“The expression of emotions in man and animals”

We have been continuously facing various environmental, social, and psychological challenges since millions of years and shall remain same in future. Despite of modernity and inventions, we live almost same way other creatures do.

Common Ancestry

Though we share most of our characteristics with them, it might be quite hard for most of us to regard ourselves as an animal race. Though scientific and technological advancements separate humans from other of creatures, this accomplishment has been done in very tiniest part of entire history of evolution.

Sir Charles Darwin - the founder of “Theory of Evolution” was once criticized through a cartoon in which he was depicted as an ape, holding a mirror in front of another ape’s face seating next to him. In 19th century, contemporary society and scientific community couldn’t accept his conclusion drawn that apes (higher primates) and we share common ancestry. Debates still continue both supporting and opposing Darwinism.

However, very few of us might know that same genius laid foundation stones of modern research of body language and nonverbal communication. His book “The expression of emotions in man and animals” is one of the preliminary writings that covers valuable conclusions drawn after closely observing humans and animals communicating nonverbally. He also succeeded in finding similarities between human and animal expressions. Later, most other scientists and researchers re-studied and assured same conclusions in one or another way.

Modern methodologies and technologies have tried to find out behavioral origin inside the brain has brought revolution in this field of science. It's Darwin's greatest gift for all of us.

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"Nonverbal" is alien way of communication?

This age is indeed an age of evolution of communication. We’re being introduced to newer technologies, channels, and gadgets regularly. Positively, many superficial factors are being rectified by latest neuro-psychological research by anticipating future challenges. Along with all these things, we’re hearing new buzz word “Body Language” and this dialect is gaining considerable amount of attention from homes to corporate offices worldwide. Some experts are couching us to help shaping an effective, smart, and friendly way that could beneficial in personal, professional, and social life. So does this mean that body language and nonverbal communication is an entirely new dialect itself?

Several research works over body language and nonverbal communication began in 19th century and their common conclusions were both startling and enlightening for all of us. Body Language, Kinesics, and Nonverbal Communication is being used by us from millions of years and it remained evolving after facing new psycho-sociological challenges. Literally, we communicate almost 24 hours a day through body language (nonverbally) and throughout our life span.

Our ancestors developed and used it as a common communication platform for very need of survival and socialization before any verbal language evolved. Even after verbal languages or dialects being used; body language is still effective but most of us are not aware of it. In modern era, we use body language to support verbal communication but almost sub-consciously. Since words are unnecessarily often emphasized; we are becoming more and more ignorant about nonverbal communication and thus ultimately inviting misunderstandings, miseries, mishaps, and turmoil everywhere.

Are we becoming social dummies?

Our personal, professional, and social relationships are at risk due to not expressing and interpreting accurately. Though some languages are endangered due to not fulfilling some contemporary demands - standards and aversive to change; body language is unchallenged and exists globally. It’s at the core of our feelings and urge to express so doubting about it is like underestimating struggle of survival and social development of our own race.

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1) Survival of communicator 2) Evolution of Nonverbal communication 3) "The expression of emotions in man and animals" 4) Emotions are manipulated 5) Women are body language experts 6) Unlimited potentials 7) Basic emotional expressions 8) Body Language Brain 9) What is Nonverbal Communication?

Survival of Communicator

Human race successfully survived not only because of intelligence and skills to adapt different environments but also effective interpersonal - social communication. In fact, larger brain evolved to develop understanding about others. Effective and harmonious communication is not only exchanging with clarity and accuracy but also building mutual trust and confidence.

In this modern age, we mostly communicate through words in form of speak and text. We exchange words on wire. But words share only few percents of personal insight if they are not judged nonverbally. Literal meaning of words can be acknowledged but motivations or intentions behind them may not be exactly understood if we don’t pay attention to pronunciation and facial expressions of person that utters them.

As like other creatures, we evolved to communicate primarily through bodily expressions because they are definite, apparent, and facilitating better understanding of each other. A calm and cheerful person relaxing in a reclined chair gives away a pleasant and non-threatening message whereas out-crying infant expresses helplessness and an urge of immediate attention by others. Hence, no special training or experience is required for interpreting basic emotional expressions.

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1) Evolution of Nonverbal communication 2) "The expression of emotions in man and animals" 3) "Nonverbal" is alien way of communication? 4) Emotions are manipulated 5) Women are body language experts 6) Unlimited potentials 7) Basic emotional expressions 8) Body Language Brain 9) Fear Factor 10) My interpretation of Victory display