Nonverbal Communication

Speaks Loudly

Purposes of Nonverbal Comm

• To accent

• To complement

• To contradict

• To regulate

• To repeat

• To substitute

Nonverbal LanguageCharacteristics include:• Subconscious- all of those gestures you do

when you don’t realize it• Contextual- depends on the situation

surrounding the message sent• Ambiguous- open to interpretation,

sometimes confusing• Cultural- depends on the origin or

background of those communicating

Nonverbal LanguageThe first thing people notice about you is your

appearance which can create that positive professional image.

• Dress- professional vs. social situations- classic, clean, conservative

• Grooming- hair, face, hands

Nonverbal LanguageA positive professional image consists of:

• Confidence- a strong voice and an attentive & positive attitude

• Poise- unhesitating speech and the ability to read a situation and react appropriately

• Assertiveness- strong sense of purpose

• Immediacy- approachable, friendly & open

Body Language• Facial Expressions• The eyes• Space• Touch

Appearance• Height • Weight• Hair length, color, & style• Posture

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Facial CommunicationFaces may express• Happiness• Surprise• Fear• Anger• Sadness• Disgust• Contempt• Interest

Eye CommunicationFunctions of eye contact• Seek feedback• Open the channel• Signal the nature of the

relationship• Psychologically lessen

physical distanceFunctions of eye avoidance• Maintain privacy• Signal lack of interest• Avoid unpleasant stimuli• Heighten other senses

Spatial Communication

Proxemics—use of space for spatial distance

• Public distance- 12 ft to 25 ft or more

• Social distance- 4 ft to 12 ft

• Personal distance- 18 in. to 4 ft

• Intimate distance- Up to 18 in. from your body

Space Communication

Territoriality—the way you protect your space

• Primary territory• Secondary territory• Public territory• Markers

Touch CommunicationThe most primitive form of

communication.

• Positive feelings, such as support, appreciation, inclusion, affection, trust

• Intention to play, such as tickling

• Control, such as for attention or compliance

• Ritualistic, such as greetings and departures

• Task-related, such as checking for a fever, helping someone out of the car, etc.

Touch avoidance is directly related to communication apprehension.

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The second thing people usually use to make impressions is the voice.

There are nonverbal cues given in the voice which, with practice, you can use to create that positive professional image.

Paralanguage: The Vocal Channel

The vocal, but nonverbal, dimension of speech.

It’s how you say it.• Judgments about

people.• Judgments about

communication effectiveness.

Paralanguage cont.Certain aspects of your voice also make up nonverbal

language:• Pitch- highness or lowness- relates emotion or

maturity• Volume- ability to be heard- relates confidence• Tone- vocal quality- relates pleasantness and

richness• Duration- rate & tempo- relates ability to be

understood & interest of listener

Silence• Allows the speaker time to think

• Seems to prepare the receiver for the importance of the message

• Can be used as a weapon

• May be a response to personal anxiety or threats

• May prevent communication

• May communicate emotional response

• May be used when you have nothing to say

Time Communication

• Chronemics--how time is organized, reacted to, and used to communicate

• Time orientation is dependent upon socioeconomic class, culture, and personal experiences

Smell Communication

• Olfactics is the study of smell, such as aromatherapy

• Attraction • Taste• Memory• Identification

Culture and Nonverbal Communication

• Heavily influenced by culture

• Different cultures assign different meanings (such as eye contact, color, touch, use of silence, time orientation, etc.)

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Professional Dress Attire Assignment

• Each student is to create their own collage showing proper Interview Dress Attire that will let the employer know that they are serious about the job.

• Must feature:– At least 10 pictures total:

• Must have 2 shirts, 2 pants/skirt, 2 shoes, 1 Prominent Total Body Picture of you in the attire(larger than the others)

• The rest can be accessories you’d like or wouldn’t mind

• GIRLS ONLY: 1 Dress equals shirt and pants

– The Prominent Picture must be labeled with your name at the bottom of the photo

– Collage must use all space on slide before uploading file to moodle (stretch pics to fit evenly together.)John Smith

John Smith