Nonverbal Communication and Delivery
 

  
 
  • "Actions speak louder than words."
     
  • 65 percent of all meaning in a face to face setting is nonverbal.
    Definition: Nonverbal communication is "vocal and non-vocal messages expressed in other than linguistic means." -- Adle

l
 





 

Three Nonverbal Communication Codes
Humans are multi coders -- we use many codes to express ourselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



1. Kinesics -- using your body to communicate.
Gestures, Eye Contact, Facial Expressions.
 

Hand gestures emphasize words and emotions and can help illustrate what you are saying. Gestures may even replace verbal messages altogether.

Two types: Illustrators of Verbal meaning and Signals for concepts or actions.


 

 

 

 

 


Tips on using better hand gestures:

  • Keep your hands by your side or neutrally in front of you, until you use them to make a point.
  • Keep most gestures at chest level





  • Avoid:
     
    Putting hands in your pockets
    Leaning on the speaker's stand
    Fidgeting with hands or fingers


     
  • Think about what you are saying so that your gestures will match or enhance your message




  • Avoid mannerisms.






Facial Expressions help audience feel comfortable and see that you care.









Tips for better facial expressions:

  • Smile before you begin speaking
  • Act naturally -- Don't be either mechanical or melodramatic;
  • Think about what you're saying so that your facial expressions will match or enhance the thought










Tips for better eye contact with an audience:

  • Divide the room in 3-5 equal sections, and make eye contact with each section.
  • At least 80 percent of the time you should be giving eye contact with audience.
 
When speaking from notes, follow these rules:
  • Put notes on cards and hold them
  • Don't read your speech
  • Absorb one idea
  • Speak your full idea before looking down at notes
  • Connect with individuals in the audience by looking directly at them
  • Be sure to have strong eye contact in the introduction and conclusion

 








2. Proxemics --using space to communicate.

How you use space in front of an audience sends messages about your confidence and poise.

Know that Distance sends emotional messages.


Kinds of Distance
Public -- 12 feet or more
Social -- 4 to 12 feet
Personal -- 1.5 to 4 feet
Intimate -- 0 to 1.5 feet











Tips for better movement while giving a speech:

  • Walk confidently to the front of the room
  • If possible avoid standing behind table or podium
  • Pause before you begin
  • Don't pace. Only move to help communicate an idea
  • Movement up front should be natural and help support your ideas
  • Use the Speaker's Diamond:
    Take a step to represent each main idea in a diamond pattern
  • Pause briefly after key points to let the audience absorb the information.

  • Pause before you sit down
     

 

 

 

3. Paralingustics --using voice to communicate.
Ever Heard:
"I didn't like the way she said that."
"It's not what you say but how you say it."




Tips for using your voice in public speaking:

  • Seek a variety of pitch levels. Pitch is where your voice falls on a musical scale.
  • Avoid a monotone expression. Show energy and enthusiasm in your voice
  • Pronounce your words clearly
  • Project voice to back of room
  • Vary the rate to keep your speech lively
  • Avoid rushing. Speak slow enough to let ideas sink in



















     

4. Rehearse Your Speech to Perfect It

Tips for rehearsal:

  • Complete your speech early so that you can focus on dynamic delivery
  • Time your practice. When you get to limit, go back and edit
  • Rehearse three to five times in front of a mirror or before friends
  • Repeat the speech right before you go to bed two or three nights to memorize most of it