reflection essay(1-2pages)
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
GOING BEYONG WORDS
Defining Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication:
Any interaction in which a stimulus, other than words, creates meaning in the mind of a sender or receiver.
e.g., facial expressions
Definition of non-verbal communication
2) creation of meaning
3) other than words: nonlinguistic, communication without words.
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3 General Principles of NVC
3 Important factors to remember about nonverbal communication (NVC):
NVC is an essential part of determining meaning in comm contexts
e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvEci5Bjgd4
nonverbal cues are an extremely influential source of meaning. Actually a lot of scholars they suggested that the majority of meaning in most communication situations is conveyed nonverbally, some estimating the percentage as high as 93%.
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3 General Principles of NVC
A second key principle of nonverbal communication is that nonverbal communication is typically undervalued.
----”It just doesn’t get enough respect”
e.g., have you ever received phone interview?
Tape Face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZefR25GGKg
A second key principle of nonverbal communication is that nonverbal communication is typically undervalued. ----”It just doesn’t get enough respect”
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3 General Principles of NVC
3. NV comm is inextricably linked with verbal comm—they function together
e.g., think about this: can you make eye contact with a stranger for 5 minuets without saying anything?
----It is difficult!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Qr31-wZzk&t=9s
NV comm is inextricably linked with verbal comm—they function together
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3 General Sources of NV Stimuli
Personal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors originating from a specific person
Example: when a person winks, shrugs their shoulders, smiles, etc.
Vocal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with the voice
Example: laugher, sighs, vocal fillers.
Environmental NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with a particular environment
Example: Objects, space, distance
The image on the right are personal nonverbal stimuli
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3 General Sources of NV Stimuli
Personal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors originating from a specific person
Example: when a person winks, shrugs their shoulders, smiles, etc.
Vocal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with the voice
Example: laugher, sighs, vocal fillers.
Environmental NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with a particular environment
Example: Objects, space, distance
Vocal NV stimuli: Examples in the image
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3 General Sources of NV Stimuli
Personal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors originating from a specific person
Example: when a person winks, shrugs their shoulders, smiles, etc.
Vocal NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with the voice
Example: laugher, sighs, vocal fillers.
Environmental NV Stimuli
Nonverbal behaviors associated with a particular environment
Example: Objects, space, distance
Nv cues we associate with a particular environment
e.g., where does the boss sit? Why?
Physical room; size of the room; windows;
Staff: transparent office partitions; no physical room;
So the environmental information is telling sth about the hierarchy in this organization
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4 Aspects of NV Comm
Receiver orientation
Both normative & idiosyncratic interpretation
Subjective
Encompasses multiple channels
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The focus of meaning associated with any nonverbal stimulus is always centered on the receiver. It is the receiver who attaches meanings to particular nonverbal cues.
Sometimes, although the sender might intentionally send some nonverbal cues, but it is likely that the receiver doesn’t notice it at all.
Interpretations of nonverbal cues are generally subjective
Nonverbal communication includes cues that have a socially agreed upon or culturally defined meaning associated with them, and the cues that may only be meaningful or have unique meaings when used in the context of a specific relationship.
Interaction of Verbal & Nonverbal Cues
One primary function of NV cues is interaction w/ verbal cues. (Ekman & Knapp)
Repeat—NV message repeats V
Contradict—NV & V disagree– which is more important?
e.g., who is the liar? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw9MmlqN3kw&t=26s
Substitute—NV used in place of V
How nonverbal and verbal cues work together
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Interaction of Verbal & Nonverbal Cues
One primary function of NV cues is interaction w/ verbal cues. (Ekman & Knapp)
Complement—NV cue provides supplementary info about V message
e.g., tone of voice when we wish someone good luck genuine
Accent—draw attention to part of V message
e.g, raising our voice or gesturing to indicate important messages
Regulate—NV cues regulate V interaction
e.g,. Raise hand during class to ask a question
How nonverbal and verbal cues work together
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Other Functions of NVC
Communicate emotion
Awareness not necessary
e.g., happiness smiles & laughter
depression slumped posture and
downward gaze
Other Functions of NVC
Communicate relational information
e.g., spatial proximity, touch, posture, tone of voice
e.g., 10 sure signs a guy likes you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlK-pp8p8sw
Guess what is the #1 sign?
