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Tài liệu A study on how to improve the effectiveness of using non verbal communication in class presentation for the 3rd year english major students at ha noi pedagogical university n0.2

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Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Firstly, I owe my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan M.A, without whose valuable comments and guidance, my thesis would not have been accomplished. I am immensely grateful to all the teachers of Faculty of Foreign Languages for their wholehearted education and support. My special thanks go to English major students from Course 35 in the academic year of 2011-2012. They filled in my survey questionnaires, classroom observation sheet and involve in video capture. I give my thanks to my close friends and my classmates for their warm support and enthusiasm, which have greatly contributed to the development of the thesis. Finally, I should acknowledge my indebtedness to my parents and my younger sister for their non-stop encouragement and support during the research’s finalization. Faculty of Foreign Languages 1 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper ASTRACT For years, scholars and researchers have done many studies on non-verbal communication. They have found that non-verbal communication not only plays a vital role in communication but also presentation. Indeed, many studies show that good use of non-verbal communication can contribute to bring a successful presentation. Despite the great importance of non-verbal communication, many students are confused in using its subtypes in their class presentations. This seriously affects their improvement of presentation skills. With the hope of helping the students develop their presentation skills in general, and self-improve their use of non-verbal communication in presentations in particular, this thesis was conducted. The thesis not only focuses on finding the most common non-verbal communication subtypes used in the presentations and how these types are used by students of Faculty of Foreign Languages, but also stresses on giving some guidelines to improve the students’ utilization of nonverbal communication. The data was collected by using questionnaires, observation sheet and videotapes. Faculty of Foreign Languages 2 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP Title: A STUDY ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS IN USING NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN CLASS PRESENTATION FOR THE 3RD YEAR ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS AT HANOI PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY No.2 (Submitted in partial fulfillment for Degree of Bachelor of Arts in English) I certify that all the materials in this study which are not my own work have been identified and acknowledged, and that no material is included for which a degree has been conferred upon me. Date submitted: May 2012 Student Supervisor Uong Thi Hang Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, M.A. Faculty of Foreign Languages 3 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper LIST OF ABBREVIATION NVC: Non-verbal communication Faculty of Foreign Languages 4 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgment ................................................................................................ i Abstract .............................................................................................................. ii Statement of authorship ..................................................................... ..... ....... . iii List of abbreviation ............................................................................................ iv Table of contents ................................................................................................ v PART ONE INTRODUCTION I. Rationale ......................................................................................................... 1 II. Research presupposition ............................................................................... 2 III. Research objectives ...................................................................................... 2 IV. Research scope ............................................................................................. 3 V. Research task ................................................................................................. 3 VI. Research methods ........................................................................................ 3 VII. Significance of the proposed research ....................................................... 4 VIII. Design of the research work ..................................................................... 5 PART TWO DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER ONE: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND I.1. Literature review in brief ............................................................................ 6 I.2. Communication ............................................................................................ 8 I.2.1. Definitions of communication ..................................................................... 8 I.2.2. Types of communication ............................................................................. 9 I.3. Non-verbal communication ......................................................................... 10 Faculty of Foreign Languages 5 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper I.3.1. Definitions ................................................................................................. 10 I.3.2. Functions ................................................................................................... 12 I.3.2.1. Expressing meaning ................................................................................. 13 I.3.2.2. Modifying verbal messages ...................................................................... 14 I.3.2.3. Regulating verbal interactions .................................................................. 15 I.3.3. Characteristics .......................................................................................... 15 I.3.4. Classification ............................................................................................. 16 I.3.4.1. Paralanguage ............................................................................................ 17 I.3.4.2. Extra-language ......................................................................................... 