2 reality checks

People can misinterpret nonverbal language that is culturally different

from their own. Has this ever happened to you? Describe what took

place and your reactions to the incident.

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Chapter 4: Nonverbal Communication

Pearson, Human Communication, 6e

1. Choose a partner or one will be assigned to you. 2. Choose a subject that you both feel you can talk about. You will be

talking to each other for a while, so either choose a good topic or have back-up topics. (Movie preferences? Restaurant options? Major?)

3. While talking to each other, take the following positions (about 2-3 minutes each): a. Standing far apart b. Standing very close together, face to face (almost touching) c. Both of you sitting down d. One person standing up, the other person sitting down (change

places so that each person fulfills both roles) e. One person talking while the other person nonverbally

communicates that he/she is not listening (change places so that each person fulfills both roles)

f. One person talking while the other person nonverbally communicates that he/she is actively listening (change places so that each person fulfills both roles)

1. Was there any position that you felt very uncomfortable communicating in? Why (or why not)?

2. Specifically, how did you feel when you were sitting down while talking to your partner, who was standing up? Do you think other people would have felt the same way? Why or why not?

3. When you tried to communicate that you were not listening to your partner, what nonverbal cues did you use? Do you think they effectively communicated your (feigned) disinterest? What did your partner do during this time that caused you to believe your nonverbal communication of disinterest was effective (or ineffective)?

4. When you tried to communicate that you were actively listening to your partner, what nonverbal cues did you use? Do you think they effectively communicated your (genuine) interest? What did your partner do during this time that caused you to believe your nonverbal communication of interest was effective (or ineffective)?

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Objectives • Define nonverbal communication

• Describe how verbal and nonverbal codes work together

• Identify two problems people have in interpreting nonverbal codes

• Define and identify nonverbal codes

• Understand how objects are used in nonverbal communication

• Utilize strategies for improving your nonverbal communication

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What Is Nonverbal Communication?

• Nonverbal communication defined

– Process of using messages other than words to create meaning with others

https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are/ discussion?nolanguage=enhttp%3A

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Relation of Verbal and Nonverbal

• Repeating (sending same message:point) • Emphasizing(nv strengthens message:hug) • Complementing (add meaning: stop) • Contradicting (conflicting: watch) • Substituting (instead of…eye roll) • Regulating (monitor and control: walk away)

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Ambiguity of Nonverbal Codes • One code communicates variety of

meanings

• Variety of codes communicate same meaning

(Cultural differences)

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Nonverbal Codes (1)

• Bodily movement and facial expression (kinesics) – Emblems (substitutes) – Illustrators(reinforce/nod) – Affect displays

(facial features, tone, posture/win)

© Chris Ryan/AGE Fotostock

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Nonverbal Codes (2)

• Bodily movement and facial expression – Regulators (control flow/watch) – Adaptors(unintended touching,

cold, scratch, adjust glasses/physical/social need )

© Radius Images/Alamy

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Nonverbal Codes (3) • Uses of body movements

– Liking (leaning in) – Status (eye contact) – Responsiveness (feedback)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfDWQG47pAQ

• Physical attractiveness – Symmetry – Height

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Nonverbal Codes (4)

• Space (proxemics) – Territoriality (fences, flags,

phone)

– Personal space

© Photodisc/Getty Images

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Nonverbal Codes (4)

• Space – Intimate distance (18”) – Personal distance (4’) – Social distance (12’) – Public distance (< 12’)

© Fancy Collection/SuperStock

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Nonverbal Codes (5)

• Time (chronemics) – Monochronic

• Privacy

• tasks

– Polychronic • Relationships

• multitask

© Image Source

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Nonverbal Codes (6) • Touching (haptics)

– Tactile communication (ask for a favor) – Important for health – Rituals – Gender differences (Women value, men touch more) – Cultural differences (England-1x per hour vs. Puerto Rico-180x per hour)

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Nonverbal Codes (7)

• Vocal cues (paralinguistics) – Pitch – Rate – Inflection – Volume – Quality – Nonword sounds

© Blend Images/Hill Street Studios

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Nonverbal Codes (8) • Vocal cues

– Pronunciation – Articulation – Enunciation – Silence

• Clothing and artifacts (objectics)

© Medioimages/Photodisc/Getty Images RF

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Improving Nonverbal Communication

• Context – Volume, etc.

• Audience – Age, purpose,

clothes

• Feedback – Perception check

© UpperCut Images/SuperStock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOkrS1v7Ywk

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Cultural Differences • Consistent use of space (U.S./Space Zones) • Emphasis on verbal messages (U.S./rude?) • Emblems used for less

formal messages (U.S./very few signify respect) • Eye contact (expected) • Bigger vocal characteristics

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Can you? • Define nonverbal communication

• Describe how verbal and nonverbal codes work together

• Identify two problems people have in interpreting nonverbal codes

• Define and identify nonverbal codes

• Understand how objects are used in nonverbal communication

• Utilize strategies for improving your nonverbal communication