The World Beyond Words (nonverbal communicaion) Chapter 4

Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication: All aspects of communication other than words (65-95% of the total meaning of communication)Nonverbal Communication  Gestures  Body language  How we utter words  Appearance  Facial expressions

Similarities Between Verbal & Nonverbal Nonverbal communication is symbolic Nonverbal communication is rule-guided Nonverbal communication may be intentional or unintentional Nonverbal communication reflects culture

Nonverbal communication is symbolic Arbitrary Ambiguos Abstract Ex: different meanings to a wink; Romantic interest-signal a joke-something in eye

Nonverbal communication is rule- guided Within particular socities, we share general understandings of which nonverbal behaviors are appropriate in various situations and what they mean. Ex: people dress differently to attend funeral than a soccer game...or furniture in homes is generlly selected and arranged to promote comfort and interaction...

Nonverbal communication may be intentional or unintentional May be deliberately controlled. Ex: select clothes to create e proffessional impression when you are going to a job interview. Yet nonverbal communication may also be unconscious and unplanned Ex: wince or lower your eyes when asked a question...

Nonverbal communication reflects culture Shaped by cultural ideas, values, customs, and history. Just as we learn our culture’s language, we also learn its nonverbal codes. Ex: handshake, sample food... There may be some universal nonverbal behaviors. Ex: facial expressions (anger, fear,happiness, sadness, surprise)

Differences Between Verbal & Nonverbal Nonverbal communication tends to be perceived as more believable Nonverbal communication is multichanneled Nonverbal communication is continuous

Principles of Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication may supplement or replace verbal communication - nonverbal behaviors may repeat verbal messages (nodding) - emphasize particular words (volume) - use nonverbal behavior to complement to words (lyrics&music)

Principles Nonverbal communication may regulate interaction Ex: We don’t say «your turn to talk»

Principles Nonverbal communication often establishes relationship-level meanings  Responsiveness  Liking  Power Nonverbal communication reflects and expresses cultural values

Types of Nonverbal Communication Kinesics  Body position and body motions

Types of Nonverbal Communication Haptics : Use of touch Physical appearance

Types of Nonverbal Continued Artifacts  Personal objects that signal our identities Environmental factors  Elements of a setting that affect how we feel Proxemics and personal space  How we use space

Types of Nonverbal Continued Chronemics  How we use time Paralanguage  Sounds and vocal qualities Silence

Guidelines for Improving Nonverbal Communication Monitor your nonverbal communication Interpret others’ nonverbal communication tentatively  Personal qualifications  Contextual qualifications