1. Chapter 3 Nonverbal Communication

2. What is nonverbal communication? “Everything that communicates a message but does not use words” Facial expressions, hand movements, physical appearance and attractiveness, timing, tone of voice, eye movement, use of space, touch, smell…what else?

3. Decoding and Encoding Nonverbal Communication Decoding: Drawing/making meaning from what you observe Encoding: Using nonverbal communication to turn your feelings into behavior Good encoding helps your listeners understand you; good decoding helps you figure out what they are telling you

4. Two Modes of Nonverbal Communication (NVC) Static NVC: Elements of an interaction that do not change  Arrangement of furniture, décor of a room, clothes worn during an interaction, speaker’s ethnicity Dynamic NVC: Elements that do change  Facial expressions, body position, eye movement, pitch and tone of speaker’s voice

5. How Does Nonverbal Communication Work? Similar to verbal communication:  Symbolic  Guided by rules  Linked to culture  Personal  Ambiguous Different from verbal communication:  Less controlled  Continuous

6. Functions of Nonverbal Communication 1.Interconnecting with verbal communication by…  Repeating a verbal message  Substituting for a verbal message  Emphasizing a verbal message  Moderating a verbal message

7. Functions of Nonverbal Communication Interconnecting with verbal communication by…  Contradicting a verbal message  Deciding whether or not to engage in conversation  Punctuating how you talk to other people  Beginning and ending interactions

8. Functions of Nonverbal Communication 2.Identifying specific individuals 3.Conveying emotional information  Attitudes about the other person  Attitudes toward the situation  Your attitude toward yourself 4.Establishing relational meaning and understanding

9. Elements of Nonverbal Communication 1.Proxemics (space and distance) Primary, secondary, public Personal space (‘body buffer zone’) Space and distance can signify relationships and are affected by relationships as well

10. Elements of Nonverbal Communication 2.Kinesics (movement) Posture, gestures, eye contact and gaze Posture – open or closed Gestures – emblems or illustrations

11. Elements of Nonverbal Communication 3.Vocalics/Voice (paralanguage, or vocal characteristics) Voice quality, tone/pitch, rate, silence ‘Vocalic nonverbal behavior’ Also used to regulate interactions

12. Elements of Nonverbal Communication 4.Chronemics (the use of time) Choice of time for events Duration of events Also used to regulate interactions Timing of speaking Interruption and overlap and cultural ‘norms’

13. Elements of Nonverbal Communication 5.Haptics (the use of touch) Functional/professional Social/polite Sign of influence or status Physiological stimulus Can be used to regulate interaction

14. Nonverbal Communication as a System NVC is related to the verbal messages used with it NVC has a relationship to other NVC communication going on NVC is interpreted depending on its context NVC is also interpreted according to relationships

15. Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Be aware of your own NVC errors Work on your decoding by being more attentive, bonding, coordinating, detecting, and encouraging Work on your own encoding by affirming, blending, consistency, directness, and emotion

16. Improving Your Nonverbal Communication