19 I.3.4.2.1. Body language ..................................................................................... 19 I.3.4.2.1.1. Eye contact ......................................................................................... 19 I.3.4.2.1.2. Facial expressions .............................................................................. 21 I.3.4.2.1.3. Gestures ............................................................................................. 22 I.3.4.2.1.4. Postures .............................................................................................. 23 I.3.4.2.1.5. Hapstics.............................................................................................. 24 I.3.4.2.2. Object language................................................................................... 25 I.3.4.2.2.1. Physical appearance ........................................................................... 25 I.3.4.2.2.2. Visual aids .......................................................................................... 25 I.3.4.2.3. Environmental language ..................................................................... 27 I.3.4.2.3.1. Conversational distance/ Proxemics ................................................... 27 I.3.4.2.3.2. Time/ Chronemics .............................................................................. 28 I.3.5. Overview on presentation ......................................................................... 29 I.3.5.1. Definitions of presentation ....................................................................... 29 I.3.5.2. Elements of an effective presentation ....................................................... 29 I.3.5.3. Non-verbal communication’s involvement in presentation ....................... 31 Faculty of Foreign Languages 6 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper CHAPTER TWO METHODOLOGY II.1. Survey questionnaire (Appendix A and B) ............................................... 33 II.1.1. Rationale for the use of survey questionnaire ............................................. 33 II.1.2. Population of the survey ............................................................................ 34 II.1.3. Construction of the survey questionnaires .................................................. 34 II.1.3.1. Construction of the survey Pre-questionnaire (Appendix A) .................. 34 II.1.3.2. Construction of the survey Post-questionnaire (Appendix B) .................. 35 II.1.4. Administration of the try-out ..................................................................... 35 II.1.4.1. Preparation of the try-out ........................................................................ 35 II.1.4.2. Try-out .................................................................................................... 35 II.1.5. Steps of data analysis ................................................................................. 36 II.2. Classroom observation .............................................................................. 36 II.2.1. Rationale for the use of classroom observation .......................................... 36 II.2.2. Classroom observation sheet (Appendix C) ............................................... 37 II.3. Video capture.............................................................................................. 38 II.3.1. Rationale for the use of video capture ........................................................ 38 II.3.2. Preparation of video capture ...................................................................... 38 II.3.3. Video capture............................................................................................. 39 CHAPTER THREE THE RESULTS III.1. Results of survey questionnaires .............................................................. 40 III.1.1. Results of Pre-survey questionnaire ..................................................... 40 III.1.1.1. Students’ awareness of non-verbal communication ............................... 41 III.1.1.1.1. Lacking knowledge of non-verbal communication concept ................ 41 III.1.1.1.2. Misunderstanding of the functions of non-verbal communication ....... 42 Faculty of Foreign Languages 7 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper III.1.1.2.The rate of using some common kinds of non-verbal communication of students ................................................................................................................ 42 III.1.3. Quality of students’ utilization of non-verbal communication .................. 43 III. 1.2. Results of Post-survey questionnaire ................................................... 45 III.1.2.1.The rate of students’ use of some common non-verbal communication types ..................................................................................................................... 45 III.1.2.2. Quality of students’ utilization of non-verbal communication ............... 46 III.2. Results of classroom observation and video capture .............................. 47 III.3. Suggested ways for better use of some common types of non-verbal communication used in class presentation ........................................................ 49 III.3.1. Eye contact ............................................................................................... 51 III.3.2. Facial expressions..................................................................................... 51 III.3.3. Gestures.................................................................................................... 52 III.3.4. Postures .................................................................................................... 52 III.3.5. Visual aids ................................................................................................ 53 III.3.6. Paralanguage ............................................................................................ 54 PART THREE CONCLUSION I. Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 55 II. Limitations and suggestions for further study............................................. 56 II.1. Limitations ................................................................................................... 56 II.2. Suggestions for further study ........................................................................ 