TUT2 R3 The World Beyond Words

Interpersonal communication : everyday encounters by Wood et al. 2010. Chapter 5: The world beyond words (pp. 117-141)

Nonverbal Communication

All behaviour other than words that communicates feelings, attitudes, and relationships (e.g., facial expressions, posture, gestures, eye contact, tone, appearance, touch, space).

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication is:

• Symbolic

• Rule-guided

• Intentional or unintentional

• Reflects culture

Symbolic

Meanings are socially learned and not universal.

Rule-Guided

Social norms determine what behaviours are appropriate in different settings.

Intentional or Unintentional

Nonverbal cues can be purposeful or occur accidentally.

we communicate non-verbally even when we don’t mean to

Reflects Culture

Meanings of gestures, space, touch, and expressions vary widely across cultures.

Similarities Between Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

Similarities between verbal & nonverbal communication

• Both are symbolic

• Both are rule-guided

• Both may be intentional or unintentional

• Both are reflective of culture

Differences Between Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal is

• more believable

• multichannel

• continuous

More Believable

You say “I feel fine,” but you are slumping and frowning (others will likely not believe your verbal message)

Multichannel

Nonverbal communication may be seen, felt, heard, smelled, and tasted

• Whereas verbal communication is single channel

  • Verbal communication can only be heard (i.e. speech) or seen (i.e. written or sign language)

Continuous

We are constantly communicating nonverbally (e.g. body language, facial expressions)

• It does not stop

• In contrast, verbal language stops when we stop talking or writing

Principles of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

1. Nonverbal Communication Supplements or Replaces Verbal Messages

2. Nonverbal Communication Regulates Interaction

3. Nonverbal Communication Establishes Relationship Messages

4. Nonverbal Communication Reflects Cultural Values

Nonverbal Communication Supplements or Replaces Verbal Messages

Nonverbal cues repeat, contradict, substitute, or complement spoken words.

Nonverbal Communication Regulates Interaction

Cues like eye contact, posture shifts, or nodding signal turn-taking.

Nonverbal Communication Establishes Relationship Messages

Nonverbal cues communicate responsiveness, liking/disliking, and power dynamics.

• Responsiveness (warmth, attentiveness)

• Liking/disliking (smiles, proximity, facial cues)

• Power (posture, space, touch authority)

Nonverbal Communication Reflects Cultural Values

Different cultures vary in touch, space, eye contact, punctuality, and formality norms.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Different forms of nonverbal communication:

1. Kinesics

2. Haptics

3. Physical Appearance

4. Artifacts

5. Environmental Factors

6. Proxemics

7. Chronemics

8. Paralanguage

9. Silence

Kinesics

Body movement including posture, gestures, and facial expressions that communicate emotion, attitude, and confidence.

Haptics

Use of touch to communicate care, affection, power, or dominance.

Physical Appearance

How clothing, grooming, and body image shape impressions, credibility, and relational judgments.

Artifacts

Personal objects (clothing, jewelry, belongings) that express identity, social class, gender expression, and personality.

Environmental Factors

Physical settings (lighting, colour, temperature, furniture) that influence mood and communication patterns.

Proxemics

Use of space, including territory, personal distance, and cultural spatial norms.

Chronemics

Use of time to communicate values; punctuality and scheduling reflect respect, status, and priorities.

Paralanguage

Vocal qualities such as tone, pitch, volume, and inflection that shape how verbal messages are interpreted.

Silence

Communicates thoughtfulness, comfort, discomfort, disapproval, or cultural values around communication.

Improving Nonverbal Communication

How to improve nonverbal communication:

• Monitoring Your Nonverbal Communication

• Interpreting Behaviour Tentatively

  • Personal Qualifications

  • Contextual Qualifications

Monitoring Your Nonverbal Communication

Developing awareness of your own facial expressions, tone, posture, and presence (eye contact, nodding, leaning in).

• Communicates responsiveness and engagement

Interpreting Behaviour Tentatively

Avoiding assumptions and interpreting nonverbal cues carefully and non-judgmentally.

• Personal Qualifications

• Contextual Qualifications

Personal Qualifications

Recognizing that nonverbal behaviours vary by individual, so meanings differ person to person.

• E.g. One person avoids eye contact because they're shy, not because they’re lying

Contextual Qualifications

Nonverbal meanings depend on context—culture, situation, relationship, or environment.

• E.g. In some cultures, not making eye contact is respectful (e.g. Korea); in others, it's seen as rude (e.g. Canada, U.S.)