Body Language
Body movements have symbolic meanings in the process of non verbal communication, and most of the movements are culture specific. As per the classification system developed by Ekman and Friesen, there are five types of body movements which are functional in the communication process (P. Ekman and W. Friesen, 1969).The five classification systems are: 1.Direct verbal translation is possible through the display of certain “emblems”, 2.In non verbal communication “Illustrators” are used for reinforcing the verbal communication. These non verbal cues are linked with words, 3.Affective or emotional state is revealed by the body movements known as “Affect displays”. The non verbal expression of feelings through facial cues is an example of affect display. It is not necessary that affect displays are always symbolic, but it can also be emotional expressions, 4. The interaction process can be regulated by the use of non verbal cues known as “regulators”. For example, during conversation, eye behavior and head nodding are used as regulators, 5.There are certain movements which are helpful in satisfying the personal needs while an individual is getting adapted to the environment. These movements are known as “Adaptors”. The process of non verbal communications is carried out through wordless messages communicated through body language, posture, gesture, facial expression, and eye contact there can be several non verbal communication modes. The most important amongst them is the concept of face to face interaction. (Nonverbal Communication).
The body movements and culture specific gestures are indicators of personal feelings and social attitudes. To understand the meanings of the ideas and messages conveyed by such non verbal communications, a leader or manager in an organization must be capable of analyzing the involved socio psychological factors, accurately.
BODY LANGUAGE
Communication may be both in verbal and nonverbal forms. The verbal communication is made through the use of language and is the most direct and easiest form of communication. Nonverbal communication on the other hand is basically the wordless process of communication. It uses gestures, facial expression, eye contact and even clothing, architecture, symbolism and so on (Wagner). Here the cultural issue is mainly language as well as general work habits and practices brought out during verbal communication.
People tend to believe action more than words. Non verbal communications are based on actions. As per the views of G W Porter; non verbal communication can be divided into four categories such as physical, aesthetic, signs, and symbolic. In the physical category of non verbal communication, the included factors are the facial expressions, tone of voice, senses of touch and smell.