56 References Appendix A: Pre-survey questionnaire Appendix B: Post-survey questionnaire Appendix C: Observation sheet and checklists Appendix D: Rubric for evaluating NVC Faculty of Foreign Languages 8 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper PART ONE INTRODUCTION I. RATIONALE Communication is a great present that the Creature gives to human. We communicate with each other not only verbally but also non-verbally. According to some studies, non-verbal communication outweighs verbal communication in terms of the proportion of the messages conveyed. This can be illustrated by a study of Koneya, M. and Barbour, A.(1976) done in the US. It proved that 93% of messages were conveyed by the speaker’s body language and only 7% of the speaker’s attitude was transmitted by words. There is no doubt that non-verbal communication is a vital part of our communication. It cannot be denied that non-verbal communication is very important in many aspects of communication. One of these is public speaking or presentation. Nowadays, with the integration into the world, many fields of life need to give presentations like politics, economics, education and so on. Thus, improving communication skills and presentation skills are the issue which is especially concerned. Many studies show that good use of non-verbal communication can bring about the success to the presentation. Therefore, the presenters should pay more attention to their non-verbal communication when delivering a presentation. The students at many universities in general and at Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hanoi Pedagogical University No.2 in particular also have awareness of cultivating their presentation skills. However, in classes, most students seem to pay their attention to what knowledge is used, not how it was transferred to their friend and teachers. They almost take no notice of non-verbal communication. Therefore, they fail to make an effective presentation. Meanwhile, the suitable utilization of Faculty of Foreign Languages 9 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper non-verbal communication can have a great effect on transferring information as well as attracting the audiences to the presentation. With the purposes of helping the students to improve their non-verbal communication when giving presentations, this thesis is conducted, which focuses on ways to improve the use of non-verbal communication in class presentation for third-year English major students of Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hanoi Pedagogical University No.2 in the academic year 2011-2012. II. RESEARCH PRESUPPOSITION With regard to improve the third-year English major students’ utilization of nonverbal communication, some questions are raised: 1. What are the most common non-verbal communication types utilized in class presentation by third-year English major students of Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hanoi Pedagogical University No 2 in the academic year 2011- 2012? 2. How are these most common non-verbal communication types utilized in class presentation by third-year English major students of Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hanoi Pedagogical University No 2 in the academic year 2011- 2012? 3. What are the effective ways to improve the effectiveness in using non-verbal communication of third-year English major in their class presentations? III. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The study is carried out to work out the students’ limitations in using non-verbal communication in their class presentations and then to find out the effective ways to improve the effectiveness of their using non-verbal communication in presentations. Faculty of Foreign Languages 10 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper IV. RESEARCH SCOPE The research focuses on investigating the most common types of non-verbal communication in class presentations, and assessing students’ use of these nonverbal communication types. The population involved in the study is fifty English major students of Course 35 of Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hanoi Pedagogical University No. 2 V. RESEARCH TASKS The study involves fulfilling the following tasks:  To study the definition, the characteristics, the functions, the classification and the involvement of non-verbal communication in presentation.  To study the definition and the elements of an effective presentation.  To investigate the most common types of non-verbal communication used by students in their class presentations  To conduct surveys, video capture and observations  To propose some ways for the students to utilize the common subtypes of non-verbal communication more effectively in their class presentations VI. RESEARCH METHODS In order to set up a firm theoretical background for the study, relevant publications are critically reviewed. To achieve the objectives of the study, the following methods have been applied:  Questionnaire survey is the first method used in this study. The analysis is mainly based on the data collected through the survey questionnaires. Faculty of Foreign Languages 11 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper  Observation is the second method. The analysis of this method is chiefly depended on the information collected from observation sheets and videotapes. Besides, the consultation with the supervisor and discussion with friends are also the main supporting methods. VII. SIGNIFICANCE OF PROPOSED RESEARCH In the context of Foreign Languages Faculty at Hanoi Pedagogical University No.2, the study was carried out to give a clear picture about non-verbal communication. It helps to work out the common subtypes of non-verbal communication used in class presentation and to provide some ways to improve the students’ utilization of these mostly used non-verbal communication subtypes. Therefore, hopefully, the thesis is beneficial to both students and teachers in using and teaching non-verbal communication. To teachers, this thesis not only figures out the subtypes of non-verbal communication which are mostly utilized by the third-year English major students of Foreign Languages Faculty but also evaluates the quality of students’ utilization of non-verbal communication in their presentation. Hence, it helps the teachers recognize which types of non-verbal communication that the students need to improve. Then, they will have the strategy to educate and provide the students guidelines to progress their use of these non-verbal types. To students, this thesis provides a full look on the definition, characteristics, functions and classifications of non-verbal communication. Therefore, the students will have deep understanding on this term. More importantly, the findings of the study are believed to be helpful for students to find the ways to self-improve their use of non-verbal communication in their class presentation. Faculty of Foreign Languages 12 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper This study is also beneficial to anyone who is interested in developing their presentation skills in general and improving their non-verbal communication in particular. VIII. DESIGN OF THE RESEARCH WORK The study consists of three main parts: Introduction, Development and Conclusion. Part one: INTRODUCTION outlines the rationale, the presupposition, the objectives, the scope, the task, the method, the significant and the design of the study. Part two: DEVELOPMENT consists of three chapters.  