When we speak of non verbal communication just what are we speaking about? Non verbal communication is defined as the" attributes or actions of humans other than the use of words themselves ,which have a socially shared meaning ,are intentionally sent or interpreted as intentional ,are consciously sent or consciously received, and have the potential for feedback from the receiver"( Burgoon & Saine ,1978 pp.9-10) Does the situation need to be shared by the same two humans Speaking to each other? If you read, the definition above one would think so. What if a police officer angrily points in a direction he wants the motorists in front of you to go, you would understand and so not to be in the officers wrath you would follow that motorist. Alternatively, the baseball umpire who warns the pitcher not to throw at batters, the other pitchers need not be on the mound to know not to throw at batter. Both verbal and non-verbal words work in conjunction with each other. .
In our textbook Human communication, the verbal and non-verbal codes work six different ways together. They are repetition, emphasis, complemtation, contradiction, substitution regulation. Repetition happens when you make a gesture and speak at the same time. For example, you frown when told how much you owe on your car repair bill. Emphasis is the use of cues to influence your message. For example, you give your son a firm handshake at his graduation telling him how proud you are of him. Complementation occurs when you add meaning to what you are saying. For example, a wide receiver that caught the ball out of bounds and is arguing his point with the referee by stepping on the line to prove he was not out of bounds. Contradiction will happen when you are verbal and non-verbal messages conflict. For example, you tell your wife I am having a wonderful day as you slam the door too your car when you exit.