1. Nonverbal Communication
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Chapter 6
Nonverbal Communication

2. Section 1 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, DEFINED
Interplay
Section 1 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, DEFINED
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

3. Nonverbal Communication: What Does It Mean?
Nonverbal communication, defined: “messages expressed by nonlinguistic means.”
Why is “communicating without speaking” not an accurate definition for nonverbal communication?
Why is “body language” not a sufficient definition for nonverbal communication?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

4. Research shows…
Mehrabian (1972): 93% of emotional impact of a message come from a nonverbal source.
Birdwhistell (1970): 65/35 split of actions and words.
Social scientists: Nonverbal communication shapes perceptions.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

5. Section 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay
Section 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

6. All Behavior Has Communicative Value
Discuss your agreement or disagreement with the statement “you cannot not communicate.”
Research:
We aren’t always conscious of what we and others are communicating nonverbally.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

7. Nonverbal Communication is Primarily Relational
Nonverbal communication serves in social function.
Defines the relationship we want/have with others.
Convey emotions we are unwilling/unable to express or unaware of.
How does technology impact the relational aspect of nonverbal communication?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

8. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous.
Describe the various interpretations of silence.
Research: “Positive nonverbal communication is easier to identify than negative nonverbal communication.”
Use perception-checking to clarify others’ nonverbals.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

9. Nonverbal communication is influenced by culture.
Emblems: Culturally understood substitutes for verbal expression.
Identify some of the cultural similarities and differences in nonverbal behaviors and rules.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

10. Section 3 FUNCTIONS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay
Section 3 FUNCTIONS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

11. Creating and Maintaining Relationships
What are the functions of nonverbal behaviors in the early stages of relationships?
Nonverbal cues reveal our attitude about others.
How do nonverbal behaviors gauge the emotional climates in ongoing relationships?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

12. Regulating Interaction
Regulators: Cues that help control verbal interaction.
What cues reveal that a speaker is finished talking?
How does eye contact regulate nonverbal communication?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

13. Influencing Others Nonverbal behavior helps us:
Capture attention
Show or increase liking
Generate power
Boost credibility
What other ways do we use nonverbal communication to influence others?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

14. Concealing/Deceiving
What do the authors mean by, “The majority of messages we exchange are not completely truthful”?
High self-monitors are better at hiding their deception.
No surefire nonverbal clues indicate deception.
Liars make fewer hand and finger movements, have more speech disturbances, and pause longer before offering answers.
Beware of jumping to conclusions!
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

15. Managing Identity
Nonverbal cues: May be more important than verbal messages in creating impressions.
Manner: The way we act, stand and move, control facial expressions, vocal adjustments.
Appearance: The way we dress, artifacts we wear, hair, makeup, scents, etc.
Setting: Physical items we surround ourselves with i.e., personal belongings, vehicles, place we live.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

16. Section 4 TYPES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay
Section 4 TYPES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

17. Face and Eyes Complicated channel to interpret. Research:
At least 8 distinguishable positions of the eyebrows and forehead
8 more of eyes and lids
10 lower face
Oculesics: Study of how the eyes communicate.
Gazing
Interest
Conversational turn-taking
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

18. Body Movement
Kinesics: Study of how people communicate through body movement.
Posture sends conscious and unconscious messages.
Ambiguous gestures
Fidgeting
Manipulators
Sign of discomfort…
But not necessarily
Gestures measure power and status
Increase persuasiveness/mirroring
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

19. Touch Haptics: Study of touching.
Touch boosts mood, increases liking, improves compliance.
Research:
“Fleeting touches on hand or forearm can result in larger tips for restaurant servers.”
Beware unwanted touching: Concern/legal action.
Why do the authors say that the amount of touching decreases with age?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

20. Voice Paralanguage: The way a message is spoken
Vocal rate
Pronunciation
Pitch
Tone
Volume
Emphasis
Disfluencies: Reinforce/ contradict message that words convey.
What types of paralanguage contradict content?
Research:
Communicators more likely to comply when speakers have same rate as their own.
People often miss vocal nuances of sarcasm.
Young children can’t make sense of mixed messages.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

21. Distance
Proxemics: How communication is affected by use, organization, and perception of space and distance.
We all have a bubble of personal space.
Research:
Distance = Good indication of prejudices.
Edward T. Hall:
Intimate distance: Skin contact to 18”
Personal distance: 18” to 4’.
Social distance: 4’ to 12’.
Public distance: 12’ to farthest zone.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

22. Distance
What barrier behaviors occur when your “spatial bubble” is invaded?
Territoriality: The area that serves as an extension of our physical being.
How we respond to breaches of territory depends on who enters, what territory is entered, why they enter, and how they enter.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

23. Time Chronemics: How humans use and structure time.
Waiting can be an indicator of status.
Use of time is culturally- based, yet rules of time vary within a culture.
Rules of time can vary within the same geographic area.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

24. Physical Attractiveness
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being perceived as attractive?
How may perceptions of attractiveness change?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

25. Clothing Clothing can convey: Economic level Educational level
Trustworthiness
Social position
Level of sophistication
Economic background
Social background
Educational background
Level of success
Moral character
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

26. Clothing Research: Clothing = credibility
College students perceive TA’s as having less expertise, based on dress.
Beware of cultural perceptions based on clothing.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

27. Physical Environment Research:
Impressions of home designs = remarkably accurate.
Environment shapes interactions within it.
Professors = well- decorated work areas, more credibility.
No doctor’s desk = increase patient comfort.
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

28. END OF SECTION Interplay
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.