Inter-Act, 13th Edition Chapter 5 Nonverbal

Chapter Objectives Describe the characteristics and functions of nonverbal messages Identify the types of behaviors, body motions, nonverbal sounds, spatial cues, and self- presentation cues Discuss how types of nonverbal messages vary with culture and gender Explain ways to improve nonverbal communication

Nonverbal Communication (as much as 65%) Verbal Communication Spoken or written words Bodily actions and vocal qualities that support, modify, or contradict accompanying verbal messages

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication Intentional or unintentional Primary Ambiguous Continuous Multichanneled

Functions of Nonverbal Communication To provide information To regulate interaction To express or hide emotion and affect To present an image To express status, power, and control

Types of Nonverbal Communication Body language Paralanguage Spatial usage Self-presentation Everything except words!

Body Language: Kinesics Eye contact Facial expressions Do you think you could spot them in everyday conversation? How could you use this information to affect your conversations with others? Gesture Posture Touch

Paralanguage Pitch Volume Rate Quality Intonation

Vocal Interferences Extraneous sounds or words that interrupt fluent speech: “uh,” “um” “you know,” “like” Place markers Fillers

Spatial Usage Personal space: the space that surrounds a person, moves with that person, and changes with the situation as well as moment to moment Intimate distance: up to 18” Personal distance: 18”-4’ Social distance: 4’-12’ Public distance: more than 12’

Spatial Use Acoustic space: area over which your voice or other sounds can be comfortably heard Territory: space over which we claim ownership Artifacts: objects we use to adorn our territory and communicate about our space

Color Influences Communication Yellow cheers and elevates moods Red excites and stimulates Blue comforts and soothes In some cultures black suggests mourning In some cultures white suggests purity

Self-Presentation Cues Physical Appearance Use of Time Use of Smells and Scents

Cultural and Gender Variations Body Language Eye contact, Facial expressions, Gestures, Touch Paralanguage Spatial Usage Self-presentation

What does this symbol mean to you? In the United States it is a symbol for good job In Germany the number one In Japan the number five In Ghana an insult In Malaysia the thumb is used to point rather than a finger -Atlantic Committee for the Olympic Games

Improving Nonverbal Sending Skills Be mindful of your nonverbal behavior. Adapt nonverbal behaviors to your purpose. Adapt nonverbal behaviors to the situation. Align nonverbal and verbal communication. Make sure nonverbal cues do not distract from your message. Eliminate distracting nonverbal behaviors.

Improving Nonverbal Interpretation Skills Be mindful that most nonverbal cues do not have set meanings. Recognize culture, gender, and other diversity when interpreting nonverbal cues. Pay attention to all of the nonverbal cues and their relationship to the verbal message. Use the skill of perception checking.

Homework How can you improve your nonverbal behavior? Identify a problem you have with nonverbal message cues. Select a goal and write a communication improvement plan. See your Assignment Rubric!!!