Nonverbal Communication

DefinitionComponentsPower and functions of nonverbalTypes 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, orIntended as a message by the

sender, orInterpreted 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 SelfHow 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