in my ear. This would probably be ok with someone else as this is viewed as protocol for the speaker, versus speaking out

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