Speech Nonverbals

Paralanguage

A type of nonverbal communication that uses vocal inflection to convey meaning.

Kinesics

Nonverbal communication that communicates through body movements, including posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

Emblems

Kinesic gestures that stand for specific words or phrases, such as a thumbs up.

Affect Displays

Nonverbal cues that convey emotional meaning, like crying.

Regulators

Nonverbal signals that control or affect another person's speech, such as tapping a foot or looking at a watch.

Adaptors

Nonverbal behaviors that satisfy a physical or emotional need, like tying shoes.

Illustrators

Gestures that illustrate or complement verbal communication, such as finger quotation marks.

Cultural Variations in Kinesics

Nonverbal communication behaviors that differ based on cultural context.

Proxemics

The study of how the positioning of individuals in relation to each other communicates nonverbally.

Intimate Distance

The proxemic range of 0” to 18”, typically reserved for close relationships.

Personal Distance

The proxemic range of 1 ½’ to 4’, used for interactions with friends and acquaintances.

Social Distance

The proxemic range of 4’ to 12’, often used in professional or casual social settings.

Public Distance

The proxemic range of 12’ to 15’, typically used for public speaking or addressing larger groups.

Haptics

The study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication, often associated with emotional intimacy.

Cultural Variations in Haptics

Differences in touch norms across cultures, such as kissing in Middle Eastern cultures or handshakes in America.

Misunderstandings in Contact Cultures

Potential communication issues that arise when contact cultures interact with noncontact cultures.

Appearance

The impact of physical appearance on social judgment and perceptions, including its influence on public speaking.