The aspect of nonverbal communication plays a significant part in the field of social and interpersonal relationship. Using this aspect, people can effectively relate and express their personal opinion, critical information, and ideas towards social issues, activities and others. Indeed, with the proper use of nonverbal communication, one can effectively build harmonious relationship, which is beneficial to the collective social development.
The manifestation and interpretation of the nonverbal aspect of communication is unique to the society similar to the cultural diversity of social groupings. What is true to the other region may be not to the general thus, it is important to understand the differences in the general society to avoid causing confusion, disagreement and misunderstanding. Knowing the fundamental characteristics and functions of nonverbal characteristics of each respective society is important in effectively bridging cultural and social barriers in the global community. Considering this aspect, understanding and applying the cultural differences influencing the field of nonverbal communication is indeed relevant even in causal and interpersonal conversation.
In expressing fundamental opinion, ideals and even emotions, knowing the cultural background and characteristics of the audience is important in creating the proper approach for better understanding. On this aspect, this paper will consider the significant nonverbal communication elements, which would contradict or enhance the verbal message of certain discussion topics. On this view, the factor of the speaker and audience will be considered likewise the cultural and perceptual background of the two sides as these are both important in understanding the communication approach. Understanding the cultural background is important in the use of nonverbal communication. As an example, consider the use the nonverbal communication in an interaction between an American and Japanese individual of opposing gender. Naturally, there are significant differences in the perception and interpretation of the two based on their cultural background and gender group.
For example, in expressing compliment or encouraging the audience for a good job, gesture of handshake and a smile appears are considered appropriate however, touching aside from hands such as tapping in the shoulder or arm should be avoided. In expressing interest in knowing a person, introducing the speaker’s name first and offering of handshake are consider acceptable however, asking for the other’s name first is not. Offering gifts or token of appreciation and gratitude are also considered acceptable nonverbal expression of for this interest. On the topic of disagreement such as being offended by the other’s comment, expressing fear, embarrassment, desire to be alone, and rejection, gesturing for a stop with an open palm without contact while shaking the head is effective enough however, physical contact with a trace of violent force is generally wrong. In expressing fear and insecurity such as feeling left out or failing, crossing the arms on the front effectively denotes feelings of fear and the need for security however, panicking such as restlessness of the head, eye, are considered weird behaviors.
In expressing confusion over something, displaying a puzzling look with the eyes, forehead, and eyebrow while pointing at the subject is effective in relating the said idea. In expressing positive emotions such as friendship, affection, and love interest, smiling and offering handshakes, giving off gifts and other token are possible approach however, aggressive actions and excessive touch are considered offensive. Indeed, the acceptable and unacceptable grounds for the nonverbal expression of different ideas and emotions must be critically observed for the effectiveness of the communication. The nonverbal communication aspect is considered important in enhancing the communication approach for establishing social relationship and bridging cultural gap. However, in the use of this aspect, it is important to consider the cultural characteristics of the audience of the conversation to learn the proper and effective approach of using nonverbal elements. This will also negate causing disagreement and confusion in the conversation thus, highlighting the effective transfer of idea between the speaker and the audience.
In general, nonverbal communication is innate in the cultural aspect of each society thus, it is important to consider this element in developing actual conversation for the effective transfer of idea, emotion, and information.
