The Art of Communication Through Touching… Haptic Communication
Another important piece of communication is haptic communication, or communicating via touch. This is another powerful non-verbal communication style that is very important in humans (as well as animals). Equally important is knowing the protocol of touch in various social, political, or professional settings. Managers must know the rules of touching when communication with subordinates so as not to be misunderstood or misinterpreted. While a “hand on the shoulder” for one person might appear supportive, some could interpret it as a sexual advance or sexual harassment. Some common signs of communicative touching include:- Handshakes
- Touching another’s shoulder
- Holding hands
- Touching another’s hand
- Back slapping (predominantly a male gesture)
- High fives
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Judy W Bell
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Tags: communication skills, Effective Communication, handshake, Judy W Bell, Non-verbal communication, sexual harassment, Success Habits, touch