1. Nonverbal Communication
Definition
Components
Power and functions of nonverbal
Types of nonverbal comm.

2. Definition
“Oral or nonoral messages expressed by other than linguistic means” (Adler & Rodman, 2003, p. 150).

3. Nonverbal can be… Perceived by sender or receiver, or
Intended as a message by the sender, or
Interpreted by the receiver as intended.
(Trenholm & Jensen, 2000)

4. Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Exists
You can interpret others’ feelings
No formal training needed to do this
Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value
You cannot not communicate (think about this)
We aren’t always aware of what we are communicating nonverbally
Not everyone can interpret nonverbal clues

5. Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication assists with:
Identity management
the Presenting Self
How we want others to view us
Defining relationships
Conveying emotions
Difficult to convey ideas nonverbally

6. Components, cont. Nonverbal comm. is ambiguous
Difficult to interpret accurately
Some emotions are easier to decode accurately than others
SADFISH & L
Sadness
Anger
Disgust
Fear
Interest
Surprise
Happiness
Love

7. Components, cont.
Better senders of nonverbal messages are better receivers
Decoding ability can be learned
Extroverts better than dogmatics
Women better than men
No one has 100% accuracy

8. Components, cont. Considerations when decoding NVC
Context (situation)
History of relationship with sender
Other’s mood at the time
Your feelings
NV messages are CLUES not fact
Nonverbal comm. is culture bound

9. Verbal vs. Nonverbal
Nonverbal communication operates on multiple channels
Nonverbal communication is continuous and never ending
Nonverbal communication can be unconscious

10. The Power of Nonverbal Codes (Trenholm & Jensen, 2000)
Nonverbal codes are given more credence and are more trusted than verbal codes.
Nonverbal codes are more emotionally powerful.
Nonverbal codes express more universal meaning.
Nonverbal codes are continuous and natural.
Nonverbal codes occur in clusters.

11. Functions of Nonverbal
Repeating
Emblems: deliberate nonverbal behaviors that have precise meanings known to everyone within a culture group. “Wave” or “Nod”
Substituting
Emblems can replace a verbal message
Complementing
Nonverbal behavior matches verbal message-
Sincere apology
Tone of voice and appropriate facial expression
Illustrators
Scratching head when trying to think of something

12. Functions of Nonverbal
Accenting
Pointing your finger at someone when making a point
Regulating
Taking turns speaking has a pattern that we understand when it is our turn to talk, e.g. pauses, tone of voice
Contradicting
Mixed messages
Nonverbal message is believed more than verbal message
Deceiving
Not all deception is self-serving or malicious – Face saving
High self-monitors are usually better at deception
People whose jobs require them to act differently than they feel are better at it: actors, lawyers, diplomats, salespeople

13. Types of Nonverbal Comm.
Posture
Kinesics: the study of body movements, gesture and posture.
Mirroring posture makes good impression
Posture reveals one’s vulnerability to violence
Gestures
Fundamental behavior that even people blind from birth use gestures
Manipulators: Movements in which one part of the body touches another body part
Using manipulators is often a sign of discomfort – but not always
Also used when one is relaxed and lets guard down

14. Types of Nonverbal, cont.
Face
Very complicated to discern facial expressions
High number of facial expressions
Facial expressions change quickly
Affect blends: showing two emotions simultaneously
Fearful and surprised
Disgusted and angry
Eyes
Eye Contact
“The Window to the Soul”
Cultural differences

15. Types of Nonverbal, cont.
Voice
Paralanguage: nonverbal vocal messages that reinforce or contradict our words
Tone
Speed
Pitch
Volume
Pauses: Number and length
Disfluencies (stammering, fillers “Like”)
Sarcasm

16. Types of Nonverbal, cont.
Touch
a.k.a. Haptics
Babies died from lack of touching
Disease called “Marasmus” means wasting away
Touch increases a child’s mental functioning and physical health

17. Types of Nonverbal, cont.
Physical Attractiveness
People prefer others who they find attractive
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Three year olds already have opinions
What can we do to be perceived as more attractive?
Posture
Gestures
Facial expressions
Physical fitness
Choice of clothing

18. Types of Nonverbal, cont.
Clothing
Conveys economic status, education level, social status moral standards, athletic ability and/or interests, belief system, level of sophistication
We make assumptions about people based on clothing choices
Flying on airplanes and courtesy of airline personnel
Interviews
Dates

19. Distance Proxemics: the study of the way people and animals use space
Intimate distance: Skin to 18 inches
Personal distance: 18 inches to four feet
Social distance: feet to 12 feet
Public distance: feet to 25 feet

20. Types of nonverbal, cont.
Time
Chronemics
Cultural rules
Polychronic
Monochronic
Geographic or Situational rules

21. Types of nonverbal, cont.
Territoriality
Fixed Space (room, house, neighborhood, country)
Not all territory is permanent – library, computer lab
Power and status relationships
Knocking before entering
More and/or better space is expected for higher status personnel

22. Types of nonverbal, cont.
Environmental
Reflects Interaction
Research: Photos of upper-middle-class homes
Communicated accurate information about the homeowners: intellectualism, politeness, maturity, optimism, tenseness, willingness to risk, family orientations, and reservedness
Home exteriors: Artistic interests, graciousness, privacy and quietness

23. Types of nonverbal, cont.
Environmental
Shapes Interaction
Research: Workers feel better and are more productive in attractive environment
Building design shapes communication
Cubicles, Open Space, Offices
Use of space tells much about a person
Want privacy
Open to others