Nonverbal Communication “The World Beyond Words”

What is Nonverbal Communication? Messages expressed without talking

Characteristics/Principles of Nonverbal Communication

All Behavior has Communicative Value Because we “cannot not communicate” Everything you do, people watch it and interpret it. Can be intentional, but is often unconscious We especially pay attention to nonverbals when they contradict verbal communication.

Nonverbal Communication Reflects Cultural Values Some Examples… Space –Americans tend to value more personal space than many other cultures Touch –Latin Countries tend to touch more Eye-Contact –In North-America: frankness, assertiveness, honesty –In many Asian and northern-European countries: abrasive & disrespectful –In Brazil: more intense eye-contact is the norm

Deception Nonverbals are under less conscious control, so deception is more likely to be revealed through our nonverbals. High self-monitors and people who have lots of practice in deception are most successful at it. “Deceivers” tend to make more speech errors, to hesitate, to have higher vocal pitch, to fidget, blink their eyes more, and shift their posture more.

Different Types of Nonverbal Communication

Face and Eyes

Body Movement/Kinesics Body posture Gestures Manipulators/Fidgeting

Touch Touching is considered essential and therapeutic Touching can influence liking Is used to show intimacy or power/control People with high status touch others/invade others’ spaces more than people with lower status

Alison Krauss - When You Say Nothing At All The smile on your face lets me know that you need me There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall You say it best when you say nothing at all –Writers: OVERSTREET, PAUL/SCHLITZ, DON

Practice Makes Perfect Volunteers? I need five volunteers who are willing to give examples for the class. This is similar to game you may have played back before… schrades.

Other Factors in Communication Communicate ToneSpaceTimeAppearance

Voice/Paralanguage Consists of vocal tone, speed, pitch, volume, number and length of pauses, and “um”s, / “ah”s Paralanguage tends to be more powerful than language Affects how other’s perceive us –Stereotyping (accents, vocabulary, grammar) Influenced by culture, gender, class

Silence Can communicate contentment, awkwardness, anger, respect, thoughtfulness, empathy

Space/Proxemics Personal Space Intimate distance Personal distance Social distance Public distance You are here

Time/Chronemics Our use of time reflects: –Power/status –Cultural norms –Expectations

Appearance What you wear –Communicates economic, social, and educational level. How you look –We notice the obvious first Your environment –Who/what you surround yourself with