NON-VERBAL SKILLS (Eye contact, facial expression, gestures)

NON VERBAL CUES

(Eye contact, facial expressions, gestures) 

 

Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

1. State the different parts of our bodies that we use to communicate
2. Explain the role of body language in day-to-day communication
3. Recognize various gestures and facial expressions.

Non-verbal cues: all the communication between people that does not involve verbal translation. It is simply how we say something as opposed to what we actually say. 

 

When someone asks you “What’s wrong?” and you say “Nothing.” yet you wear a long face, they tend to believe the non-verbal cue. Your facial expression says the opposite of what your mouth does. 

Verbal communication is always (mostly unconsciously) accompanied by non-verbal body language-expressions, physical behaviour, body posture and mannerism. 

 

Types of non-verbal communication

 Facial expression

The face is very expressive and can convey a good number of emotions. People may smile, frown, grimace, grin, and scowl etc. to express emotions such as joy, sadness, disgust, fear, anger, pain and surprise. 

·         A smile or a grin may express happiness or joy.

·         A grimace is an expression of pain or strong dislike.

·         A scowl shows that you’re annoyed with someone or something. 

·         Lack of expression-this shows that you’re bored or you lack interest.

Gestures

They sometimes accompany verbal communication. Even without speaking they may convey some certain messages. 

Some gestures include waving, pointing, beckoning, thumbs up sign etc. 

 

Eye contact 

It is a vital part of non-verbal communication. The way you look at someone can send many different signals e.g. affection, hatred, attraction, hostility, shyness, anxiety, and nervousness. 

It is important to face someone when talking to them. This may help you stress your point. 

A steady eye contact is taken as a sign that a person is telling the truth. 

Looking away during a conversation may indicate lack of interest or that you’re not convinced by what the other person is saying. 

It may also indicate dishonesty or shyness. 

SAMPLE KCSE QUESTIONS ON NON VERBAL CUES 

KCSE English Paper One 2022

Attentive listening is an important communication skill. Name three non verbal cues that can show someone that you are paying attention to what they are saying. (3 marks)

Next we analyse oral skills notes on alliteration and assonance.