Human Communication: Verbal & Non-Verbal Expressions - Essay Sample

Introduction

Human beings, unlike other creatures, have the most developed communication system. They use this system to express their ideas, emotions, feelings and create rapport between them. This communication system entails subcategories, such as verbal and non-verbal communication. The non-verbal such as gestures, facial expressions, and signs, can be done either knowingly or unknowingly when we are engaging in a conversation. These signs and expressions contribute so much to the continuity, understanding, or break of the conversation. Gestures are further categorized into emblems, illustrators, regulators, adaptors, and affect displays.

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Emblems

Emblems are gestures that have one direct translation, like nodding, to mean yes. A couple in a restaurant on a date can bring out these gesticulations. The lady gives a statement, and when the man agrees, he nods his head. In this manner, the lady knows that he is in complete agreement with what she says, and it motivates her to express herself more. This is seen several times in the conversation because their conversation is about topics they both understand. There are distinct instances where the man shakes his head to disagree. The expression comes about when they have a difference in opinion, or either of them has a different fact. This initiates a consensus conversation where they both express their factors and either agree or disagree on the ideas brought forward. Emblems can be a great way to improve communication because they have one standard reference.

Regulators

Regulators are the signs that determine whether a conversation will continue or end. Later in the date, both the man and the woman nod when the other party is talking to show concentration. Maintaining eye contact is also a sign of interest in the conversation. This serves as a motivation for the speaker to continue talking. When its time to leave, the man looks at his watch, and it signifies the lady to end the conversation. The man might be uneasy or start losing eye contact with the woman if she continues with the discussion. The listener has to maintain his concentration on what the speaker is saying. Complete focus is a proper boost for the continuity of the conversation. This shows that the end of the interaction is near. The regulators are the best tools to start, maintain, or even end a conversation. Regulators are done knowingly by the speaker, and it determines whether he wants to continue the interaction or not.

Illustrators

Illustrators are signs that accompany words and give more meaning and understanding of the terms. When the couple enters the restaurant, the lady asks where their table is. The man points towards the table, saying, "That is the table I booked for us." The pointing has shown the exact location of the table. In the middle of the conversation, the lady nods her head while saying yes. This shows that she genuinely agrees with the point that the man has given. These signs are done knowingly to provide a more in-depth perception between the couple. The speakers incorporated the signs and expressions as a basis of emphasis on what they are saying. Illustrators are crucial because they can provide a specific meaning to a word that is not the usual. Illustrators are mostly done by the speaker knowingly to ensure the listener gets the understanding of the point he is driving.

Affect Displays

Affect displays are expression brought about by the internal emotions. The couple smiles at each other in almost all instances of the interaction. The joy they have to meet their loved one is all we can see. They smile even when there is no conversation between the two. There is a moment where the man gives an expression of raised eyebrows and wide-open eyes. This gives the feeling of surprise that he feels because of what the lady has said. These expressions, at times, can be done knowingly and unknowingly. They help us know the mood in the conversation and give an understanding of the emotions in the other person.

Adaptors

Adaptors are signs and expressions that prevent tension bring comfort in a conversation. At one time, when the man is talking, he places his hand on the lady's hand. The lady doesn't move her hand, and this shows that they are comfortable with each other. The lady gives a frown on her face when the man talks of a tragic event. The expression of common emotion brings comfort in the conversation and shows that the other party feels the same way. This makes the two feel closer to one another. Adaptors help the speaker feel more comfortable around the listener and make them freely express their ideas and feelings in a more detailed manner.

Gestures and expressions are crucial in any conversation. They express the emotions, feelings, and intentions of parties involved in a talk. When gestures are used appropriately, they can start, continue, or end a conversation depending on what either of them is to express. These Adaptors, affect displays, illustrators, regulators, and emblems, provide a well-structured and exciting communication. They give people the best quality interaction one can ever experience.

Works Cited

Kendon, Adam, Thomas A. Sebeok, and Jean Umiker-Sebeok, eds. Nonverbal communication, interaction, and gesture: selections from Semiotica. Vol. 41. Walter de Gruyter, 2010.

Goldin-Meadow, Susan. "The role of gesture in communication and thinking." Trends in cognitive sciences 3.11 (1999): 419-429.