Chapter_6_Nonverbal_Communication

Introduction

• Nonverbal communication is critical in understanding human interaction without relying on words.

Agenda

• Overview of the chapter topics:

  • The Nature of Nonverbal Communication

  • Ten Channels of Nonverbal Communication

  • Culture, Gender, and Nonverbal Communication

  • Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Skills

The Nature of Nonverbal Communication

Definition

• Nonverbal communication involves behaviors that convey meaning without words.

  • Accompanying Words: Some nonverbal behaviors occur alongside verbal communication.

  • Independent Meaning: Other behaviors express meaning on their own.

Importance

• Present in most interpersonal interactions.

• Often conveys more than spoken words.

• Generally regarded as more truthful than verbal communication.

• Primarily expresses emotions and can be viewed as a form of metacommunication.

Functions

• Nonverbal communication serves multiple functions:

  • Managing Conversations: Regulates the flow and direction of interactions.

  • Expressing Emotions: Conveys feelings that may not be articulated verbally.

  • Maintaining Relationships: Supports the development and nurturing of connections.

  • Forming Impressions: Influences how others perceive us.

  • Influencing Others: Persuades and impacts decisions.

  • Concealing Information: Hides true intentions or emotions.

Ten Channels of Nonverbal Communication

1. Facial Displays

• Important in identity, attractiveness, and emotional expression.

  • Symmetry and Proportionality: Influences perception of attractiveness.

2. Eye Behaviors (Oculesics)

• Includes aspects like eye contact and pupil size.

3. Movement (Kinesics)

• Focuses on gestures and body movements, includes:

  • Emblems: Specific gestures with direct verbal translations.

  • Illustrators: Gestures that clarify verbal messages.

  • Affect Displays: Nonverbal expressions of emotions.

  • Regulators: Control the flow of communication.

  • Adaptors: Unconscious movements often related to anxiety or discomfort.

4. Touch (Haptics)

• Different types of touch convey various meanings:

  • Affectionate, Caregiving, Power, Aggressive, Ritualistic Touch.

5. Vocalics

• Aspects of voice conveying meaning, including:

  • Pitch, Inflection, Volume, Rate, Filler Words, Articulation, Accent, Silence.

6. Smell (Olfactics)

• Influence of scents on memory and attraction.

  • Olfactory associations and attractiveness based on scent dissimilarity.

7. Space (Proxemics)

• Use of physical space in communication:

  • Intimate Distance (0-1.5 ft), Personal Distance (1.5-4 ft), Social Distance (4-12 ft), Public Distance (12+ ft).

8. Physical Appearance

• Messages conveyed through appearance include:

  • Halo Effect: Positive qualities attributed to attractive individuals.

  • Societal pressures regarding attractiveness can lead to disorders.

9. Time (Chronemics)

• Time communicates value and power dynamics in interactions.

10. Artifacts

• Objects that communicate identity and influence mood and perception.

Culture, Gender, and Nonverbal Communication

Cultural Influences

• Culture shapes nonverbal behaviors:

  • Emblems, Affect Displays, Personal Distances, Eye Contact, Facial Displays, Greeting Behavior, Time Orientation, Haptics, Vocalics.

Gender Influences

• Gender differences in nonverbal communication include:

  • Emotional Expressiveness, Eye Contact, Personal Space, Vocalics, Touch, Appearance.

Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Skills

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication

1. Be sensitive to nonverbal messages; understand they convey much information.

2. Pay attention to:

   • Facial Expressions, Tone of Voice, Body Movement.

3. Consider the context and cultural background in your interpretations.

Deciphering Nonverbal Messages

• Evaluate situational context and a cluster of behaviors.

• Be mindful of your own expectations and ask for clarification when needed.

Expressing Nonverbal Messages

• Enhance self-awareness and learn from observations.

• Practice expressiveness and be mindful of others' reactions.

Managing Nonverbal Behavior in Digital Communication

• Take care with visual and vocal cues in videoconferences.

• Use emotional expression appropriately in text conversations, such as emoticons, while being aware of potential fatigue from prolonged digital interactions.