Nonverbal Communication Definition Components Power and functions of nonverbal Types of nonverbal...
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Transcript of Nonverbal Communication Definition Components Power and functions of nonverbal Types of nonverbal...
Nonverbal Communication
DefinitionComponentsPower and functions of nonverbalTypes of nonverbal comm.
Definition
“Oral or nonoral messages expressed by other than linguistic means” (Adler & Rodman, 2003, p. 150).
Nonverbal can be…
Perceived by sender or receiver, orIntended as a message by the
sender, orInterpreted by the receiver as
intended.
(Trenholm & Jensen, 2000)
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
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication assists with:– Identity management
the Presenting SelfHow we want others to view us
– Defining relationships– Conveying emotions – Difficult to convey ideas nonverbally
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
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
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
Verbal vs. Nonverbal
Nonverbal communication operates on multiple channels
Nonverbal communication is continuous and never ending
Nonverbal communication can be unconscious
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 4 feet to 12 feet Public distance: 12 feet to 25 feet
Types of nonverbal, cont.
Time– Chronemics– Cultural rules
Polychronic Monochronic
– Geographic or Situational rules
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
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
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