Abstract
Communication, a fundamental tool in human interaction, encompasses a variety of methods and techniques. One such method, non-verbal communication, is a form of expression that transcends words or language. Instead, it relies on a spectrum of non-verbal cues, such as body language, eye contact, physical posture, gestures, and facial expressions, to convey meaning. In the context of tourist guiding, non-verbal communication is a key element. The non-verbal communication skills of tourist guides are pivotal in shaping the quality of the tour experience. By employing non-verbal communication techniques, guides can significantly enhance the quality of interaction with tourists, thereby optimizing communication efficacy. Guides who can effectively use non-verbal communication, including body language, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, are better equipped to build stronger relationships with tourists and provide a more meaningful experience. Furthermore, guides can enhance their communication skills with tourists from diverse cultural backgrounds by developing a heightened cultural awareness. This study, employing a descriptive research design, aimed to examine the impact of tour guides' nonverbal communication skills on tour experiences. Three hundred ninety tourists, representing a diverse range of ages, genders, and nationalities, were selected through random sampling. These tourists were chosen from individuals who participated in various tour programs, ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample. A questionnaire was administered to the participants as a means of data collection, and they completed the questionnaires after the tour programs. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were employed to ascertain the level of nonverbal communication skills exhibited by the tourist guides. This approach enabled a comprehensive examination of the impact of the guides' nonverbal communication skills on the tour experiences. The findings of this study will prove invaluable in informing future research and developing tourist guides' communication skills.
Keywords
Communication Styles, Nonverbal Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Tourism Sector, Tour Guide
ORCID Identifiers
Melike SAK: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7777-2071
Ali Turan BAYRAM: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1655-4043
Gül Bayram ERKOL: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9764-2883
Anuj KUMAR: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1205-2794
Shakeel Basheer: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7854-8285
DOI
10.5038/2770-7555.3.2.1029
Recommended Citation
SAK, M., Bayram, A., Bayram, G., Kumar, A., & Basheer, S. (2024). The Relationship Between Communication Styles And Nonverbal Communication Level: A Study On Tourist Guides. Journal of Mediterranean Tourism Research, 3(2), 88-107. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/2770-7555.3.2.1029
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License