softskill (komunikasi bisnis)

A.    Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people.

Messages can be communicated through gestures and touch, body language or posture, physical distance, facial expression and eye contact, which are all types of nonverbal communication. Speech contains nonverbal elements known as paralanguage, including voice quality, rate, pitch, volume, and speaking style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation, and stress. Likewise, written texts have nonverbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words, or the physical layout of a page. However, much of the study of nonverbal communication has focused on face-to-face interaction, where it can be classified into three principal areas: environmental conditions where communication takes place, physical characteristics of the communicators, and behaviors of communicators during interaction.

Example :

·         Physical Communication

Physical communication is the most used form of non verbal communication.  A person that is aware of another’s non verbal cues will understand that person better.  Even the way you are standing and your position in a group of people can communicate.   

The amount of distance between you and another person will be interpreted a certain way, and the meaning will change according to the culture.  It can mean either an attraction, or can signal intensity.  Standing side-to-side can show cooperation, where a face-to-face posture may show competition.  Your posture can communicate in a non verbal way, whether you are folding your arms, slouching, crossing your legs, or standing and sitting erect.  Finally, any actual touching can convey attraction or a level of intimacy.  Examples of non verbal communication of this type include shaking hands, patting the back, hugging, pushing, or other kinds of touch. 

Other forms of non verbal communication are facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact.  When someone is talking, they notice changes in facial expressions and respond accordingly.  These include raising your eyebrows, yawning, sneering, rolling your eyes, gaping, and nodding.  The meaning of these movements is pretty much the same in all cultures.  Gestures, however, are many times an individual’s way of communicating as most people gesture when talking.  Eye contact is very important in communicating nonverbally.  You can read a person’s emotion through their eyes, and many times is not the same emotion as their words are saying.   

·         Effects of Non Verbal Communication

Non verbal communication, especially body language, can send a strong message, in spite of what your words say.  Even the tone of your voice, its pitch, volume, quality, and speed effects what you say.  Your body language can:

·         Repeat the message your words are saying

·         Contradict what your words are saying

·         Be a substitution for your verbal message

·         Add to the meaning of your message

·         Accent or make the message stronger, like pounding your fist on a table

Relationships depend on non verbal communication if they are to be strong and lasting.  The quality of your relationships can be improved if you can skillfully read people, and understand the emotions behind their words.  When one party receives mixed signals, trust can leave the relationship and it will be damaged.  Trust can be created in a relationship by sending non verbal clues that match your words.  The way you respond to someone nonverbally can show that you understand and care about them and the relationship will grow and be fulfilling to both.

B.       Verbal Communication

The sharing of information between individuals by using speech. Individuals working within a business need to effectively use verbal communication that employs readily understood spoken words, as well as ensuring that the enunciation, stress and tone of voice with which the word are expressed is appropriate.

Example :

·         Meetings

Verbal communication occurs in meetings when participants share their ideas. Effective meeting organizers clearly define their objective, such as whether the intent of the meeting is to make a decision, brainstorm ideas, approve a plan, communicate a change or get a status report. At the beginning of the meeting, an organizer uses verbal communication to state the priorities of the meeting, the desired outcomes and the amount of time allowed to discuss each topic. By asking for additional input from participants, she ensures the meeting remains relevant for everyone. The meeting organizer also ensures that every participant gets a chance to speak without monopolizing the agenda.

·         Presentations and Lectures

Using effective verbal communication, business professionals give presentations and lectures to convey their expertise on a particular topic. Whether a business professional provides instruction, describes a product to make a sale or communicates a vision or strategy, he needs to keep the message clear by preparing adequately. Using vivid language, descriptive examples and supplementary visuals, he ensures a successful presentation. By using short words and sentences, speakers tend to avoid confusion. Effective presenters allow time for the audience to ask questions and provide comments.

·         Workshops

Workshop organizers use verbal communication to direct the activities of participants. By providing clear instructions for group, the facilitator ensures a positive development experience. For example, a leader describes the rules for participating a role-playing exercises, talks about the scenario and determines how long the activity takes. Using effective verbal communication, leaders guide participants in researching issues, solving problems, negotiating solutions and making decisions.

·         Conversations

Conversations typically involve two people discussing a topic. Effective verbal communication occurs during conversations when the speaker acknowledges the sensitivity of the subject, time constraints and types of questions the receiver might ask. If the conversation occurs face to face, successful communicators use active listening skills such as repeating back what the other person has said. They also resist the temptation to interrupt and allow the other person to speak up as well to convey their thoughts. If the conversation occurs by telephone, the participants need to pay even more attention.

C.      SLOGAN