Communication Robinson’s social skills 3AB PSYCHOLOGY

SHAKING HANDS Origins of hand shaking may have begun in showing one was unarmed and harmless People of higher status would extend the hand to one of equal or lower status (but never vice-versa) Today, hand shakes are more common among men and are usually used in formal social settings Refusing a hand shake is a rude gesture

SHAKING HANDS 3 observable features of hand shakes The way you extend you hand Palm up – here to serve/ submission Palm down – in charge, taking control Palm vertical – we are equals The way you apply pressure (relative to culture) Little pressure – distrustful? Good pressure – I can be trusted! Too much pressure – Confident or covering something up The length of time you shake the hand Long – often with old friends meeting or goodbyes to someone dear Normal – 2 to 4 shakes Short – could send a negative message

FORMS OF ADDRESS In the English language, forms of address can vary depending on the age, gender or status of an individual. Forms of address – Title and Name Eg. First names (FN) versus Title and Surname (TSN) -Miss, Mrs, Mr.

FORMS OF ADDRESS T versus V These forms of address are not as pronounced in the English language as in other languages such as French where there is an informal familiar form - tu and a formal form - vous. Some observed patterns of communication were found: Mutual V – nobility Mutual T – commoners T < - > V relationships (one sends V and receives T) – higher to lower ranks

POLITENESS Basic communication convention to display good manners Often shown by the V form of address It depends on: the social relationship between people, their relative social status, and other conventions (asking a question, giving an instruction) such as tag questions – don’t you? It is learned and particular to the culture you are part of.

POLITENESS Brown and Levinson (1987) – Model of Linguistic politeness Negative face or politeness – makes requests seem less imposing (indirect requests) Respects the other person’s right to act freely Eg. “Could you please pass the salt?” Positive face or politeness – when we wish to be approved of or liked (direct speech) Used where relationship allows for what might be considered impolite in other relationships Eg. pass the salt.