There is a general expression that says: “actions speak louder than words” (Du Plooy-Cilliers and Louw, 2014). This expression means that people will normally believe what you do rather than what you say. Nonverbal communication is a form of communication that involves the use of (written) words and sounds (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). It is a non-linguistic communication of language that involves the use of kinesic, proxemic, chronic and paralinguistic cues (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Nonverbal communication is a powerful form of communication that conveys meaning by accentuating, complementing, substituting, contradicting and regulating verbal communication (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Additionally, it involves the complex use of conscious and unconscious responses (Gibbs cited in Gordon & Druckman, 2018). Gifford (2011) reports that nonverbal communication is an essential part of interpersonal communication and plays an essential role in the context in which the communication process takes place. Additionally, these contexts vary in terms of their interpersonal, organizational, or cultural context. Much subsequent research reveals that nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in the functioning of workplaces. Phutela (2015) states that using non-verbal communication skills in a workplace can make or break you. Therefore, this essay will advocate the importance of using nonverbal communication skills in the workplace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The importance of nonverbal communication skills in a workplace has set the standards by which individuals are perceived. The saying that people believe more in what you do than what you say has created a debate about how people will generally judge you regardless of what you say. For example, in an interview, from the moment you enter the room to the moment you sit down and say your first words, you are normally observed nonverbally. This type of nonverbal communication cues is generally called kinesics, the study of body language and gestures (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). A research by Phutela (2015) on the study of “the importance of non-verbal communication” talks about his overall professional experience of making a first impression in an interview through a firm handshake, eye contact , physical characteristics (this includes hair, clothing, nose or digit, etc.) and time of arrival. Similarly, Guo and Sanchez (2005) report that when health care officials interview people, they are always on alert for sullen faces and eye contact. The reason is that studies reveal that a healthcare professional's face should always convey a message of happiness, support and concern when communicating with a patient. This is said to show patients that they are in good hands and can be open with themselves (Guo and Sanchez, 2005). Bonaccio, O'Reilly, O'Sullivan, and Chiocchio (2016) also found that during interviews, physical appearance and eye contact had become a very sensitive topic within a workplace. Thus, the study by Madera and Hebl (2012 cited in Bonaccio et al., 2016) revealed that interviewers who had facial scars were judged less desirable. The reason is that in today's society, crime has increased impeccably in theworld and therefore people who have scars anywhere on the body or face can be considered violent. Another non-verbal signal that exists in a workplace is the use of touch, called haptics and considered to convey emotions of comfort, consent, encouragement or physical affection. For example, reports by Bonaccio (et al., 2016) show that in a workplace, touch was transmitted by two direct motivations. First, a touch is conveyed as a functional professional contact that results from working together, and second, a touch of social politeness that usually occurs when associating with community communication. Similarly, in a health center, studies have shown that when patients are touched, it truly signifies a sign of comfort, care, and support (Bonaccio et al., 2016; Chambers, 2003; and Marcinowicz, Konstantynowicz, and Godlewski, 2010). These results prove the importance of nonverbal communication in a workplace and how it can positively affect a communication process that leads to success, progress, strong bonds and unity. Using nonverbal communication skills during interpersonal communication has not always been considered an effective means. to communicate with each other. Nonverbal communication also has obstacles that can negatively affect the communication process. Phutela (2015) reports that most of the barriers that affect nonverbal communication in the workplace include cultural differences, deceptive gestures, inappropriate touches, inappropriate nonverbal communication, and distorted frame of reference. Additionally, nonverbal communication, particularly the use of body language and paralanguage cues in the workplace, allows for unintentional messages to be conveyed, despite the meaning of the words. Cultural difference is one of the most vital causes of ineffective communication and generally tends to result in ethnocentrism, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination within a group of people. (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Verbally or nonverbally, cultures vary in the way they communicate and express themselves. Therefore, the use of non-verbal cues between people of different backgrounds has the power to destroy a relationship and break down the trust that was once formed. Stereotypes can be a very powerful source of ineffective communication if people do not educate themselves about the difference in nonverbal cues within different cultures. A simple example would be pointing your thumb up in African countries as a sign that everything is fine, while in the Middle East pointing your thumb up means up your butt. Ethnocentrism, which is when one culture thinks or says that its culture is superior to another, normally occurs in a position of power or dominance in a workplace. For example, Bonaccio's study (et al., 2016) proves that people in a high position of power will normally show signs of physical expansiveness, such as a broad chest and shoulders and a disregard for others, because they present themselves as more superior than others. Similarly, Lunenburg's (2010) study reveals that people in a position of power in a meeting will appear to be dressed in casual attire and sitting in the middle of the room, because position is linked to importance and the ability to maintain eye contact. Seating arrangements are an example of proxemics, or the use of space. Another form of ethnocentrism on the place ofwork is the use of paralinguistic cues which, in this case, involve the use of a loud voice. For example, in a scenario where a person in a position of power would yell at an employee for not doing their job or even just looking in their direction. Ko, Sadler, and Galinsky (2015, cited in Bonaccio et al., 2016) found that voice tone and volume were normal used by higher-ups. Now when a person feels that their culture has been disrespected, a negative attitude will always be portrayed negatively towards them. Differences in gestures are often linked differently across cultures, as mentioned above. Overuse of nonverbal cues can often lead to unintended messages. For example, touching someone in a work area can lead to ineffective communication if done incorrectly, this includes touching someone during a conversation or entering their personal space (proxemics). The type of barrier is usually always misinterpreted during a conversation and can normally end up being uncomfortable. The meaning of touch across cultural ethics varies greatly. Collectivist cultures normally engage in touching, while collective cultures prefer not to touch unless there is a close relationship (Du Plooy-Cilliers & Louw, 2014). Phutela (2015) states that the sense of touch in the workplace was often misinterpreted due to sending mixed messages. Therefore, touching someone in a work area, especially in the business world, was ethically recognized. Similarly, Greenwood (2010 cited in Lunenburg, 2010) reports that in recent years, the sense of touch in a workplace has been seen as a display of friendship, familiarity or appreciation, and has subsequently resulted in a formal complaint for sexual harassment or sexism. due to the increase in reported sexual intercourse.Keep in mind: this is just a sample.Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayObviously, communication skills not Verbal communication plays an important role in the process of interpersonal communication in a workplace. Essentially, nonverbal communication supports or contradicts some of the verbal communication. However, as seen, it gives the individual a life skill that helps them to be aware of the thoughts, emotions and ideas of others. Nonverbal communication is an important skill that must be learned and observed judiciously in order to avoid barriers to effective communication. The process of communicating effectively in nonverbal communication includes the ability to understand the use of nonverbal and visual cues. The sender and receiver(s) play a vital role in the communication process which has more components than one might first think. In order to communicate effectively in the workplace, the sender must make sense of their nonverbal and visual signals. This skill can only be learned or encoded in the part of the brain responsible for emotions. Therefore, studies show that regardless of gender, the ability of a man or woman in a workplace to complete a task depends entirely on their actions. Now, as people advance in their workplace, they either move one step or two steps forward because of their ability to communicate effectively with others. It is for this reason that not everyone is able to communicate effectively as an effective communicator or more, but one can always learn to understand the., 3(3), 32-40.