non verbal, communication

1. Non Verbal
Communication
Group Members:
Khairul Irfan
Muhammad Hamizan Imran

2. Introduction
• Non verbal communication plays a major role in communication, whether we
realize it or not.
• It dictates 65% of communication, the rest being verbal communication.
• Non verbal communication can be broken down into 5 aspects;
Body Language, Vocal characteristics, Personal appearance, Touching and the
use of time and space.
• For our study, we have chosen to compare non verbal communication between
Japan and Italy.

3. Non Verbal Communication in Japan
• The Japanese often describe their communication style as ichi ieba ju wakaru, which means
hear one, understand ten.
• This implies that the speaker only speaks 10% of the information, where the remaining 90%
is obtained through non verbal cues that the Japanese so often make.
• The reason that they are able to apply this style of communication they assume that they
have a high degree of shared context, or background information with one antoher.

4. Non Verbal Communication in Italy
• Italy is famous for its non-verbal communication.
• In fact , Italians uses non-verbal communication the most in the whole of
Europe.
• Body languages and gestures are considered to be the other half of the
Italian language.
• Italians would use non-verbal communication such as body languages and
hand gestures to communicate with non-English speakers or non-Italian
speakers.

5. Body Language
Japan
• In Japan, eye contact is kept to a minimum, as extended eye contact is a form of disrespect among the Japanese.
• Subtle facial expressions in Japan carry a lot of meaning in a conversation, such as a raise of the eyebrow shows that
you are questioning what the second party is saying.
• It is also common for the Japanese to maintain a passive expression while speaking.
Italy
• Maintaining eye contact during conversations is important to show that you are interested to talk with them.
• Indifference in idea is show by stroking the chin.
• Ignoring or not responding when first met shows that you are not open to them and overly sensitive as the Italians
are most likely to express their feelings and emotions during a conversation.

6. Similarities
• Nodding is shown as a sign of agreement in both Japan and Italy.
• Smiling shows that you enjoy talking to the second party and is also a sign of
interest in both Japan and Italty

7. Vocal Characteristics
Japan
• Japanese speak fluent Japanese, but their English is weak.
• Japanese people often speak in a monotonous tone,
however it is not associated with disinterest.
• A slight change of tone when the Japanese speak also
speaks volumes, as they show that their emotions are also
affected.
• Silence is common, and small talk is not encouraged.
• Talking too loud in public spaces causes discomfort
among the Japanese.
Italy
• Italians speaks very fluent English or Italian
• Italians are notorious for shouting as they want to make
sure that people can understand them
• Shouting doesn’t necessarily means anger as they like to
express their emotion when talking even with strangers.
• When Italians speak among themselves , the more likely
to speak with a cynical or sarcastic tone as the like to joke
about themselves

8. Similarities
• Both Japanese and Italians shout when expressing anger.
• They speak very politely and use formal language when speaking with
strangers.

9. Personal appearance
Japan
• Japanese take high regard in their
clothing.
• For casual wear, women usually wear
the kimono, while the men wear the
yukata.
• For work, they usually wear a suit and
tie for men, most commonly in darker
colours.
Italy
• Most Italians would usually wear smart
casual instead if casual clothing
• Your clothing or appearance shows
your position in his/her employment
• In Italy people often take off their hats
indoors
• Italians would dress neatly and
respectfully to strangers to give a good
first impression

10. Similarities
• Both Japanese and Italians like to use clean clothes.
• They also wear proper clothes when going to work, to show a proper image
when on the job.

11. Touching
Japan
• As opposed to the common handshake, the
Japanese commonly greet others with a bow
amongst locals.
• When talking to strangers, the Japanese don’t
touch the second party, as a form of respect.
• Affection in public, such as hugging and
holding hands should be avoided.
Italy
• Italians usually greet others by handshake
with direct eye contact and smile
• Air kisses is also common when greeting
with the locals irrespective of genders
• Men only kiss both cheeks or pat on the back
with family members or someone that is
close and dear to them
• Hugging, kissing, back slapping and hand
holding is considered normal in public

12. Similarities
• Both Japanese and Italians greet each other with the common handshake.

13. Use of time and space
Japan
• Punctuality is very important in Japanese
culture. Being late in Japan is shown to be
very rude.
• Personal space between people in Japan
should be respected, as the Japanese always
distance themselves from one another when
talking.
Italy
• Italian are notorious for not being punctual
especially among themselves.
• On time often means 15 minutes, 30 minutes
or 45 minutes more than the allocated time
• Italians would keep themselves close to the
other person during a conversation
regardless of gender
• Moving yourself away or avoiding them is
considered normal as they will assume that
you are not interested or keen to speak with
them

14. Similarities
• In both countries, personal space between strangers is respected.

15. Conclusion
• In conclusion, each country has their own respective differences in non
verbal communication, and also several similarities.
• It is our duty as a tourist of a certain country to understand the etiquette
regarding non verbal communication in a foreign country, to avoid
displeasing the locals.