Speech Chapter 3: Sending Nonverbal Messages

Nonverbal Communication Any form of communication that doesn’t use words. – Body language – Appearance – Sound of voice (paralanguage) – environment 50% to 90% of all communication

Functions of Nonverbal Communication Complements verbal communication Waving and saying good-bye Emphasizes verbal communication Pounding a fist on a table Replaces verbal communication Nodding your head instead of saying “yes” Contradicts verbal communication A pleasant tone when saying “you’re late”

Body Language Facial Expressions – Masking is giving one facial expression to hide another. Gestures - movement with hands, arms, fingers 3 Functions 1. Replace verbal language, disruptive 2. Emphasize point 3. Heighten description Posture – communicate confidence, trustworthiness, and self- control Movement - communicate confidence, trustworthiness, and self- control Personal Appearance – attitude, self-regard, & group identification

Paralanguage Paralanguage is varying voice and using extraneous sounds to communicate. Most important part of nonverbal comm. Three Areas: 1. Sound of a person’s voice Flexible Pitch Volume Rate quality

Paralanguage cont. Three Areas: 2. Use of pause indicates uncertainty Creates suspense Emphasize upcoming word 3. Use of extraneous sounds or words “you know” “uh” “well” “um”

Environment Environment includes immediate surroundings, color, lighting, sound, and space. It can affect one’s behavior It can affect one’s feelings or mood

Environment: Color Some colors have a calming effect. Some colors have a stimulating effect. Some colors have a depressing effect.

Environment: Lighting Low lighting gives a calming effect. Bright lighting can start conversation and interaction. Extreme bright lighting can cause fatigue or headache.

Environment: Sound Sound is related to lighting. Sound also affects how a person may feel. – Loud noises can be distracting – Soft noises can be calming

Environment: Space Out surroundings can tell something about us. Intimate Space – Up to 18 inches; where you feel comfortable – Violation of this space can cause friction Personal Space – 18 inches to 4 feet – Most conversations occur – Friends, spouses, family members

Environment: Space cont. Social Space – 4-12 feet – Used for interviews; formal conversations Public Space – Over 12 feet – Public speeches, oral readings