Important elements of a nonverbal skill set
- Oral Interpretation and Presentations
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Website Creation
- Videography
Communications majors need to develop several non-verbal skills for their classroom and career success. While many courses focus on developing verbal communication abilities, nonverbal techniques are crucial for students who want to communicate effectively. Nonverbal factors are important for both in-person and electronically mediated communication. Here are some some of those skills.
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1. Oral Interpretation and Presentations
Almost any form of oral communication uses nonverbal as well as verbal techniques for conveying information. Body language, such as maintaining eye contact with one’s audience and using appropriate gestures, is an important component of effective speaking. Many students might take courses in acting and oral interpretation to learn how to articulate clearly and with appropriate emphasis and to project their voices so they can be heard. Pacing is also important. If one speaks too slowly, one’s audience will get bored but people who speak too quickly may be hard to follow. Effective use of visual aids is also an important element of presentations.
2. Photography
Knowledge of photography is useful for students studying communication. Students in this field may work in journalism, social media, or corporate communication. All these types of position may require the ability to take and edit photographs that will be posted on websites or used in print publications.
3. Graphic Design
Although people may communicate in person orally, much communication is visual. Written communication includes text messaging, email, web pages, and printed publications. Everything from a business card to a blog or a cover letter to a magazine makes a visual as well as a verbal impact. Even something as basic as font choice can affect how people will respond to a resume or other business document, according to CNBC. Knowledge of graphic design enhances one’s ability to create visually appealing documents of all types. It is immediately useful for students preparing cover letters, resumes, and portfolios while seeking jobs or internships.
4. Website Creation
As businesses increasingly rely on electronically mediated communication, website design becomes a critical skill. Many graduates with degrees in communication studies will end up in positions in which they need to design, implement, or maintain web pages. A student familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as popular content management systems will be more attractive to employers than one who cannot create web pages.
5. Videography
Videos are an increasingly important part of communication strategies for companies. Even students who do not specialize in film or video should still be able to create short pieces of video content to embed in web pages or share on social media.
Students studying communication often focus on developing their verbal abilities. Although verbal abilities are important, words are only one part of communication. It is equally important for students to develop a wide range of non-verbal as well as verbal communications skills in order to be prepared for their future careers.