Chapter one: LITERATURE REVIEW briefly presents theoretical background on non-verbal communication.  Chapter two: METHODOLOGY presents the methods used in the study.  Chapter three: RESULTS shows the detailed results and analysis on the data collected from survey questionnaires, classroom observation and video capture. Part three: CONCLUSION provides a review, limitations of the study as well as suggestions for further studies. Faculty of Foreign Languages 13 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper PART TWO DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER ONE: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND I.1. Literature review in brief Non-verbal communication is an important part of human communication. It has been the objective of many linguistics and scholars, for example, Knapp & Hall (2002), Cleary, S. (2004), Remland, M.S (2000), Mehrabian, A. (1981), Quang, N.(1998) and so on. Each of them has their own ways to approach this area of communication. However, most of them pay their attention to the definition, the classification, functions and applications of nonverbal communication. Knapp & Hall (2002) in the book Non-verbal communication in human interaction explores the role of non-verbal behavior in the system of human communication by examining the different effects of body movements and postures, facial expressions and physical appearance in various social contexts. Cleary, S. (2004) focuses on the important role of non-verbal communication in the creation of meaning and the use of non-verbal codes varies across cultures. Leathers, D. G & Eaves, M.H. (2008) demonstrate how knowledge of non-verbal messages can affect how one communicates successfully in the real world. This extensive revision describes non-verbal cues and their functions as well as original tests for measuring and developing non-verbal communication skills. Mehrabian, A. (1981) deals with all facets of non-verbal communication, including body positions and movements, facial expressions, voice quality and intonation Faculty of Foreign Languages 14 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper during speech, volume and speed of speech, subtle variations in wording of sentences that reveal hidden messages in what is said, combinations of messages from different sources (e.g. face, tone of voice, words), and general descriptions of individual communication styles or mannerisms. The book also helps to enhance one’s awareness of many subtle aspects of interpersonal communication, and to improve one’s communication skills. Sharing some similarities to Mehrabian, A. (1981), Remland, M. S (2000) presents the balancing theory and practical applications of non-verbal communication in daily life. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of non-verbal communication, focusing on the roles of physical appearance, gesture, touch, facial expressions, voice, eye contact, and special relations in face-to-face interactions. The author places an emphasis on non-verbal communication as a key to understanding diversity, communicating in personal and social relationships, interacting in the workplace, and speaking to inform or persuade. This book also presents a different aspect of communication, concluding with examples of nonverbal codes present in everyday life. In the book Intercultural communication, Quang, N. (1998) deals with the cultural differences in non-verbal communication and suggests the ways to understand some common body language signs. Overall, most scholars focus on studying non-verbal communication in general communication. Some scholars while studying presentation skills stress on the vital roles of non-verbal communication in presentation, Verderber, R.F, Verderber, K,S, & Sellnow, D.D (2011) in the book Challenges of effective speaking, for example. However, they generally pay their attention to the significance of using non-verbal communication in achieving the success when delivering public or business speeches. They have not delved into examining non- Faculty of Foreign Languages 15 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper verbal communication enhancing class presentation. Therefore, it is essential to have a study on the importance effects of non-verbal communication in class presentation. I.2. Communication I.2.1. Definition of communication We, human beings, communicate all our life for our own purpose. Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) claim that “Communication, then, is our vital to our lives. To live is to communicate.” Therefore, communication has become the object of many studies. However, to give a full definition to communication is not easy at all. Each scholar looks communication in their own view. That is the reason why there are many definitions for communication. It is estimated that there exist about 276 definitions for the term Communication. