There is a general phrase that states: “actions speak louder than words” (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). This phrase translates to mean that people will normally believe what you do rather than what you say. Nonverbal communication is a form of communication that involves the use of (written) words and sounds (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). It consists of non-linguistic communication of language involving the use of kinesics, proxemics, chronemics and paralinguistic signals (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Nonverbal communication is a powerful form of communication that conveys meaning by accentuating, complementing, replacing, contradicting, and regulating verbal communication (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Furthermore, it involves the complex use of conscious and unconscious responses (Gibbs cited in Gordon & Druckman, 2018). Gifford (2011) reports that nonverbal communication is an essential part of interpersonal communication and plays a vital role in the context in which the communication process occurs. Furthermore, these contexts vary in terms of interpersonal, organizational, or cultural context. A subsequent series of research reveals that non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in the functioning of workplaces. Phutela (2015) states that using nonverbal communication skills in the workplace can make or break you. Therefore, this essay will argue the importance of using nonverbal communication skills in the workplace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The importance of nonverbal communication skills in the workplace has set the standards by which individuals are viewed. The saying that people believe more in what you do than what you say has created a discussion about how people will generally judge you regardless of what you say. For example, in an interview, from the moment you enter the room until the moment you sit down and say your first words, you are normally observed nonverbally. This type of nonverbal communication signals is generally referred to as kinesics, the study of body language and gestures (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Phutela's (2015) research on studying the "importance of nonverbal communication" speaks to her overall professional experience in making a first impression in an interview through a firm handshake, eye contact, physical characteristics (this includes hair, clothes, nose or figure etc) and the arrival time. Similarly, Guo and Sanchez (2005) report that when healthcare managers interview people, they are always on the alert for frowning faces and eye contact. The reason is that studies reveal that a healthcare worker's face should always portray a message of happiness, support and concern when communicating with a patient. This is said to show patients that they are in safe hands and can be open with themselves (Guo & Sanchez, 2005). Bonaccio, O'Reilly, O'Sullivan, and Chiocchio (2016) also found that during interviews, physical appearance and eye contact had become a very sensitive topic within the workplace. Therefore, Madera and Hebl's (2012, cited in Bonaccio et al., 2016) study revealed that interviewers who had scar marks on their faces were deemed less desirable. The reason is that in today's society, crime has increased impeccably all over the world and as a result, people who have scar marks anywhere on their body or face can be interpreted as violent. Another non-verbal signal that exists on theworkplace is the use of touch, called “tactile” and seen as a vehicle of emotions of comfort, consent, encouragement or physical affection. For example, reports by Bonaccio (et al., 2016) show that within a workplace touch was transmitted with two direct impulses. First, a touch is conveyed as a functional professional touch that occurs as a result of working together, and second, a touch of social courtesy that generally occurs with association with community communication. Similarly, in one health center studies showed that when patients were touched it was actually conveyed as a demonstration of comfort, care, and support (Bonaccio, et al., 2016; Chambers, 2003; and Marcinowicz, Konstantynowicz, and Godlewski , 2010). These findings demonstrate the importance of nonverbal communication in the workplace and how it can positively influence a communication process that leads to success, progress, strong bonds and unity. Using nonverbal communication skills during interpersonal communication has not always been seen as an effective way of communicating with each other. Nonverbal communication also consists of barriers that can negatively affect the communication process. Phutela (2015) reports that most barriers affecting nonverbal communication in the workplace include cultural differences, misleading gestures, improper touch, inappropriate nonverbal communication, and distorted frame of reference. Additionally, nonverbal communication, particularly the use of body language and paralinguistic cues in the workplace, manages to convey unintended messages despite what the words might mean. Cultural difference is one of the most important causes of ineffective communication and generally tends to cause ethnocentrism, stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination within a group of people. (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Verbally or nonverbally, cultures vary in how we communicate and express ourselves. Therefore, the use of nonverbal cues between people of different backgrounds has the power to destroy a relationship and shatter the trust that was once formed. Stereotypes can be a very powerful cause of ineffective communication if people do not educate themselves about the difference in nonverbal signals within different cultures. A simple example would be pointing the thumb up in African countries to indicate that everything is fine, while in the Middle East pointing the thumb up means “up the ass”. Ethnocentrism, which is when one culture thinks or claims that its culture is superior to another, normally takes place in a position of power or dominance in the workplace. For example, Bonaccio's study (et al., 2016) demonstrates that people in a high position of power normally show signs of physical expansiveness such as broad chest and shoulders and looking down on people, as a result of introducing themselves as more superior than them. others. Similarly, Lunenburg's (2010) study reveals that people in a position of power during meetings will appear to be wearing casual clothes and sitting in the center of the room, as the position is related to the importance and ability to maintain eye contact . The seating arrangement is an example of proxemics, or use of space. Another form of ethnocentrism in the workplace is that of paralinguistic cues which in this case involve raising one's voice loudly. For example, in a scenario where a person in a position of power, would yell and abuse for not doing their job or even just looking in their direction. Ko, Sadler and Galinsky (2015,cited in Bonaccio et al., 2016) found that voice tone and volume were normally used by people of high hierarchy. From now on, when a person feels that their culture has been disrespectful, a negative attitude will always be portrayed negatively towards that person. Differences in gestures often relate differently to different cultures, as mentioned above. Improper use of nonverbal cues can often lead to unintended messages. For example, touching someone within a workspace can result in ineffective communication if done incorrectly, this includes touching someone during a conversation or moving into their personal space (proxemics). The type of barrier is normally always misunderstood during a conversation and can normally end up making you feel uncomfortable. The sense of touch in cultural ethics varies significantly. Collectivist cultures normally engage in touching each other, whereas collective cultures prefer not to be touched unless there is a close relationship (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Phutela (2015) states that the sense of touch in the workplace was often misinterpreted due to sending mixed messages. Therefore, touching someone within a work area, especially in a corporate world, was ethically recognized. Similarly, Greenwood (2010, cited in Lunenburg, 2010) reports that in recent years the sense of touch in the workplace has been seen as a demonstration of friendship, familiarity or appreciation, and has subsequently resulted in a formal complaint of sexual harassment or sexism. due to the increase in reports of sexual intercourse. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Evidently, nonverbal communication skills play an important role in the interpersonal communication process in the workplace. In essence, nonverbal communication supports or contradicts part of verbal communication. However, as seen, it provides the individual with a lifelong ability that helps him to be aware of the thoughts, emotions and ideas of others. Nonverbal communication is an important skill that must be learned and observed wisely to prevent barriers to effective communication. The process of communicating effectively in nonverbal communication includes the ability to understand the use of nonverbal and visual cues. The sender and recipient(s) play an essential role in the communication process which includes more components than one might think at first glance. In order to communicate effectively in the workplace, the sender must make sense of his or her nonverbal and visual cues. This skill can only be learned or encoded in the part of the brain responsible for emotions. Therefore, studies show that regardless of gender, whether a man or woman in the workplace is able to complete a task depends entirely on their actions. From now on, as people grow in their job positions, they take a step or two forward with the ability to communicate effectively with others. For this reason, not all people are able to communicate as effectively as effective communicators or more, however you can always learn to understand non-verbal communication to achieve successful results. References Bonaccio, S., O'Reilly, J., O'Sullivan , S. L., & Chiocchio, F. (2016). Nonverbal behavior and communication in the workplace: A review and research agenda. Journal of Management, 42(5), 1044-1074. Chambers, S. (2003). Using nonverbal communication skills to improve nursing care. British., 3(3), 32-40.