Chapter 2: Sending Verbal and Nonverbal Messages Public Speaking Robbins

Types of Messages Verbal – spoken Verbal – spoken Nonverbal – not spoken or without words Nonverbal – not spoken or without words When you speak, your listener gets messages from how you act, how you look, and what you say. When you speak, your listener gets messages from how you act, how you look, and what you say.

Functions of nonverbal language Agree with or contradict verbal messages Agree with or contradict verbal messages Replace verbal messages Replace verbal messages Emphasize verbal messages Emphasize verbal messages

Verbal Messages The first thing that children learn about language is symbolic meanings. The first thing that children learn about language is symbolic meanings. Language changes when new words are needed for new objects and ideas, words come in from other languages, and meanings of existing words change. Language changes when new words are needed for new objects and ideas, words come in from other languages, and meanings of existing words change. When words are blended, new words like motel are created. When words are blended, new words like motel are created.

Connotation & Denotation Denotation – dictionary meaning\ Denotation – dictionary meaning\ Connotation – feelings and associations the word evokes. Connotation – feelings and associations the word evokes. –Examples of positive: carrot, spring, bubbly –Examples of negative: noose, sneaky, cruel –Examples of neutral: explain, viewers, letter

Language Standard American English is useful because it is widely used and accepted. Standard American English is useful because it is widely used and accepted. Jargon describes words understood by people in a particular group or field. It is inappropriate for speaking outside of the group that uses jargon. Jargon describes words understood by people in a particular group or field. It is inappropriate for speaking outside of the group that uses jargon. A dialect differs from Standard American English in pronunciation, grammar, or word choice. A dialect differs from Standard American English in pronunciation, grammar, or word choice.

Nonverbal Behavior A perception check is a verbal statement about another person’s nonverbal behavior. A perception check is a verbal statement about another person’s nonverbal behavior. Masking – act of disguising one’s feelings. Masking – act of disguising one’s feelings. Appearance can be interpreted by others as a clue about your attitudes, interests, and self-regard. Appearance can be interpreted by others as a clue about your attitudes, interests, and self-regard.

Nonverbal Behavior Paralanguage involves voice variation, nonword sounds, and pauses. Paralanguage involves voice variation, nonword sounds, and pauses. Features of the environment that can send important messages to your audience include color, space, lighting, and sound. Features of the environment that can send important messages to your audience include color, space, lighting, and sound. Your personal space extends from eighteen inches to four feet. Your personal space extends from eighteen inches to four feet.