LECTURE 6 : COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF TEACHERS - Verbal And Non-verbal - Language Register

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication.

Verbal Communication
It means communicating with words, written or

spoken. Verbal communication consists of speaking, listening, writing and reading.

Characteristic of Effective Verbal Communication

Consider the objective of the communication.
Use simple language and familiar words to the

listener. Be brief and precise to avoid miscommunication. Use polite or proper intonation. Select topic that is interesting and pleasing the listener. (use jokes, analogy)

Advantages of Verbal Communication

More personal and informal
Makes immediate impact Provides opportunity for interaction and feedback

Help us correct ourselves (our messages

according to the feedback and non-verbal cues from the listener) It is fastest way to communicate and less expensive.

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

It can be quickly forgotten.
A word once uttered cannot be taken back (if

there is any error to be corrected). There is no legal evidence of oral communication. Impact may be short lived Very difficult to be conscious of our body language

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE VERBAL COMMUNICATION

STATUS- formal and informal status levels affects

effectiveness of face to face communication. COMPLEXES- lack of confidence or sense of superiority. ABSTRACTING- it is partial and selective listening, leading to loss of information. LANGUAGE BARRIER- listener should be familiar with the language used by the speaker.

Non-Verbal Communication
It includes all unwritten and unspoken messages,

both intentional and unintentional. Non verbal communication flows through all acts of speaking or writing. They are the wordless messages. It is a creative activity, which comes through stimuli produced by the mind.

Functions of Non-Verbal Communication

To provide information.
To regulate interaction. To express or hide emotion and affect.

To present an image.
To express power and control.

Type of Non-Verbal Communication

Body Movement and Gesture in the Classroom.

The variety of ways in which teacher and

students walk, stand, or sit can all affect interpersonal perception. Body postures and movements are frequently indicators of self-confidence, energy, fatigue, or status. Gestures operate to clarify, contradict, or replace verbal messages from the teacher. For example, if a student is talking in class, single nods of the head from the teacher will likely cause that student to continue and perhaps elaborate.

Posture
Postures as well as gestures are used to indicate

attitudes, status, affective moods, approval, deception, warmth, and other variables related to classroom interaction.

Facial Expression in Classroom

All people and thus certainly teachers and

students use facial expressions to form impressions of another. For example, when delivering a lesson, a teacher should use students expressions to determine whether or not to slow down, speed up, or in some other way modify his presentation.

Eye-Contact in Classroom
It is use to indicate whether one is open to

communication. This can be observed when a teacher asks the class a question: students who think they know the answer will generally look the teacher, while students who do not will usually try to avoid eye contact. Through the eye-contact, teacher can observe the development of the student. Most experienced teachers are aware when students are bored with the subject matter being presented. Students who are constantly looking at the wall clock rather than watching and listening to the teacher may be indicating the need for a break, the dullness of the content, or a lack of teacher motivation and preparation.

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

A person to have quality communication skills must

possess the knowledge of non-verbal communication. Only 7% of a messages effect is carried by words listeners receive the other 93% through non -verbal means (Communication researcher Mehrabian) Over 65 percent of the social meaning of the messages we send to others are communicated non-verbally

Tips on Nonverbal Communication in the Classroom

Tip 1: Understand your own culture, values, and

nonverbal behavior - Teachers can learn about their own culture and nonverbal language by observing the local community, talking to new immigrants (to differentiate), reading books. Tip 2: Be aware that there are different learning styles in different cultures - Not all of our diverse students will make eye contact, participate in class, question the teacher, or speak unless spoken to. Tip 3: Learn Non-Verbal Cues in Other Cultures Learn about the nonverbal behavior of the cultures represented in your classroom. This will enhance not only your interaction with your students but with parents as well.

 Tip 4: Teach about the importance of nonverbal

communication in your language classroom Role playing is an excellent technique to bring this aspect of language to the forefront. Tip 5: Allow time for students to use their observational skills to learn more about nonverbal language Students can observe people, videos, television, and pictures. Remind your students that they should observe without judgment. Tip 6: Play charades.

LANGUAGE REGISTER

What is a Register?
Definition : Linguistics a variety of a language or a

level of usage, as determined by degree of formality and choice of vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax, according to the communicative purpose, social context, and standing of the user

 There are five language registers or styles Each level has an appropriate use that is determined by

differing situations
the appropriate language register depends upon the

audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where).

Static register

Intimate register

Formal register

Language registers

Casual register

Consultative register

1.

Static Register This style of communications RARELY or NEVER changes. It is frozen in time and content. e.g. the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lords Prayer, the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, laws . Formal / Academic Register This language is used in formal settings. This use of language usually follows a commonly accepted format- complete sentences, more complex syntax and specific word usages .It is usually impersonal and formal. e.g. public speaking, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements made by judges, announcements. Consultative Register Two way participation, professional setting More complex syntax, longer phrases e.g. when strangers meet, communications between a superior and a subordinate, doctor & patient, lawyer & client, lawyer & judge, teacher & student, counselor & client,

2.

3.

4.

Casual Register
This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang and vulgarities are normal. This is group language. e.g. buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and blogs, and

letters to friends.

5.

Intimate Register
This communications is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people.

e.g. husband & wife, boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings, parent &
Rule of Language Use: One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even offensive.

children.