Nonverbal Communication Definition Components Power and functions of nonverbal Types of nonverbal comm.

Definition “Oral or nonoral messages expressed by other than linguistic means” (Adler & Rodman, 2003, p. 150).

Nonverbal can be… Perceived by sender or receiver, or Intended as a message by the sender, or Interpreted by the receiver as intended. (Trenholm & Jensen, 2000)

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication Exists You can interpret others’ feelings No formal training needed to do this Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value You cannot not communicate (think about this) We aren’t always aware of what we are communicating nonverbally Not everyone can interpret nonverbal clues

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication assists with: Identity management the Presenting Self How we want others to view us Defining relationships Conveying emotions Difficult to convey ideas nonverbally

Components, cont. Nonverbal comm. is ambiguous Difficult to interpret accurately Some emotions are easier to decode accurately than others SADFISH & L Sadness Anger Disgust Fear Interest Surprise Happiness Love

Components, cont. Better senders of nonverbal messages are better receivers Decoding ability can be learned Extroverts better than dogmatics Women better than men No one has 100% accuracy

Components, cont. Considerations when decoding NVC Context (situation) History of relationship with sender Other’s mood at the time Your feelings NV messages are CLUES not fact Nonverbal comm. is culture bound

Verbal vs. Nonverbal Nonverbal communication operates on multiple channels Nonverbal communication is continuous and never ending Nonverbal communication can be unconscious

The Power of Nonverbal Codes (Trenholm & Jensen, 2000) Nonverbal codes are given more credence and are more trusted than verbal codes. Nonverbal codes are more emotionally powerful. Nonverbal codes express more universal meaning. Nonverbal codes are continuous and natural. Nonverbal codes occur in clusters.

Functions of Nonverbal Repeating Emblems: deliberate nonverbal behaviors that have precise meanings known to everyone within a culture group. “Wave” or “Nod” Substituting Emblems can replace a verbal message Complementing Nonverbal behavior matches verbal message- Sincere apology Tone of voice and appropriate facial expression Illustrators Scratching head when trying to think of something

Functions of Nonverbal Accenting Pointing your finger at someone when making a point Regulating Taking turns speaking has a pattern that we understand when it is our turn to talk, e.g. pauses, tone of voice Contradicting Mixed messages Nonverbal message is believed more than verbal message Deceiving Not all deception is self-serving or malicious – Face saving High self-monitors are usually better at deception People whose jobs require them to act differently than they feel are better at it: actors, lawyers, diplomats, salespeople

Types of Nonverbal Comm. Posture Kinesics: the study of body movements, gesture and posture. Mirroring posture makes good impression Posture reveals one’s vulnerability to violence Gestures Fundamental behavior that even people blind from birth use gestures Manipulators: Movements in which one part of the body touches another body part Using manipulators is often a sign of discomfort – but not always Also used when one is relaxed and lets guard down

Types of Nonverbal, cont. Face Very complicated to discern facial expressions High number of facial expressions Facial expressions change quickly Affect blends: showing two emotions simultaneously Fearful and surprised Disgusted and angry Eyes Eye Contact “The Window to the Soul” Cultural differences

Types of Nonverbal, cont. Voice Paralanguage: nonverbal vocal messages that reinforce or contradict our words Tone Speed Pitch Volume Pauses: Number and length Disfluencies (stammering, fillers “Like”) Sarcasm

Types of Nonverbal, cont. Touch a.k.a. Haptics Babies died from lack of touching Disease called “Marasmus” means wasting away Touch increases a child’s mental functioning and physical health

Types of Nonverbal, cont. Physical Attractiveness People prefer others who they find attractive Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Three year olds already have opinions What can we do to be perceived as more attractive? Posture Gestures Facial expressions Physical fitness Choice of clothing

Types of Nonverbal, cont. Clothing Conveys economic status, education level, social status moral standards, athletic ability and/or interests, belief system, level of sophistication We make assumptions about people based on clothing choices Flying on airplanes and courtesy of airline personnel Interviews Dates

Distance Proxemics: the study of the way people and animals use space Intimate distance: Skin to 18 inches Personal distance: 18 inches to four feet Social distance: 4 feet to 12 feet Public distance: 12 feet to 25 feet

Types of nonverbal, cont. Time Chronemics Cultural rules Polychronic Monochronic Geographic or Situational rules

Types of nonverbal, cont. Territoriality Fixed Space (room, house, neighborhood, country) Not all territory is permanent – library, computer lab Power and status relationships Knocking before entering More and/or better space is expected for higher status personnel

Types of nonverbal, cont. Environmental Reflects Interaction Research: Photos of upper-middle-class homes Communicated accurate information about the homeowners: intellectualism, politeness, maturity, optimism, tenseness, willingness to risk, family orientations, and reservedness Home exteriors: Artistic interests, graciousness, privacy and quietness

Types of nonverbal, cont. Environmental Shapes Interaction Research: Workers feel better and are more productive in attractive environment Building design shapes communication Cubicles, Open Space, Offices Use of space tells much about a person Want privacy Open to others