Communication is the sphere of human existence, without which the existence of human society is unthinkable. Communication is not only speech, oral or written. The communication process consists of three interconnected parties.
Firstly, the transfer of information is the communicative side.
Secondly, this is the perception of information by the interlocutor - the perceptual side.
Thirdly, this interaction with a communication partner is an interactive side.
The effectiveness of business communication is achieved using verbal (verbal) and non-verbal means of communication.
Non - verbal means of communication help the speaker to convey, and the hearer to understand the full meaning of the transmitted information. An important component of business communication is the ability to perceive non-verbal means of communication. The interlocutor’s gestures, his facial expressions and posture demonstrate not only the meaning of the information, but also the partner’s attitude to the subject under discussion.
Non-verbal means of communication complement speech information. The classification of non-verbal means of communication in a general way looks like this:
a) the optical-kinesthetic system includes movements with which a person accompanies speech or perceives with the interlocutor: facial expressions, gestures, posture during conversation, spatial position (movement);
b) the paralinguistic system (or near speech) includes the means by which the interlocutor allocates his speech message: voice timbre, tonality, volume, logical accents, intonation.
c) the extralinguistic system includes non-verbal means of communication that emphasize the emotional state of the speaker: the pace of speech, laughter, dance, sighs, screaming and others.
d) the visual system includes communication at the level of views of the interlocutors.
e) spatial system: place and time of communication, interpersonal space.
f) the contact system includes hugs, handshakes, kisses, pats, shocks and other objective, tactile actions.
g) olfactory system - the use of odors.
Non-verbal means of communication are innate and acquired. Many gestures, poses, facial movements are interpreted in different cultures in their own way. Knowing how foreign interlocutors can present information in non-verbal ways will help increase the efficiency of business negotiations.
A special study of non-verbal means of communication can take a lot of time. However, there are generally accepted meanings of some of the most commonly used poses and gestures. Manifestations of positive emotions and moods of the interlocutor, we catch immediately, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the negative.
Crossing arms on the chest expresses either a defensive position or lack of interest in the conversation. On the contrary, the openness of the body, the inclination towards the interlocutor means trust and interest in communication.
If the interlocutor begins to straighten clothes, pull hair, rub his hands, then most likely he is worried, unsure, afraid. Rubbing the ear - unsure, can not make a decision. Touching a face means nervousness, dishonesty.
The desire to end the conversation, impatience manifests itself in the swaying of the foot, tapping it on the floor. Tapping the table with a pen is a desire to interrupt the interlocutor's speech.
Swinging on a chair expresses insecurity, uncomfortability. A relaxed posture on a chair (sitting lounging) can mean laziness or arrogance.
A shrug - disbelief in what was said. Nods his head - expresses consent, disagreement.
Gestures in communication play a big role. Sometimes even an inconspicuous gesture can say a lot about the person you are talking to. So, for example, with pointing gestures, the partner draws attention to the person or object. Emphasizing gestures reinforce the statement, demonstrative - clarify the situation. Tangent gestures help to establish contact, attract attention.