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.