Effective communication is a synthesis of two factors: verbal (your words) and non-verbal (how you deliver your words). Your nonverbals have a significant influence on how others perceive and respond to your words. How you say something is just as important as what you are saying, and if you don’t deliver your words effectively, your audience will miss the import of your words.Non-verbal communication is particularly important for anyone who uses their voice to earn a living. An MC presenter, for instance, must know how to use non-verbal cues to attract attention, convey authority, radiate confidence, and create memorable experiences.Below, you can learn about vocalics and kinesics, the most popular elements of non-verbal communication.
Vocalics
Also called paralanguage, vocalics are vocalized (i.e., uttered) nonverbals. Think of it simply as your voice, vocal quality, and speaking characteristics, as well as the subtleties of pitch, tone, and pacing that can amplify or diminish the effect of your words.
In any setting, the way you use your voice carries weight, influencing how your words land and how your listeners feel. MC presenters, in particular, must use their vocalics to emphasize their message, ensure they’re heard by the audience, establish rapport, and create impact.
Vocalics encompass specific elements of vocal quality (e.g., pitch, rhythm, accent, rate, volume, and intonation), vocal characteristics, and fillers.
- Pitch: How high or low your voice is. Use different pitches to express emotion—for example, a high pitch for excitement or a low pitch for calm professionalism.
- Rhythm: The pattern and flow of speech created by syllables, stress, and timing. A rhythmic delivery can make speech more engaging and memorable.
- Accent or Stress: The emphasis placed on syllables or words. Clear enunciation ensures your message is understood by diverse audiences.
- Rate: The speed at which you speak. Speak at a moderate pace with strategic variations for emphasis.
- Volume: The loudness or softness of your voice. Use it to convey emotion or emphasis—louder for excitement, softer for fear or secrecy.
- Intonation: The rise and fall in your voice. It conveys emotion and adds meaning to words.
- Vocal characteristics: Non-word sounds like sighs, groans, or shrieks that add emotion and authenticity.
- Fillers: Words like “uh,” “um,” and “like” used to fill pauses. While often distracting, they can be strategically controlled to sound more natural.
Note that all of these elements—yes, including fillers—are powerful vocal tools that a skillful speaker can use to engage listeners, emphasize core messages, and move their audience.
Kinesics
Kinesics, from the root word kinesis (movement), refers to the non-verbal components of communication related to your body language, such as gestures, posture, head movements, eye contact, and facial expressions.
- Gestures: Movements of the hands, limbs, and head that add meaning. They can be adaptive (nervous habits), emblematic (e.g., thumbs up), or illustrative (demonstrating size or motion).
- Posture: The way you hold your body. Standing confidently or leaning forward while sitting can signal engagement or authority.
- Head movement: Nods and shakes are symbolic and universal. Nodding shows agreement or acknowledgment.
- Eye contact: Establishes connection, monitors engagement, and can express emotion. Use it deliberately to maintain attention and rapport.
- Facial expressions: Your face reflects emotion. Align your expressions with your message—smile when talking about joy, look determined when emphasizing drive, etc.
Use Vocalics and Kinesics to Communicate Effectively
When you communicate, don’t just use words. Use the power of your voice, facial expressions, and body movements.
Learn, understand, and use nonverbal cues as tools for impactful and effective communication.
