Nonverbal Communication Ch. 5

Can you speak without words?

Body Basics Body language is also known as “silent language” It is the way we use our bodies to send messages Body language always wins over verbal communication

Why is Body Language so Important? People usually remember less of what was said, and more of what was communicated through nonverbal communication We have learned it helps us recognize the truth 93% of communication is nonverbal 38% through vocal elements 55% through body language

Who Knew?? Body language is very diverse Humans produce up to 700,000 different physical signs The face alone is capable of 250,000 different expressions 5,000 hand gestures 1,000 different kinds of postures

Body vs Gestures vs Face Though often grouped in the same category, social scientists have separated these three categories What are the differences? Body Language - Subconscious body movements Gestures - Intentional body movements Facial Expressions - body movements limited to the face

Positive Body Language Relaxed Posture –sit comfortably and avoid abrupt movements Arms relaxed – don’t cross your arms Good eye contact- look them in the eyes Nod agreement- nodding your head occasionally, shows you are listening and understanding

Positive Body language Smile at humor- this signals a warm personal relationship Lean Closer- indicates interest Use gestures when speaking- this indicates interest and involvement

Negative Body Language Body Tension- wrinkled brow, jerky body motions, or hands clasped in front Arms folded- creates a barrier and indicates resistance Fidgeting- shows boredom Yawning- says “you’re talking to much”

Using Body Language Effectively If you change your body language, your feelings will begin to change as well. You feel how you look. Body language is contagious!

Eye Contact Can show affection, anger, respect, etc What happens when there is too much or too little eye contact? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gxrwF7 cm8s

Are you Lying?? Decreased hand activity Increased face touching Stiff and rigid posture Increase body shifting

Haptics Nonverbal Communication communicated through touch The message will change depending on where and how they touch you

Is Your Outfit On Point? What can your appearance say about you? How likely is it that people judge you based on your appearance?

Types of Space (Proxemics) Intimate (under 18 inches) Primarily for confidential exchanges; almost always reserved for close friends Personal (1 ½ to 4 feet) This is a comfortable distance for conversation between friends

Types of Space (Proxemics) Social (4-12 feet) Ordinary distance maintained from one another for most social and business exchanges Public (over 12 feet) Shopping mall or on a street, people barely acknowledge each other’s presence

Types of Gestures Emphatic gestures- helps stress a point Transitional gestures- shows you are moving from one part of a speech to the next Locative gestures- directs the audience to a person, place, or thing Descriptive gestures- describes or draws pictures

Tone of Voice Tone of voice can make the same word mean several different things. Example: “Oh” “You surprised me” “I made a mistake” You’re a pain” You make me happy” “I’m bored” “I’m fascinated” “I understand” “I don’t understand”

Rate of Speech People tend to talk fast when they are nervous, anxious, or trying to persuade us. People tend to talk more slowly when they are depressed, disgusted, or simply tired.

“He texted me, ‘k.’” Within the past decade communication via computer mediated sources and SMS (text) messaging has increased What are some ways of communicating nonverbally through text based sources?