Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal contact includes the use of facial expressions, gestures, body language and posture, as well as the actual physical space between people that communicate. According to (Bevan & Sole, 2014), one of the most important functions of non-verbal communication includes regulating the flow of experiences. Individuals appear to rely heavily on non-verbal ways to manage their discourse. Mainly, the pitch is used to inform others of the purpose of the conversation. It may also be used to signal the conclusion or start of a talk session. Furthermore, non-verbal expressions such as hand gestures and eye contact can efficiently suggest that it is someone else's turn to speak hence limiting unnecessary interruptions (Hargie, 2011). Furthermore, a broad range of nonverbal cues and signals can be employed to extend the length of speech without verbal communication (Guerrero & Floyd, 2006).
Non-verbal Communication in a Classroom Setting
One of the most relevant hypothetical approaches showing the significance of non-verbal communication is the classroom setting (Comadena, Hunt, & Simonds, 2007). A teacher speaking to students may use a broad range of body expressions and pitch to direct the conversation. For example, the introduction may involve a high pitch while the ending of the class is marked by a low pitch. Other gestures may also be applied to shift from one speaker to another without verbal communication. An example is pointing at a student to respond to a question or pausing and through eye contact, create a chance for students to ask questions or contribute.
References
Bevan, J. L., & Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication. Bridgepoint Education.
Comadena, M. E., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, C. J. (2007). The Effects of Teacher Clarity, Nonverbal Immediacy, and Caring on Student Motivation, Affective and Cognitive Learning. Communication Research Reports.
Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2006). Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationships. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Hargie, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice, 5th ed. London: Routledge.
Mann, S., Vrij, A., Leal, S., Granhag, P., & Warmelink, L. (2012). Dave Forester Windows to the Soul? Deliberate Eye Contact as a Cue to Deceit. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 36 (3), 205-215.
