Action speaks louder than words!

(You are participating in a class debate on how non-verbal communication can be louder than verbal communication. IB Companion - pg 387)

Good morning students, I agree with the motion that non-verbal communication can be louder than verbal communication. I will demonstrate this to you in number of ways.

First of all, one of the most important parts of any conversation is the silence. Silence can serve many functions in a conversation. It is always nice to be able to speak your heart out, but there is a powerful essence to silence. For instance, during an argument, by staying silent and listening you can gather your thoughts so you are able to handle the situation more adequately. Silence can also indicate that the other person is having negative emotions. Therefore, silent speaks when words cannot.

Secondly, body language is a nonverbal communication, where thoughts, intentions or feelings are expressed by physical behaviour, such as facial expressions, eye contact, hand gestures, body posture and body movement. Without these actions, we might not be able to understand the emotion of the person who is talking to us; whether they are happy, sad or mad. Moreover, sometimes body language may even help us to detect whether the person is telling us the truth or not.

Finally, even though texting is verbal communication, those little smiley, sad and angry face icons used to show various emotions, also known as emoji’s or emoticons are non-verbal communication. They have become a way to convey the tone and non-verbal context behind our texts. They also reduce the negative effect in the email messages, by making the same message sound less negative when paired with a positive emoticon.

In conclusion, the ability to understand using non-verbal communication is powerful tools that can help you connect with others, express what you really mean and build better relationships. Therefore, action speaks louder than words.

(Nanki, IB2)

Non-verbal communication - IB Companion Pg 387

Good morning, classmates and teachers. While it may seem odd to say that non-verbal communication is louder than verbal communication, today I will argue that this is in fact the case in a great number of instances.

It is quite often said that ‘actions speak louder than words’. For example, ignoring someone, or giving them the cold shoulder, sends out a powerful message that you do not want to talk to them. In addition, when you have done something wrong, rather than just apologising to them, show them that you are really sorry by doing something that proves this such as buying some flowers or fixing the problem. Sometimes indicating displeasure by the way you act, like stomping your feet or tutting your tongue, gets the message across much more effectively than words.

Body language, such as facial expressions, hand gestures and body posture, can also send out stronger messages than words. For example, even though your words may be neutral, your facial expressions may give away how you’re really feeling. You may be trying to sound angry, but the little smile on your face reveals all. In addition, the animation of your hands during conversation demonstrates how emotional you are feeling about a topic. Furthermore, body posture can also give strong indications as to your mood. Turning you back on a person leaves no doubt that you’re not too inclined to talk to them. On the other hand, facing someone and opening your arms towards them indicates a strong welcome. Consider my speech today. If it wasn’t to use hand gestures, eye contact and certain body postures, I’m sure that you wouldn’t find my argument quite as convincing.

Technology can also demonstrate how the power of non-verbal communication. Nowadays, most of us use text messages to communicate with a friends. In the early days, text message were just text, or verbal communication. They lacked the non-verbal cues to ensure full communication. This led to the invention of emojis, which allow us make text messages more communicative. In fact, many text messages now contain no verbal, or textual, communication; the careful use of emojis can speak louder!

In conclusion, even though well-constructed words can be powerful, I believe that the use of non-verbal cues such as actions, body language and emojis can make communication more effective. Thank you for listening.

(390 words)

08/03/02 - Period 5 - Vista

Obama's speech in Berlin, 2008

Video
Writing - P354

Speech - How mobile phones are transforming rural communities

Nowadays, mobile phones have a big role in every society, especially in rural communities. As the mobile network spreads all over rural areas, we are giving poor people opportunity, information and choice so they can also know how to handle money, work, learn and participate in government. Mobile phones are no longer just an audio communication tool but capable of providing many functions. Yet, mobile phones also face limitations and challenges.

In rural communities, people can now gain more access to the open world. This will lead to an increase in living standards. Furthermore, it has also allowed people to communicate more efficiently with their loved ones. In education, mobile technology has helped provide schools, teachers, and parents with access to meaningful data and tips to help students succeed.

Banking is also out of reach for many people in rural areas of developing countries but mobile phones are bringing people into the financial system. They enable people to start their own businesses without needing a bank account to transfer the money. Mobile phones have allowed farmers to gain access to market prices before traveling long distances to markets.

However, there are some drawbacks. Mobile phones can be very expensive. They can cost too much money to pay for all phone calls, SMSs and recharging handset batteries. Society is making mobile phones too much of a necessity which has now made it compulsory for the younger generation to own a mobile phone. This has led poor people in rural areas to take out loans, mortgage their lands and even steal in order to fulfill the needs of their children.

Even though the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, we should never let the technologies take over our mind and lives.

Nanki Chularatnaphol