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Non-verbal Dimensions of Communication in Groups
In the conversation below, I am advising a friend who is participating in a group. In the group, a friend is required to participate actively in problem-solving and decision-making. Our conversation is geared towards advising him on the dos and don’ts that apply to nonverbal communication. I advise on how to behave in a group, in regard to non-verbal communication, which would be beneficial to the problem-solving and decision-making in the group. My friend is called Dennis.
Me: Hi Dennis. Let me give you some tips on the dos and don’ts that apply to non-verbal communication. First. It is advisable that you listen actively and attentively.
Dennis: why?
Me: For your contribution to be beneficial to the group, you have to listen attentively to the contributions of the other members. Galenes and Katherine (33) advise that to help in a group, one has to be an active listener. Goo listeners are able to interpret non-verbal behavior, and understand the content being delivered. In this case, I advise that you listen more than you talk in the group. After filling your ears, you will have a lot of substance to communicate to the other members.
Dennis: Perfect. Continue, please…
Me: Manage your physical appearance. Make sure you wear decently, as per occasion.
Dennis: Does that have to affect my contribution?
Me: So much. According to Galenes and Katherine (41), people tend to associate some attributes such as likeability and intelligence to the physical appearance and the presentability of a person. Good physical grooming is essential to making an impact while participating in a group. Although appearance may be influenced by cultural perceptions, most cultures respect an opinion from a well groomed person.
Dennis: Is that so?
Me: Yes. Thirdly, it is advisable you maintain eye contact with your audience. According to Galenes and Katherine (44), the lack of eye contact by a speaker depicts nervousness and rudeness. A time for suggesting solutions to a problem or measures for decision making is a time when all members are anxious in the group. You need to assure them of what you say by maintaining eye contact. This is also accompanied by facial expressions that reinforce what you say?
Dennis: Perfect. Much of the dos, what are some of the don’ts?
Me: Do not adopt body movements that signal impatience, frustration or annoyance. Such behaviors include twitching the eye, swinging a foot and drumming fingers (Galenes and Katherine 45). Such movements will depict you as not being open or accepting to the other group members and their opinions. Read their culture expectations to enable you manage your gestures in a manner that has a positive impact. In addition, do not sit away from the other members. Rather, adopt a sitting position where you are able to see most of the members. A round table arrangement is advisable.
Dennis: Good advice there. I am loving this.
Me: Sure. Lastly, do not go to the meeting late. Do not leave before the others. Do not use more than your allocated time. In short, observe the time and respect other people’s time. Galenes and Katherine (47) argue that failure to observe the time depicts one as an inconsiderate and undisciplined person. It is, therefore, essential that you observe time in order to manage the perception that the other people have towards you. When they respect you, they will take your opinion seriously.
Dennis: Thanks a lot. I believe I am armed enough.
Me: You are welcome. I will you all the best.
Work Cited
Galenes, Gloria and Katherine Adams. Effective group discussion: Theory and Practice. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill Education, 2012. Print.