He doesn’t use his phone when he hangs out with you!!
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Specific Types of NV Messages:
Kinesics – Body movements. Includes facial expressions, hand gestures, etc. 5 types:
Emblems
Illustrators
Regulators
Affect displays
adaptors
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Kinesics, is one of the more widely researched categories of nonverbal cues. Basically all the body moves, including gestures, hand or leg motions, shrugs are forms of Kinesics.
Specific Types of NV Messages: Kinesics
Emblems – common gestures which substitute for words.
Ex – thumbs up (o.k.), shaking head (no)
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Emblems – common gestures which substitute for words.
Specific Types of NV Messages: Kinesics
Illustrators – used to accompany & complement words.
E.g., –moving your hands to illustrate the concept of waves；
-- spreading your hands apart to indicate the size of the fish you got
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Illustrators – used to accompany & complement words.
Specific Types of NV Messages: Kinesics
Regulators – regulate conversation.
Ex.— eye contact signaling you want to say something
--raising your hand in class to indicate that you have a question
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Regulators – regulate conversation.
Specific Types of NV Messages: Kinesics
Affect Displays – facial expressions/body movements which indicate emotion.
Ex – smiling, frowning, shuddering
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Affect Displays – facial expressions/body movements which indicate emotion.
Specific Types of NV Messages: Kinesics
Adaptors – nervous behaviors occurring on a very low level of consciousness; associated with stress.
Ex. – Tapping your foot when nervous without being aware of it.
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Adaptors – nervous behaviors occurring on a very low level of consciousness; associated with stress.
Specific Types of NV Messages
Paralanguage/ Paralinguistics – oral/vocal NV comm
Qualities of the voice
E.g. – how something is said
Vocalics—sounds, other than words, w/ which we associate meaning
E.g. – yawning, laughing, sighing, pauses, etc.
Non-fluencies—filled pauses
E.g.—uh, um, oh, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvEci5Bjgd4 (from 1:49)
tone
pitch
volume
rate
VOCAL QUALITIES:
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Paralanguage/ Paralinguistics – oral/vocal NV comm
Specific Types of NV Messages
Physical appearance — dress, grooming, and attractiveness;
Body type – draw inferences based on general body type
Ectomorph
Endomorph
Mesomorph
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Physical appearance — dress, grooming, and attractiveness;
Body type – draw inferences based on general body type
Think about what body size is communicating
Specific Types of NV Messages
Oculesics—Eye gaze
Contact & avoidance
Haptics—use of touch in communication.
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Oculesics—Eye gaze
Specific Types of NV Messages
Chronemics - time in communication. Several foci:
Specific meanings communicated by time
E.g. being late for a date
Cultural emphasis on time
Psychological time orientation (future, present, or past focus)
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Chronemics - time in communication.
More Types of NV Messages
Objectics – the impact of objects & artifacts on comm
Personal objects
Environmental objects
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Objectics – the impact of objects & artifacts on comm
More Types of NV Messages
Proxemics – the study of space & distance
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More Types of NV Messages
Personal Space—the distance between ourselves and others
Culturally and relationally based
Both unconscious and conscious
Somewhat reliably related to intimacy
Not absolute
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People have different preference about personal space
Nonverbal Norms
A large degree of our interpretation of NV cues is normative—based on social & cultural norms
Norms provide info about general expectations surrounding NV cues:
Expected meanings
Appropriate NV behaviors
Inappropriate NV behaviors
Nonverbal norms reflect the general expectations surrounding nonverbal cues.
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Cue Centered NV Norms
Some norms describe expectations for a particular NV behavior across various situations/contexts
For instance, what sort of typical expectations do we have regarding a handshake?
Two different types of nonverbal norms--- cue centered nonverbal norms; context centered nonverbal norms
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Cue Centered NV Norms
A handshake indicates formal agreement
A handshake conveys a respectful greeting
A handshake should be firm, but not crushing
A handshake should be accompanied by direct eye contact
A handshake should be held for at least 2 seconds
A handshake is expected when meeting/greeting someone in a professional setting
A handshake should be taken when someone offers one. Refusing a handshake signals lack of respect
Context Centered NV Norms
Other norms govern NV behavior in general (i.e. all types of NV cues) within a particular context—e.g. setting, situation, etc.
