The main difference between non-verbal communication and body language is that non-verbal communication is a broader term that encompasses a range of methods for communicating without words, while body language is a specific type of nonverbal communication that involves the use of physical movements and expressions.
Communication is the exchanging of information by speaking or using some other medium. Although most of us associate communication with speaking, there are forms of communication. Non-verbal communication is a form of communication that does not involve words.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Non-Verbal Communication
– Definition, Features
2. What is Body Language
– Definition, Features, Uses
3. Difference Between Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Non-Verbal Communication, Body Language
What is Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is a broad term that refers to the use of means other than words to communicate. It includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and body language, as well as vocal cues such as tone of voice, pitch, and volume. Nonverbal communication can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions, and it plays a significant role in social interactions and relationships. Nonverbal communication can also be used to reinforce or contradict verbal messages, and it can have a powerful impact on how others perceive and respond to a person.
For successful non-verbal communication, there are skills a person should develop. These skills can be divided into four categories as attention, picking up non-verbal cues, understanding non-verbal cues, and using non-verbal cues.
What is Body Language
Body language is a type of nonverbal communication. In body language, feelings and intentions are consciously or unconsciously expressed by physical behavior such as gestures, body posture, eye movement, and facial expressions. Facial expressions are an important aspect when expressing emotions through the body. The movements of the eye, eyebrows, lips, and cheeks help to determine the different moods of the person. Body postures and gestures also help us in this. For example, the raising of eyebrows indicates surprise or disbelief, whereas shrugging of shoulders indicates indifference. The importance of body language lies in the fact that it can reveal a person’s thoughts and emotions, and it can also influence how others perceive and respond to a person.
In fact, research has shown that body language can have a significant impact on social interactions and communication. It can be used to convey meaning and facilitate understanding in both verbal and nonverbal exchanges. But the interpretation of body language is different across different countries and cultures. For example, making direct eye contact may be rude in some countries, but in some other countries, direct eye contact may act as a feature of honesty and sincerity.
Difference Between Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language
Definition
Non-verbal communication is a broad term that refers to the use of means other than words to communicate, while body language is a specific type of nonverbal communication that involves the use of physical movements and expressions.
Includes
Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and body language, as well as vocal cues such as tone of voice, pitch, and volume, whereas body language includes conscious or unconscious physical behavior such as gestures, body posture, eye movement, and facial expressions, but not vocal cues.
Conclusion
The main difference between non-verbal communication and body language is that non-verbal communication is a broader term that encompasses a range of methods for communicating without words, while body language is a specific type of nonverbal communication that involves the use of physical movements and expressions.
Reference:
1. “Nonverbal Communication.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Universal facial expressions” By Lumen – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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