Chapter 6

Multi-channel Communications Combination of verbal and non-verbal channels Ex. President George H.W. Bush watch What was the effect? Consciously using both channels increases the likelihood of effective communication Non verbal allows communication when words fail – think of foreign speakers and gestures – can replace verbal “a picture is worth a thousand words” Nonverbal reinforces verbal – fosters trust in a speakers message Nonverbal can contradict verbal – sincerity, honesty and credibility

Elements of Nonverbal Delivery Posture and Stance The way you stand Proper breathing leads to good projection – allows smooth and pleasant delivery Communicates interest in topic and confidence in your message Bad posture and stance include Slumped over Shifting feet – uninterested and nervous

Elements continued… Appearance Communicates your attitude towards event Part of situational analysis Age group Occasion Includes dress – add to, or detracting from message? Neat No distraction – logos on shirts Avoid jewelry, caps, and accessories Avoid bright colors Conservative appearnce key

Elements continued… Movement Used to capture audience attention Displaying energy enhances credibility – audience willingness to trust speaker’s honesty Used to distinguish main points of speech or discussion Get’s speaker closer to the audience and makes the audience fell like they are a part of the speech Keeps the audience from losing interest because they have to shift their focus Uses up nervous energy and release tension Must be natural!!! Shouldn’t distract the audience

Elements continued… Gestures Express emotion - what is the emotion of hands in the pocket? Emphatic Gestures – provide emphasis to spoken word Makes speech exciting – stabbing the air, shrug shoulders, nodding head, pounding podium Descriptive Gesture – help the speaker describe something – think Bill Cosby’s dentist story Create mental images for audience to identify with indicating size and shape Help to explain locations during stories

Elements continued… Eye Contact Make each member of the audience feel like they are being spoken to personally Lack of eye contact leads the audience to lose attention Key is knowing material and not relying on notes (means you have to practice) Allows you to utilize presentation feedback loop to recognize nonverbal audience clues in regards to level of interest, understanding, and agreement – allows adjustments Should be directed at all parts of audience

Elements continued… Facial Expressions Turn off volume on TV, what do you see? Moods and attitudes? Deaf understanding You can tell if the audience is interested or bored Conveys meaning and creates a sense of the characters Must be natural!

Elements continued Paralinguistics Vocal clues such as volume, rate, and inflection that aid the audience in interpretation How something is said, as opposed to what is said Enriches audience understanding

Speaking to Entertain Setting the tone Attitude towards subject and audience – primary concern Want the audience to relax and enjoy the speech Usually a relaxed tone Helps the audience know how to listen Helps the audience understand speaker’s approach Helps the audience know that it is acceptabvle to react

Speaking to Entertain Tone in Introduction Gains attention of audience Identifies the thesis Sets the tone of the speech Tone in Language Word Choice – informal or formal?

Preparing The Speech To Entertain Select topic carefully – SPAM Use good judgment – don’t embarrass or offend the audience Develop a thesis before you prepare the speech Anticipate audience response and adapt – Utilize feedback Use vivid and appealing language Use quotes or anecdotes to help entertain Pay close attention to introduction – sets the tone Vocal delivery is key! Rehearsal and practice is important!

Beware!!! Must be natural! Don’t grip the sides of a podium Don’t clench notes Hands should be free Practice makes perfect Storytelling/Narrative speech will be evaluated heavily on elements of nonverbal communication

Storytelling/Narrative Rubric (30 pts) Meets time expectation of 2-4 minutes – 5 pts Posture and Appearance – 5 pts Eye Contact, Movements, and Gestures – 5pts Use of humor and entertainment– 5 pts Content – 10 pts Chronological Order Clear introduction with thesis (moral of the story) Clear conclusion