Context Centered NV Norms
To help illustrate context centered NV norms, let’s watch a short clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzO1mCAVyMw
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Context Centered NV Norms
Proxemics:
When possible should be at least 1 empty urinal between individuals
Maintain maximum personal space
Oculesics:
Don’t initiate or sustain eye contact
Should stare straight ahead
Example of context centered nonverbal norm-- proxemics
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Interpersonal Communication
Man is but a network of relationships and these aloe matter to him.
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Two Approaches to Interpersonal Communication
Quantitative Approach– 2 person, face to face comm
Interpersonal communication focuses on the physical context and how many people are involved in the interaction.
Occurs within the context of a relationship
Also known as dyadic communication—two-person interactions.
Limiting issues:
Not all 2-person communication is the same
Tech advances have impacted face-to-face primacy
What is the definition of interpersonal communication?
Interpersonal communication is the study of human communication at its most basic and immediate level—communication between individuals.
Traditionally, many communication scholars have defined interpersonal communication simply as communication between two people; typically with the underlying assumption that such communication is occurring face to face.
Communication with strangers/family member or your significant others—doesn’t take account into the neaunces/diversity/may aspects in ic
Face to face v.s. CMC
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Two Approaches (Continued)
Qualitative Approach– Communication based on recognition of communicators as unique individuals
Interpersonal communication focuses on the quality or character of communication.
Relational communication— emphasizes the influence of relationships on communication
Dialectical distinction—truly interpersonal communication is built over time
Impersonal communication as the opposite of interpersonal
Another way to define ic is to focus on the character or quality of communication between individuals rather than one based on the number of people involved and context within which they interact.
Interpersonal communication differs with other forms of communication in which it occurs within the context of a relationship
Interpersonal communication vary in terms of how interpersonal they are—the degree of how interpersonal the communication is. How you have different communication styly/pattern/habit with one particular person.
Here comes another concept of impersonal communication. This type of communication is only based on social roles, like a sales representative and a customer. The manner of communication is informal and very superficial, covering topics to instigate a sale or similar transaction
How about the communication between a professor and the students?
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Two Approaches (Continued)
We’ll emphasize relational/qualitative, but both approaches are useful.
Qualitative:
Explores the impact of relationships of communication and importance of communication process in relationships
Quantitative:
Examines important contexts of communication, especially in relationships
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Relationships & Human Comm: Inextricably Linked
Relationships are one of the most significant behavioral influences:
Make life meaningful, drive our interactions w/ others, essential to our personal & practical goals
Communication is the fundamental relational process, crucial to initiating, developing, & maintaining relationships
Engagement Management Disengagement
Relationships & communication are connected. Without communication, it will be impossible to develop, maintain or strengthen relationships. Communication is the fundamental relational process.
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Communication and Self-Knowledge
Our sense of identity is the basis of interactions with other;
Self-concept: relatively stable set of perceptions we hold about ourselves defining who we are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSvRA8jUSxQ
Self-knowledge and communication
we communication with others base on our sense of identity, based on who we are, how we know about oursevels;
cats hand out with cats; lions might be more comfortable to hang out with lions;
self-concept. E.g. positive or negative
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Communication and Self-Knowledge
Our sense of identity is the basis of interactions with other;
Reflected appraisal -- how we perceive that others (specific and general) see us based on their words and actions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VNB5B6qr8
Social comparison— Comparison of the self to others
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3gGkiWSzvg
Cultural Messages— baselines/values used in defining self, usually derived from cultural influences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTE0G9amZNk
Social-cognitive orientation – approach we take when talking with others is based on available information we have about them and how we use that information to shape our behavior towards them.
Cultural information
Sociological information
Psychological information
Impacts the quality of interpersonal interaction- similar situations have different outcomes.
Similar to our perception discussion.
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Communication and Self-Knowledge
Self-Disclosure —process by which we voluntarily share information about ourselves that another person is not likely to know.
