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messages. In digital communication, words tables.
are often supplemented with emojis, stickers,
memes, and gifs to share our emotions. These Movies are a further example of audio-vi-
being pictorial representations of our written sual communication. The depth of ideas that
messages, they often help us to communi- can be communicated through combination of
cate the emotion behind the idea better than sounds and images is infinite. The advance in
otherwise possible. Thus they are also a part technology has made it possible for audio-vi-
of non-verbal communication which is very sual communication to be more realistic and
important as it often supplements, bolsters, or cheaper. Anyone with a smartphone/video
replaces the verbal message altogether. We will camera and a decent mic can now produce
discuss non-verbal communication later in this quality video content. This has revolutionised
chapter. the way we as a species communicate.

When we share our pictures and videos with 1�1�3 Non-Verbal Communication
friends, family, and the public through social Non-verbal communication, as mentioned
media, we engage in visual and audio-visual earlier, takes place when we communicate
communication. Every image has the capacity information without relying on written or
to speak and convey meanings. In newspapers spoken language. The babble of babies is a
and magazines, pictures are often included to great example of this kind of communication.
communicate the message more clearly and Non-verbal communication is crucial in lend-
also to increase the engagement of the reader. ing depth of meaning to the message that is
Photographs have the ability to convey mes- communicated. While gestures, facial expres-
sages in an accessible way. Taking this idea sions, movement of hands and body, etc, can
further, we can see that scholars studying data work as non-verbal cues to enhance the quality
use charts and diagrams. They help us to tabu- of communication in face-to-face interactions,
late and visualise huge chunks of information memes, emojis, stickers and others work as
available to us. For audiences, who are illiter- non-verbal cues in digital communication.
ate, information can be more easily conveyed
to them with the help of images, graphs and

Fig 1.1.5 Elements of nonverbal communication

6 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication