Academic Conversation: A Case to Exemplify the Influence of Non-Verbal Communication on Human Interaction

Abstract

The present study tried to highlight the influence non-verbal communication has on human interaction; academic conversation is specified to exemplify this construct for other spheres of life. It addresses whether teachers’ non-verbal communication has an influence on students’ performance, the students’ perception regarding the non-verbal communication in academics and their respective impact were explored. Literature reflects that non-verbal communication has a significant role in human interactions; it not only elaborates but certainly clarifies the verbal message. The present study was devised to get subjective perceptions of students on board for presenting behavioural upshots serving academics. The sample of 37 Pakistani students of Quaid-i-Azam University within an age range of 19 to 24 years (M= 22.8, SD=1.77) responded to semi-structured interviews and their opinions were recorded in the form of interview transcriptions. Conventional content analysis was used for the analysis of data and categories were adjusted under two broader themes; perceived strong predictors of performance and perceived hurdles for students learning. Almost all individuals responded that non-verbal communication of teacher can be more influential than words. Findings of the study have great implications for behavioural management of people; teacher-student and other human interactions.