Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

best defined as messages expressed by nonlinguistic means. i.e. "Communication without words"

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication

Always Occurring

Primarily Relational

Ambiguous

Emblems

Culturally understood substitutes for verbal expressions

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

Create and maintain relationships

Regulating interactions

Influencing others

Influencing ourselves

Concealing/deceiving

Managing Impressions

Manner

Appearance

Setting

Manner

e.g., stand, move, facial expressions,

vocalics, etc.

Appearance

e.g., clothing, jewelry, hair, scents,

glasses, etc.

Setting

e.g., furniture, cars, homes, photos, etc.

Kinesics

Body Movement

Oculesics

Nonverbal study of eyes

Haptics

Touch

Paralanguage

Voice

Proxemics

the study of how we use space

Territoriality

Stationary area we claim

Chronemics

how we use/structure time

Monochronic

emphasizes punctuality, scheduling, and

completing one task at a time

Polychronic

is a relaxed/flexible view/use of time

Edward T. Hall how Westerners use space while

communicating

Intimate distance: skin to 18 inches

Personal distance: 18 inches to 4 ft

Social distance: 4 ft to 12 ft

Public distance: Outward from 12 ft