Semantic, Paralanguage and Kinesic Behaviour

“Think before you speak ! And take it seriously.” People always tell you to think before you speak but they never add how serious or important it is. Everyday when we communicate something people take our words differently or don’t understand what we are trying to communicate.

This is what have been taught to me in my business class:
Semantics: The study of meaning and choice of words are known as semantics. Semantic blocks are difficulty that each person faces in choosing the right words for communication.
Example: A manager might say to the subordinate: “Your performance was below standards I expected more.”

The manager really meant: “You are going to have work harder. I know you can do it”

The subordinate takes it as: “If you mess another time you are out.”

What’s even more interesting is that when we are communicating something 80% of the body language is taken instead of what we have said or spoken. A good example would be your friend would be telling you that she is fine. But her face and voice is betraying her and you know that she is not fine. That something is really wrong !!!

Your tone of voice is also very useful. One sentence can actually have 3 different meaning. This is not a very good example I hope I get the point across though.(If somebody can come up with a better one or know a better one do drop in a comment. !)
Imagine a kid saying “I want that red car”. Now if the kid stresses on one word the meaning of the sentences changes slightly.

I want that red car. ( Stressing on the “want” makes it obvious that the kid wants the car either by hook or crook)

I want that red car. ( Stressing on the “red” makes it clear that the kid wants the red car and none other)

I want that red car. (Stressing on the “that” makes it clear that the kid want that car and no other car will do)

When your voice is the main focus it’s called “Paralanguage.” It consists of how something is said rather than what is said. Voice quality, tone of voice, laughing and yawning are included. But "Kinesic Behavior" refers to body language. It consists of gestures, facial expressions, postures and eye movements. We often try to draw conclusions from nonverbal behavior rather than word. (All these definitions are straight from my business studies presentation)

I found this entire subject very interesting. Observing body language and tone of voice can really change things. Which also made me realize how when we are communicating through letters, emails and instant messaging, are we succeeding in communicating what exactly we want and how we feel ? I know a lot of times when I have been on-line chatting, my words have been taken in a totally different meaning. Then I had to explain everything more carefully. Not only that once my joke was taken seriously and if I hadn’t cross-checked that it was a joke I would have been in a huge trouble. So I guess its not think before you speak but also keep a check of your facial and body expression , your tone and quality of voice and it’s a whole different scenario when you are communicating through email, letter and instant messaging. Anyway that’s all for now ! If you guys have more stuff to add to it please do. As my business teacher just breezed through the subject and I am wondering if there’s more behind the whole thing. Have a super doper , cool and sun shining day !