Nonverbal Communication

Non-verbal communication involves the use of body language and voice to convey meaning, attitudes and emotions. It varies depending on personality, culture, gender, age and context and may often lead to communication challenges and sometimes communication breakdowns. It is worthwhile to understand and use non-verbal signals which are common in Canada during conversation.

The following video contains an extensive list of demonstrated gestures and body language used in North America along with their meanings. Please watch the video. You may have to watch it more than once.

What do you think of the rate of speech? Now that you watched the video again, please complete the quiz below to test your knowledge.

Post your thoughts on nonverbal communication in the reply box below. Have you experienced any misunderstandings or communication breakdowns because of it?

 

 

Degree of Formality

I really enjoyed reading your introductions. I am also pleased to see that you are finding the online exchanges useful for your learning.

Our current topic is degree of formality. Using the appropriate degree of formality is not only important in writing, but also in speaking and interaction with coworkers to help build relationships. Open NorQuest College’s Language Study Tables. Select “Table 6: Relating to Others” and watch the video clip. After watching, post your thoughts on the following questions:

  1. Is it “normal” for the boss to talk with his subordinate (follower) in such a casual way at work in your first culture? In what situations is it ok and not ok to be so casual?
  2. What are some other common small talk discussion topics? Listen to people in the grocery store, in the lunch room at work and before or after meetings. What topics do they discuss?

Source: Centre for Excellence in Intercultural Education, NorQuest College

Communication

Photo: Colourbox.com

 

Welcome to our class blog!

Just like a classroom setting, we’ll use this first posting to get to know each other. Please introduce yourself briefly, indicate whether this is your first blog posting, and what you hope to gain through this experience. Feel free to repond to your classmates’ postings.

 hand and pda on table at meetingWirawat Lian-udom via Compfight

Next, please complete the following poll. This needs assessment helps me decide which types of activities to include during our course. Thanks!

William