The eyes have it -- Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication for birds & weasel’s

Seventy percent of communication is non-verbal and first impressions are 93 percent non-verbal. There are two ways to use non-verbal communication in Journalism; Interviewing and writing.

Nils Rosdahl, retired. 
 North Idaho College

The non-verbal communication lecture, presented by Nils Rosdahl, who made this the most comical and entertaining seminar during the entire convention session.  Held Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2012 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. during the twenty eighth annual Associated Collegiate Press Conference.  Directed toward journalism students from around the nation.

Kinetics (body language) is the biggest one. The human makes 700,000 different gestures. Posture is an important part of kinetics, this shows confidence. “It shows you give a damn,” said Rosdahl, retired, North Idaho College.

Body language should not be distracting, no fidgeting. Keep yourself decently kept, make sure there is not food in your teeth and are wearing matching shoes so you aren’t a distraction.

Greeted with “Alright you birds.” Rosdahl remained comical through the entire session, calling us birds, weasels and monkeys along with random outbursts of, “Oh feathers” and “Sugar Jets!”  These innuendos got the crown riled up and interested right from the start.

Para language plays an important role in verbal and non-verbal communication; there are several pieces of para language that work together, these are the pieces that fit together to form the correct para language:

· Rate – If you talk too fast you can lose control, keep it at a steady slower rate.

· Volume – Too loud is too controlling and too quiet is too passive.

· Pitch – The lower the pitch the more in control you are. Raise your voice at the end of each sentence.

· Tone – The tone of your voice shows if you care or don’t care.

· Choice of words – Don’t use lingo or trendy words or phrases.

· Emphasis – He’s giving the money to her. Emphasis on each word means something different depending on which word is emphasized.

· Drama and Energy – Don’t be over dramatic, this is unprofessional. Being too high strung or fatigued is distracting and also unprofessional.

· Hesitations and pauses – Let the one being interviewed fill in the gaps of silence.  Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about the story and what they have to share. 

· Interjections and stuttering – Again, it’s not about you, it’s about the story, interjections are not necessary and should be avoided.  Don’t stumble over your words, slow down and focus.

· Grammar - This one should be a “no brainer.”  As a journalist, correct grammar should be second nature.

· Accents and pronunciation – Make sure words are pronounced properly. 

      Rosdahl shared a personal story of his that was a great example of what can happen if you aren’t pronouncing words correctly.  When he was a child his father would read the book Yosemite Sam to him.  His father pronounced Yosemite (yo-sah-mite), so he just always though that’s how it was said.  Later in college during an oral presentation the word Yosemite popped up several times and instead of pronouncing it correctly (yo-sem-a-tee) he pronounced the way he was taught.  Rosndahl couldn’t figure out for the life of him why the class blew up laughing throughout his entire oral presentation.  Informed by his instructor that he had been pronouncing this word incorrectly numerous times throughout his presentation, he then realized why everyone was laughing.  This is a great example why this part of Para language is critical.  It could help you from making a complete ass out of yourself.


At a glance:

Who:  Nils Rosdahl, retired, North Idaho College. 
www.spokesman.com/staff/nils-rosdahl/,www.linkedin.com/pub/nils-rosdahl/9/56/6a3

What:  Twenty eighth Annual Associated Collegiate Press.  Convention session -- "The Eyes Have It," How to use and recognize non-verbal communication.

When:  Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2012 from 10:15 a.m.-11:20 a.m.

Where:  National College Journalism Convention.  Renaissance Hotel, Seattle

Why:   Training, networking opportunities, feedback and recognition.  See links below for more information.

How:  LBCC and The Commuter.



Links:  

acp.studentpress.org

info@studentpress.org

Twitter: @acpress

Facebook: facebook.com/acpress