Verbal and non-verbal communication
Plan for today • To think about what VERBAL and NONVERBAL communication are. • To think about what we need to improve in terms of V and N.V communication • To practise our solo talks.
Why?! • Consolidating knowledge of V and N.V communication is important as talk is part of your assessment in National 4
Where else can this lesson help?
• • • •
Work when giving presentations College University Job interviews
Write down a definition for: • Verbal communication
• Non-verbal communication
Verbal communication • The word “verbal” refers to words and to the way in which we use words.
Clarity • Clarity of speech refers to how precisely how sounds are made. How would you know if someone did not have a lot of clarity in their solo talk? How can you improve clarity when you speak?
Speak clearly and slowly • Take your time to pronounce each words. • Finish a sentence in your head before you start it.. Make sure you know where each sentence is going. • There is nothing worse than hearing “So yeah… that’s erm..yeah. Moving on,” as it feels unfinished!
Pausing vs. hesitation When does a pause become a hesitation? What is the problem with pausing?
In your groups, • Try talking but add pauses.
It’s going to to REALLY boring to listen to. It is the same when you hesitate, your audience can quickly become switched off. How can you avoid hesitation and pausing?
Be organised! • Knowing your talk and having your notes in the correct order will help and allow you to focus on being clear.
Being too quiet - audibility
How loud is too loud? How does our voice differ in varied situations? List when you would use : A quiet voice A normal voice A loud voice
During a solo talk we need to use a LOUD voice
A quiet voice is much harder to follow but a very loud voice can be tiresome and irritating to listen for a long time
Tone • The way you speak can really affect what someone thinks about you. • The way you place emphasis on words is also really important. • Sounding dull is no way to win an audience.
Watch how the meaning changes when you change the emphasis • • • • • • •
I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money I didn’t say she stole the money
We can see that how we say words affects our meaning • This is also true in terms of formal and informal tones. •When would you speak formally (outside a solo talk) •When would you speak informally?
BUT!!!! Only 7% of communication is verbal • That means there is a huge emphasis on simply doing more than speaking.
Non-verbal communication • Non verbal communication is a way of communication using physical signs to get our message across. • Tone, eye contact, gesture, body movement, posture, facial expression
What emotions may you non verbally communicate during your talk? • How do you show these feelings?
Eye contact
What do we mean by eye contact?
Glancing, not staring!
What are the reasons for people to not look at their audiences?
Nerves! • If you are feeling nervous, one thing you will automatically do is look down and not make eye contact.
Like stated previously. Eye contact is not about staring! In groups try each take it in turns to talk about your plans for the weekend. Make an effort to look at the other people in your group. This is your chance to practice these skills!
How else do we show we are nervous?
Posture • What is posture?
• Also called STANCE, your posture is the way you stand or sit!
• Even when you sit, your stance says a lot about you.
Both you an your partner need to sit facing each other • Both of you slouch, REALLY slouch and try to talk about anything.
•Now look at your partner, what do they look like? Interested? •Where are your hands? If you are properly slouching they will be hanging down. •Imagine you had prompt cards, would it be easy to read them?
Now, straighten up and talk again What’s the difference in their stance? Do they look more relaxed or more in control? Which is more appropriate? Do you see how much harder it is to talk properly if sitting or standing inappropriately?
But you will have to stand‌ How should you look when at the front of the class? In your groups, jot down some ideas.
In your groups, you should take turns standing up. Pretend you are about to do your talk. Stand naturally and discuss with the group your stance. Are you slouching too much? You can stand too straight as well!
So… • You should – Stand straight but still be relaxed – Talk loudly and slowly – Maintain a formal tone and don’t put an emphasis on particular words. – Make eye contact with your audience
Now.. • Use the card given and write your prompt cards.