Communicating for Results Seventh Edition Cheryl Hamilton, Ph.D.

5 Opening Quotation

Nonverbal Defined “…all intentional and unintentional messages that are not written, spoken, or sounded.” Microsoft Image

Culture & Nonverbal Behavior Three levels of culture . . . Technical Level – rules openly known & stated Formal Level – rules known; reasons not known Informal Level – neither rules nor reasons known; behaviors unconsciously learned Microsoft Image

Nonverbal Communication Types include . . . Facial expressions & eye contact Body movements & gestures Clothing & personal appearance Distance & personal space Physical environment Time

Eye Contact Shows interest and attentiveness In American culture . . . Shows interest and attentiveness Signals wish to participate Controls flow of communication Microsoft Image

Movements & Gestures Emblems Illustrators Regulators Adaptors Types include . . . Emblems Illustrators Regulators Adaptors Microsoft Image

Clothing & Appearance Appropriate business & professional clothing . . . Determines status, credibility, persuasiveness & hiring decisions Affects public perception of organizations Is problematic—i.e., Casual Confusion Syndrome Enhanced by professional demeanor Microsoft Image

Distance & Personal Space Hall’s distance categories . . . Intimate Distance - 0-18 inches Microsoft Image

Distance & Personal Space Hall’s distance categories . . . Intimate Distance - 0-18 inches Personal Distance - 18 inches - 3 feet Microsoft Image

Distance & Personal Space Hall’s distance categories . . . Intimate Distance - 0-18 inches Personal Distance - 18 inches - 3 feet Social Distance - 3 - 12 feet Microsoft Image

Distance & Personal Space Hall’s distance categories . . . Intimate Distance - 0-18 inches Personal Distance - 18 inches - 3 feet Social Distance - 3 - 12 feet Public Distance - 12 feet or more Microsoft Image

Physical Environment Ugly versus attractive rooms Color & lighting Includes . . . Ugly versus attractive rooms Color & lighting Room Size Odor Noise level Ergonomics Microsoft Image

Time Business regulated on informal level of culture Consequences of lateness depends on status Time spent with person has informal significance Perceptions of time depend on cultural background Microsoft Image

Nonverbal Status Symbols Include . . . Clothing (i.e., tie & jacket) Office size, location & interior arrangement Powerful nonverbal behaviors Time Gestures Microsoft Image

Nonverbal Signs of Power Expansive, confident movements Tall, upright standing posture Relaxed, affable, familiar behavior Ability to turn one’s back Relaxed seated position; body leaning slightly

Nonverbal Signs of Weakness Small, controlled movements Any form of bowing or bowed posture Playing with an object or nervous shaking Tenseness, vigilance Hesitantly standing or sitting forward

Nonverbal Messages And international business transactions . . . People in other countries have different nonverbal symbols and meanings Organizations fail to prepare employees adequately for cross-cultural contacts Culture shock

Immediacy Behaviors “Promoting a feeling of closeness” by . . . Verbal behaviors – humor, personal examples, using “we” & “our” Vocal behaviors – good volume, pitch, & vocal expressiveness Visual behaviors – eye contact, smiles, relaxed posture, moving around

Improving Nonverbal Skills Develop awareness of nonverbal differences Do not judge others according to own nonverbal meanings Do not assign nonverbal meanings out of context Observe your nonverbal behavior on videotape or ask others for feedback

Nonverbal Symbols Across Cultures . . . Awareness Check Nonverbal Symbols Across Cultures . . . . . . Check answers at back of book

Nonverbal Symbols Across Cultures . . . Awareness Check Nonverbal Symbols Across Cultures . . . . . . Check answers at back of book

Nonverbal Communication and Special Needs in Organizations CNN Today: Human Communication, Vol. IV

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