Nonverbal Communication Communication without words; a process by which an individual stimulates meaning in the mind of another person through intentional and unintentional messages through use of the body and voice

Functions of Nonverbal Behavior

Nonverbals Can: Repeat a message Substitute for a verbal message Contradict a verbal message Complement a verbal message Accent a message Regulate a message Add vocal cues Communicate Emotion Communicate spatially

Repeat- nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index finger up to your mouth Repeat Nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index finger up to your mouth

Repeat- nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index finger up to your mouth Substitute nonverbal message replaces verbal message; (also called emblems) Examples: waving to say hello, thumbs up for “good job,” clapping at a concert, hitchhiker thumb

Contradict Nonverbal goes against verbal; they do not match up Examples: Nodding yes while shaking head no, saying “I’m fine” when your head is hanging down with slumped shoulders, etc. Note: Which is more believable when verbal and nonverbal behaviors are contradictory? Why?

Complement Nonverbal supports verbal; used to show how to do something, show sizes, or emphasize emotional feelings; we complement the verbal message with the nonverbal message when demonstrating something or giving directions & pointing (also called illustrators) Examples: “The fish was this big” while holding hands out to indicate size or “I’m so frustrated!” while shaking fists

Accent Use of gestures & facial expressions to emphasize or punctuate spoken words (also called illustrators) Examples: yelling “That’s it!” while pounding fist, emphasizing words through tone of voice, saying “My first point…” while holding up one finger

Regulate Nonverbal cues that control or regulate the interaction of flow of communication between ourselves and another person (Called regulators) Examples: nodding head and saying “uh huh,” giving eye contact, opening mouth to speak, leaning forward, raising eyebrows, or raising index finger

Add vocalizations Communication through voice (vocal cues other than words = paralanguage) such as… Tone of voice/ pitch Volume Rate Accent/ dialect

Communication Emotion Nonverbal behaviors used to communicate emotions Examples: hugging someone to express love or shaking fist at someone to show anger

Adaptors Nonverbal behaviors that help us to satisfy a personal need and adapt to the immediate situation; not really intending to communicate meaning Examples: scratching mosquito bite, adjusting glasses, combing hair, pulling hanging thread of clothing, etc.

Spatial: Communication through the use of space Territoriality- fixed area that is occupied, controlled and defended by a person or group as their exclusive domain; regulates social interaction; can be source of conflict; indicates ownership (permanent or temporary)

Zones of Space: Intimate: 0- 1 and ½ feet Personal: 1 and ½ - 4 feet Social: 4-12 feet Public: Beyond 12 feet