Chapter_4-_Nonverbal_Communication_

Nonverbal Communication

A process of generating meaning using behavior other than words.

Kinesics

The study of body movements, including gestures and facial expressions, as a form of nonverbal communication.

Haptics

The study of communication through touch.

Vocalics (Paralanguage)

The vocal qualities that go along with verbal messages such as pitch, volume, rate, and tone of voice.

Proxemics

The study of how space and distance influence communication.

Chronemics

The study of how time affects communication.

Adaptors

Touching behaviors that indicate internal states, often related to arousal or anxiety.

Emblems

Gestures that have a specific agreed-on meaning, such as thumbs up or a raised hand.

Illustrators

Gestures that accompany and complement verbal communication, such as pointing.

Eye Contact

The act of looking into another person's eyes during interaction, which helps regulate conversation.

Nonverbal Congruence

Consistency among different nonverbal expressions within a cluster, enhancing credibility.

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

Variations in the interpretation of nonverbal cues across different cultural backgrounds.

Deception

The act of misleading or tricking someone, often analyzed through nonverbal cues.

Mixed Messages

Situations where verbal and nonverbal signals contradict each other, leading to confusion.

Immediacy Behaviors

Nonverbal behaviors that communicate closeness and a desire for connection.

Social Distance

The physical distance typically kept between acquaintances in social settings, usually 4 to 12 feet.

Personal Distance

The physical space maintained with friends or family members, usually 1.5 to 4 feet.

Intimate Distance

The physical space reserved for close relationships, typically less than 1.5 feet.

Nonverbal Leakage

Unintentional nonverbal signals that reveal a person's true feelings or condition.

Facial Expressions

Movements of the facial muscles that convey emotional states, often universally recognized.