1. Introduction to Nonverbal Communication
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MIS 429/529

2. Impact of nonverbal communication
Percent of meaning due to NV
2/3 estimate
93%?
International diplomacy examples
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MIS 429/529

3. Definition
Nonverbal communication refers to behaviors that form a socially shared coding system.
used with regularity among members of a given social community, society, or culture
typically sent with intent
typically interpreted as intentional
have consensually recognized meanings
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MIS 429/529

4. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal elements present in virtually all forms of communication
Features in written communication
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

5. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional.
Part of virtually all communication functions
E.g., clarifying or qualifying verbal messages, expressing emotions, displaying power
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

6. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional.
Nonverbal behaviors may form a universal communication system.
e.g., smiling, pointing, caressing, threat stares
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

7. We respond to gestures with an extreme alertness and, one might almost say, in accordance with an elaborate and secret code that is written nowhere, known to none and understood by all .
—Edward Sapir
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

8. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional.
Nonverbal behaviors may form a universal communication system.
Nonverbal behaviors create misunderstanding as well as understanding.
e.g., photographer anecdote
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

9. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional.
Nonverbal behaviors may be universal.
Nonverbal behaviors create both understanding and misunderstanding.
Nonverbal communication has primacy.
first form of communication in the species
first means of communication in lifespan
first available signals in human encounters
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

10. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is ever-present.
Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional.
Nonverbal behaviors may be universal.
Nonverbal behaviors create both understanding and misunderstanding.
Nonverbal communication has primacy.
phylogenetic
ontogenetic
Interactional
Nonverbal communication can express what verbal communication can’t or shouldn’t.
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

11. Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is trusted.
Nonverbal believed over verbal when the two conflict
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

12. Importance of nonverbal communication
Large percent of meaning due to NV
Nonverbal believed over verbal when two conflict
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

13. The nonverbal codes Visual codes Kinesics Physical appearance
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

14. The nonverbal codes Visual codes Auditory code Kinesics
Physical appearance
Auditory code
Vocalics
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

15. The nonverbal codes Contact codes Visual codes Proxemics Haptics
Kinesics
Physical appearance
Auditory code
Vocalics
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

16. The nonverbal codes Visual codes Contact codes Place and time codes
Kinesics
Physical appearance
Auditory code
Vocalics
Contact codes
Proxemics
Haptics
Place and time codes
Artifacts
Chronemics
2 January 2019
A CMI Series

17. Taking More of a Communication Perspective
Shifting emphases:
From individuals to dyads and interaction
From static view of behaviors to process, dynamics
From structure to function and process
To consider contexts and applications
To consider social and biological influences
To recognition of importance of communication skills
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MIS 429/529

18. Alternative Approach: Organization by Functions
Introduced by Burgoon & Saine (1978) in The Unspoken Dialogue
Assumptions:
the nature of the specific communication function determines the nonverbal behaviors to be observed
every function has situational characteristics
functions are dynamic and transcend single time frames
a single nonverbal cue may serve multiple functions
a single function may be accomplished through multiple nonverbal cues
a single function typically requires the coordination of verbal and nonverbal behaviors
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MIS 429/529

19. The Communication Functions
Producing and Processing Messages
Social Cognition and Forming Impressions
Projecting Real and Desired Identities
Identification
Impression Management
Expressing Emotions
Communicating Relational States
Affection and Intimacy  
Power and Dominance
Defining Situations
Managing Conversations
Influencing Others
Credibility
Influence strategies
Deceiving others
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MIS 429/529

20. Questions?
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MIS 429/529