This document discusses paralinguistics, which is the study of non-verbal aspects of communication. It provides definitions of paralinguistics as the study of vocal signals beyond basic words and speech. The document then lists and describes several clues of paralinguistics including volume, speed, intonation, pronunciation, tone, articulation, pauses, and punctuation marks. It provides examples of how these paralinguistic cues can change or clarify the meaning of messages. The document was prepared by an engineering student for a communication skills class.
3. Paralinguistics
Paralinguistics deals with ‘non-semantic’ aspects of
speech. It includes vocal qualities as volume ,pitch rate,
pronunciation stress and intonation patterns. voice
and tone play a significant role in communication.
Quality of voice and adequate pitch discrimination
decide the effectiveness of message.
Clues of Paralinguistics:
1.Volume of voice :While addressing an audience
,if your volume isn’t loud enough , it suggest lack of
confidence or shyness , While talking to someone on
phone your speaking loudly is suggestive of your lack
of good manners and etiquette as well as irritable.
4. 2.Speed of voice : The speed of voice should be such
that the listener can follow everything that you are
speaking . if you are speak too fast ,they may not
connect the previous idea with the next one. moreover ,
in line talk they can’t even rewind . Similarly , if the
speed is too slow then also it is likely that listener loses
connection.
3.Intonation: Stress and intonation blend together to
Lend charm to English speech.’ Intonation’ means
variation of voice or speech . if tells the listener if
message is in form of a question ,Statement or
exclamation . The emphasis laid on a particular word in
a particular manner would decide the meaning.
5. 4. Pronunciation : The way in which a word is
pronounced . Pronunciation is the first thing that
people notice during conversation . For correct
Pronunciation ,Knowledge of phonetics is essential.
5.Tone of voice : The tone tells about the attitude of the
speaker . The tone can be sarcastic , aggressive, critical
,nervous ,monotonous , disappointed , Friendly ,
enthusiastic , vivid or persuasive.
6.Articulation: Articulation is the clarity in your voice
.Clearly articulated message indicates competence and
confidence. You should speak in such a way that all the
words are understood by the listener . If you speak
mispronounce the words, the listener easily gets
distracted and sometimes meaning too changes.
6. 7.pause:The break a person takes while speaking
and its duration is known as “pause” in
Paralinguistics . Different are conveyed by pauses.
A pauses can have two different functions.
1. A temporary vocal inaction: This indicates the
speaker’s uncertainly, hesitation ,tension.
2.A Pause: This shows favour or disfovour
,Agreement or disagreement.
7. 8.Punctuation Marks: Generally , Punctuation
Marks are too helpful in written form. Appropriate
use of punctuation Marks brings clarity to the
content and prevents confusion.
Examples . Go slow ,Man at work.
Go , slow man at work.