When you say even the simplest word or statement, the meaning can change depending on the tone of voice you use. You may sound in a hurry, relaxed, happy or sad, using the very same words. Paralanguage isn t concerned with what is said, but instead how something is said. This is attributed to the variations of pitch, intonation, tempo, articulation and resonance of the voice.
Communication goes far beyond words.
Some of the influences are shown in the graphic below. We Americans stress words so much that we miss much of the meaning delivered in communication. Our lack of awareness of communication beyond words can lead us to change our behavior without being aware of why. The mere presence of other people has powerful effects, else solitary confinement would not be a punishment. Proxemics research studies the influence of relative physical location of people on interaction and communication.