Communication: much more than words Dr. Chris Pudlinski Professor & Chair, Communication, CCSU (Thursday, September 20; Colchester, VT)

Nonverbal Communication “The process of creating meaning in the minds of receivers, Whether intentionally or unintentionally, By use of actions other than words/language

Gibberish Exercise Instructions VOCAL ONLY: Both parties will seat themselves facing away from the audience and only make vocal (non-word) sounds VOCAL and GESTURES: Both parties will remain seated facing each other and only use vocal (non-word) sounds and gestures VOCAL, GESTURES, PROPS: Both parties may arrange chairs and freely gesture and move, as needed. However, non-word sounds only.

Nonverbal Communication According to Mehrabian (1968): 38% of meaning is VOCAL 55% of meaning is NONVERBAL 7% of meaning is VERBAL

Nonverbal Communication includes: The Body & Its Movements Gesture Eye Contact Posture Facial Expressions Physical Appearance, Clothing, Possessions Voice (tone, volume, rate, etc.) Smell, Taste & Touch Personal Space & Territoriality Aspects of Time

The Basics Analog (not digital) Temporal (e.g., present emotions) Simultaneous (multiple cues at once) Spontaneous Can be unconscious Can be unintentional Normative (based on culture & context)

Hall’s (1968) “bubble” of space Intimate ( <18”) Personal (18” – 4’) Social (4-12 ‘) Public (12’+)

Proxemics: Territoriality How do we mark our territory? Central, boundary, ear markers Territorial violations Basic Violation Invasion Contamination Expectancy violations Violations create physical/psychological arousal Not all bad . . . If rewarding nonverbal cues, + outcome

Closing Discussion What did we learn about nonverbal communication? How can this help us in our relationships with others?