1. Language and Nonverbal Communication
“I’m sorry, but your position has been redeployed…”

2. Sample Mid Term Q #1
Which of the following theorists is most closely associated with bureaucratic management theory?
a) Henri Fayol
b) Douglas McGregor
c) Katz and Kahn
d) Max Weber

3. Sample Question #2
Polysemy is most clearly connected with which element of the contemporary communication model described in class?
a) noise
b) channel
c) decoding
d) none of the above

4. Sample Question #3
The most appropriate leadership style for a group task that is relatively simple, the group members relatively unskilled and time for action limited would be:
a) laissez-faire
b) democratic
c) autocratic
d) contingent

5. Some Initial Thoughts on Language
There is no transparent language, it is all a process of translation
Our understanding of language is hampered by the container fallacy--we treat words as if they contain meaning, in fact, people contain meanings
Meanings can be denotative or connotative

6. Jargon
Defined as the language of a specialized community--computer techs, pilots, skateboarders, etc.
Advantages
--promotes efficiency
--promotes group cohesion
Disadvantages
--the problem of mystification

7. Euphemism
defined as the intentional or unintentional use of words to mask the potential emotional impact of language
examples
--death
--losing your job
potential impact--far less shared meaning

8. Verbal vs. Nonverbal Communication
Compared to Verbal Communication, Nonverbal is:
Less discrete
More vulnerable to misunderstanding
More likely to be context dependent
More likely to contain the truth
The cultural iceberg--technical, formal, and informal levels

9. Classes of Nonverbal Communication (The 7 ics)
Kinesics--movement, generally
Oculesics--eye movement
Objectics (Artifacts)--clothing, jewelry
Vocalics--vocal qualities
Chronemics--time
Proxemics--space
Haptics--touch

10. Types of Gestures Emblems--stand alone, replacement
Illustrators--additional message
Regulators--affect verbal behavior
Adaptors--stress indicators

11. Objectics Dress for Success and other lies
Casual days and what they mean
Policies on jewelry and piercings
Cubicle decoration and nesting

12. Proxemics in the Office
Personal space and distance
Office size
Office orientation

13. Chronemics and Vocalics
Time as an arbitrary human creation
Monochronic and polychronic cultures
Vocal qualities and the latent message
Speed, pitch, breathiness, nasality, etc.