Nonverbal Communication: Misunderstanding and Conflicts

Nonverbal Communication is important as what people say. But much of nonverbal communication
In different cultures is beyond our awareness. Lack of such Knowledge may arise misunderstanding and
Conflicts. Every day, we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues and behaviors including postures,
Facial expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles,
Nonverbal details reveal who we are and impact how we relate to other people.
Nonverbal communication is more important in understanding human behavior than words.
Facial expression is responsible for a huge portion of nonverbal communication .Consider how much
Information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. While nonverbal communication and behavior can
Vary between cultures, in my place of birth Freetown, Sierra Leone facial expression is a big deal; But
Here in the United States is not. Which I think it’s ok. For example, waving the hand vertically with the
Palm facing outward means “Goodbye” in the United States, but can be misinterpreted as meaning
“Come here” to someone from a Mendes tribe in Sierra Leone

Body, posture, and movement can also convey a great deal on information. Body language has grown
Significantly since. But popular media has focus on the over interpretation of defensive postures,
Arm crossing, and leg crossing. Some people will say crossing your arms, means you are not welcoming
Them and for some is just a posture. Most of the time when I watch an interview, the host and the
Guest crossing their legs. Our choice of color clothing, hairstyles and other factors affecting
Appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal Communication. Appearances can also
Alter physiological reactions, Judgment and interpretations. Just think of all the subtle Judgments you quickly make about someone based on his or her appearance. I had my
Grandmother say this a thousand times that ‘’the way people see you, tells them who you are”