Business Communication

We have several ways that we communicate our thoughts and express our feelings. Some are verbal and others are nonverbal. The process of sending and receiving messages is known a demonstrative communication. This process involves exchanging thoughts, messages, or information. We commonly use body language and facial expressions to communicate nonverbally and writing and inflections in our voice to communicate verbally with each other. These types of communication allow us to receive negative or positive feedback from others.

Facial expressions, gestures, body language, and postures are forms of demonstrative communication. For example when a person smiles or frowns, it provides information about his or her mood. Facial expressions let others known when we are happy, sad, mad, afraid, confused, and excited. These nonverbal cues welcome or let others know to stay away. For example, when someone smiles we are put at ease and welcome to start a conversation. If someone frowns, we perceive it as angry or sadness so we tend to avoid a conversation. My coworkers and I use facial expressions and body language to indicate our level of engagement within our interactions. If I am mentoring a new employee, if they are yawning, it may indicate that the presentation of the subject is boring them. I may ask if they want to some on hands task to help them feel as if they are participating instead of listening to me speak. Gestures are another way that we communicate with each other. A common gesture is the OK sign. While in some cases a particular gesture means nothing to a representative of another culture, in other cases--for instance the "thumbs up" gesture or the "OK sign"--have vulgar meanings in Iran and Latin America, respectively. Yet in other countries the "OK" sign means just "zero", which is not offensive (http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/85141.aspx#ixzz1ZcWu1ln8. In Thailand I worked with orphans, when we asked the children to come, instead of palms up and motioning our fingers toward us. We had our palms facing down with fingers motions toward us. We were told not to place touch their heads because in their culture the head is sacred. That is a sign of disrespect. Posture is an important form of communication. When a person is interviewing, if he or she is slouching or not making eye contact, the interview will make the assumption that he or she lacks confidence. He or she will probably not receive a job offer. Posture also varies by culture. For example in America, when someone in business puts his or her feet on the desk, it is not offensive. However in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe this is highly offensive.

I work for a human resources outsourcing company as a Participant Advocate. Every day I interact with people. My main job responsibility is to help employees for various companies navigate through the health care system.