Intentional acts, not inference
Truthful information
Primarily verbal (but can occasionally be NV)
Influenced by context & social/cultural norms
Definition; based on our self-concept; how we know about ourselves, individuals vary in how to present themselves to others.
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Communication and Self-Knowledge
Self-disclosure is key to building, developing, & maintaining relationships
How we allow others to get know us
Also how we get to know them— SD is reciprocal
Norm of reciprocity— disclosure if the other discloses too
Break the norm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vcyDDb9YAI
Dyadic effect—disclosure responses tend to happen in dyads
SD changes in nature in a developed relationship, but it is never ending
Norm of reciprocity: we exchanged information; information goes both way
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Self-Disclosure
Altman & Talyor’s Social Penetration Model —Self disclosure represented by 2 dimensions:
Depth:
How deeply is a given area
explored?
Breadth:
How many
different areas
are explored/
revealed?
Altman & Taylor’s Social Penetration Model —Self disclosure represented by:
Breadth: How many different areas are explored or revealed?
Depth: How deeply is a given area explored?
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Self Disclosure (Cont.)
Johari window —categorizes info about the self based on awareness
Let’s do this exercise together!
Communication is fundamental to relations with others.
Communication also shapes your view of yourself.
The Johari window is a technique[1] that helps people better understand their relationship with themselves and others.
Open, or Arena
Adjectives that both the subject and peers select go in this cell (or quadrant) of the grid. These are traits that subject and peers perceive.
Hidden, or Façade
Adjectives selected by the subject, but not by any of their peers, go in this quadrant. These are things the peers are either unaware of, or that are untrue but for the subject's claim.
Blind Spot
Adjectives not selected by subjects, but only by their peers go here. These represent what others perceive but the subject does not.
Unknown
Adjectives that neither subject nor peers selected go here. They represent subject's behaviors or motives that no one participating recognizes—either because they do not apply or because of collective ignorance of these traits.
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Self Disclosure (Cont.)
Johari window —categorizes info about the self based on awareness
It can help us to decide on our communication strategy
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Communication and Relationships
Many factors can serve as a catalyst for forming a relationship
Similarity
2 key types:
Attitudinal similarity – similarity in values, preferences, or beliefs.
Important in beginning stages
Social preference similarity – shared social activity; when partners prefer to do same things
Important throughout stages
Many factors can serve as a catalyst for forming a relationship
Most are tied to or revealed by communication
All factors not always necessary—some may even be contradictory
Specific evaluations of each are filtered by perception & self-concept
Similarity reduce uncertainty, especially at the initial stage of interpersonal relationship
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Communication and Relationships
Appearance
Often most important initially
More likely to associate positive characteristics with physically attractive others
Culture and physical attractiveness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT9FmDBrewA
Our cultural notions influence our standard of beauty
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Communication and Relationships
Proximity
Simply being around someone else and their interactions can predispose us to relationships.
Used to be based on physical interaction, technology has changed this concept.
Be around somebody if you want him/her to like you
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Communication and Relationships
Reciprocity/liking
Tendency to reciprocate in relationships
Validation of feelings— when others like us, it makes us feel better about ourselves, including our personalities, appearance, values, and choices.
Note: aggressive communication is also reciprocal…
we’d like someone who likes ourselves; if someone greets us, we greet them; if they treat us kindly, we respond with kindness towards them;
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Communication and Relationships
Competency – ability to do something well.
Competency describes the ability to do something well;
We tend to find competency attractive;
Affect our evaluations of the potential rewards in a possible relationship.
Complementarity/Difference—opposites attract when:
Differences are complementary – one’s strengths complements one’s weaknesses
Generally contribute to relationship viability over the long term
we like to be around competent people
Complementarity/Difference
one individual’s strengths match up with another person’s weaknesses. Someone with a relative lack of social interaction skills may admire someone who seems to be able to mingle effortlessly with others.
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Communication and Relationships
Social exchange
Evaluation of costs and rewards of a potential relationship
Equity/equilibrium in relationships weighed in comparison to other available options
Comparison level of alternatives versus comparison level
E.g., are you expecting positive feedback from your partner when you post a selfie on facebook?