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines communication as “activities or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information” Communication, according to Allen, L.A. (1958) is “the sum of all the things a person does when he wants to create understanding in the mind of another. It is a bridge of meaning. It involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.” Davis, K. (1981) has another look at communication. He considers communication as the process of delivering information and understanding from one person to another. Chappell, R.T and Read, W.L (1979) define “communication is any means by which thought is transferred from one person to another. Faculty of Foreign Languages 16 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) give a different definition of communication, which says “communication is any process in which people share information, ideas, and feelings that involve not only words but also body language, personal mannerism and style, the surrounding and things that add meaning to a message.” Levine and Adelman (1993) describe communication as “the process of sharing meaning through verbal and non-verbal behavior.” For the purpose of the study, the definitions of Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) and Levine and Adelman (1993) are the most useful ones. The definition of Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) gives us an overview on not only the nature but also the content of communication. Both Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) and Levine and Adelman (1993) add the forms of communication into their definitions. Levine and Adelman (1993) claim that human shares messages through verbal and non-verbal communication. I.2.2. Types of communication Based on the forms of communication, Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R.L. (1992) provide four main types of communication. They are intrapersonal, interpersonal, interview, and public communication.  Intrapersonal communication, also called “self-talk”, is communication that occurs within us. It involves thoughts, feelings and the way we look at ourselves.  Interpersonal communication is communication occurs when we communicate face to face. This kind of communication mostly occurs between two people, though it includes more than two. Faculty of Foreign Languages 17 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper  Interview is a series of questions and answers, usually involving two people whose primary purpose is to obtain information on particular subjects. Job interview is the common type of this communication.  Public communication is communication in which the speaker sends a message to an audience. In view of the manner of communication, Levine and Adelman (1993) and Quang, N. (1998) find that there are two main types of communication: verbal and non-verbal communication. To get better view, communication can be illustrated by the following diagram. Communication Verbal communication Non-verbal communication As can be seen from the diagram, communication includes verbal communication or communication with words, and non-verbal communication or simply communication without words. Also, non-verbal communication – objective of the study is one type of communication. Thus, in this study, non-verbal communication will be researched basing on the foundation of communication. I.3. Non-verbal Communication I.3.1. Definition Scholars have had many studies on non-verbal communication and each of them has their own ways to define non-verbal communication. Therefore, the scholars’ Faculty of Foreign Languages 18 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper views on the definition of this term still remain divergent. However, most scholars agree that non-verbal communication is understood as a way of communicating without the use of written or spoken language. In the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, non-verbal communication is communication “not involving words or speech.” According to Knapp & Hall (2002), non-verbal communication refers to communication that is produced by some means (eye contact, body language or vocal cues…) other than words. Having the same view, Quang, N. (1998) in the book “ Intercultural communication” states that non-verbal communication is “ “silent” communication, including gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and conversational distance.” Wayne W., Margaret A.L., Dana S.D, and Elizabeth Y.H. (2008) write that “nonverbal communication is the transmission of meaning from one person to another through means or symbols rather than words.” From the cultural view, Lary A.S, Richard E.P. and Edwin R.M.( 2009) propose another definition: “non-verbal communication involves all nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source and his or her use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source or receiver.” It can be seen that though covering most common non-verbal behaviors, the above mentioned definitions fail to give a comprehensive account of the term we are discussing. As looking the issue from different views, scholars couldn’t agree on how communication should be considered non-verbal. Their definitions are either confusingly general or insufficiently specific. The suggested criteria are also not clear, so many non-verbal behaviors unfortunately omitted. It is desirable to seek a better way of defining. Faculty of Foreign Languages 19 Uong Thi Hang Graduation Paper From the view of researcher, the most impressive definition is the one by Verderber, R.F. (1984), which says “non-verbal communication refers to how people communicate by non-verbal means, that is through the use of body motions, paralanguage, self-presentation, and environment.” This definition incorporates most elements of definitions cited previously and mentions more critical aspects of non-verbal communication. It also points out four classes of non-verbal communication: body motions or body language, paralanguage, self-presentation or physical appearance and environment or environmental language. With the depth in the definition, Verderber R.F(1984) extends the road to understand the true essence of non-verbal communication. This definition provides an overview of non-verbal communication. I.3.2. Functions In 1970, Arglyle produced a hypothesis that whereas verbal cues are normal used for communicating information about events external to the speakers, non-verbal behaviors are used to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships. It is considered nicer or more polite to express attitude non-verbally rather than verbally, and non-verbal means is also used in order to avoid embarrassing cases. According to Arglyle (1988), there are five fundamental functions of non-verbal communication including expressing emotions, expressing interpersonal attitudes, accompanying speech in managing the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners, and presenting one’s personality and greeting. It is clear that non-verbal communication plays an important role in communication. Without using nonverbal communication, our communication may be less effective. Although we can send, receive and exchange information by verbal means, we still continuously express our emotions through our facial expressions, our gestures, ect. Besides, we can judge one’s personality through the way he or she stands, sits, moves, looks at Faculty of Foreign Languages 20
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