We evaluate the costs and rewards of a potential relationship then make decisions about our communication strategies
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Relational Development
Duck’s Filtering theory —in initial interactions, several ‘filters’ are progressively applied
Sociological/Incidental cues—demographic/environmental indicators identify the broad “type” of people
Pre-interaction cues— assumptions of nonverbal characteristics of the individual physical attractions; personality attributes
Interaction cues— content, tone, flow of initial interactions
Cognitive cues— how we psychologically evaluate individuals following interactions
In initial interactions, several “filters” are positively applied to screen potential relational partners—attractive/not
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Relational Maintenance
Conflict — an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties in a relationship.
Functional – the relationship strengthens due to conflict
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPQjUJFVFC4
or reasonable argument
Dysfunctional – relationship weakens due to conflict, future conflicts occur more frequently
Due to differences in perception
Relational Maintenance
Relational Dialectics—relationships struggle with three primary tensions:
Openness/closedness — opposing needs for sharing & privacy
Autonomy/connection — opposing needs for connection & independence
Novelty/predictability – opposing needs for consistency & excitement
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY9wkrgtGX0
Struggles in relationships
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Relational Maintenance
Listening—Distinct from hearing , 5 elements:
Receiving—sensory input
Attending—devoting attention, cognitive resources
Understanding—processing info in context
Responding—verbal & nonverbal responses during/after
Recalling—info from listening often relevant in future situations
Good and bad listener: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TeOGJP5vGA
Learn to listen is a good way to maintain relationships
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Knapp Model of Relational Development
Initiating
Experimenting
Intensifying
Integrating
Bonding
Differentiating
Circumscribing
Stagnating
Avoiding
Terminating
Coming
Together
Coming
Apart
Describes a relationship as a series of stages, emphasizing comm
Coming Together :
Initiating —the beginnings of a relationship
Experimenting —parties learn about each other, identify commonalities
Self-disclosure
Knapp model of relational development
Most influential models of relationships and the communication occurs within them;
10 states that can be broken down into phases of “coming together” and “coming apart”
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Knapp Model of Relational Development
Intensifying —increased commitment and disclosure, & emotional investment; start of ‘we’ thinking
Integrating —social circles merge; others view as a couple
Bonding —public ‘rituals’ that legitimize relationship
Initiating
Experimenting
Intensifying
Integrating
Bonding
Differentiating
Circumscribing
Stagnating
Avoiding
Terminating
Coming
Together
Coming
Apart
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Knapp Model of Relational Development
Coming Apart :
Differentiating —emergence of individual differences—identities, priorities, values, etc.
Circumscribing —communication becomes restricted (topic/amount)
Initiating
Experimenting
Intensifying
Integrating
Bonding
Differentiating
Circumscribing
Stagnating
Avoiding
Terminating
Coming
Together
Coming
Apart
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Knapp Model of Relational Development
Stagnating —infrequent comm, typically ritualized & insignificant
Avoiding —partners avoid each other—physically & emotionally
Terminating —Relationship ends & parties come to terms with it (not always mutually)
Initiating
Experimenting
Intensifying
Integrating
Bonding
Differentiating
Circumscribing
Stagnating
Avoiding
Terminating
Coming
Together
Coming
Apart
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Week #2 Reflection Paper
Violating Nonverbal Norms
Find two video clips (on YouTube) that consist violating nonverbal norms. In the videos, two nonverbal norms are violated in two separate situations—someone intentionally do what would not typically be expected in that situation.
For instance, using the proxemics norm as an example, in an interesting video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frQdjs9UaYA), a women entered an elevator and moved uncomfortably close to other riders, which clearly violates the norm of personal space.
Be sure that the person/people’s behavior in your selected videos is a clear violation of a norm, not just a situation where the opposite norm might apply.
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In your assignment you must do the following for each example:
Provide the link of the video
Summarize the video by stating which norm was being violated; describe the situation and how the person/people did so
Describe the reactions of other people you observed
Discuss the reasons why you think the nonverbal norm should exist
Format: 2 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman, 1 inch-margin. Please don’t include the instructions in your paper.