Study Notes on Nonverbal Communication and Critical Thinking Concepts

Nonverbal Communication

  • Definition: The process of using messages that are not words to generate meaning.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

  • Repetition: Reinforces verbal messages.
  • Emphasis: Highlights important points through nonverbal cues.
  • Complementation: Adds richness to verbal communication.
  • Contradiction: Can contradict verbal statements, revealing true feelings.
  • Substitution: Nonverbal cues can replace verbal messages.
  • Regulation: Manages the flow of conversation.

Paralinguistic Features

  • Volume: Loudness or softness of voice.
  • Rate: Speed at which one speaks.
  • Pitch: The highness or lowness of voice.
  • Quality: The texture or tone of voice.
  • Non-word sounds: Includes hesitations and fillers like "um" or "uh".
  • Pronunciation: How clearly words are articulated.
  • Articulation: Clarity of speech sounds.

Types of Movements (Gestures)

  • Emblems: Specific verbal translations (e.g., thumbs up).
  • Illustrators: Enhancements of verbal communication (e.g., pointing).
  • Regulators: Manage interaction (e.g., nodding to signal listening).
  • Affect displays: Nonverbal expressions of emotions.
  • Adaptors: Self-touching gestures reflecting anxiety or discomfort.

Proxemics: The Study of Space

  • Intimate distance: 0 to 18 inches – close relationships.
  • Personal distance: 18 inches to 4 feet – friends and acquaintances.
  • Social distance: 4 to 12 feet – formal settings.
  • Public distance: over 12 feet – public speaking or formal addresses.

Reliability of Nonverbal Communication

  • Research indicates that nonverbal cues are not always reliable indicators of truthfulness (Colwell, Hiscock-Anisman, et al.).
  • Liars may maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting.

Communication Apprehension

  • Definition: A person's fear or anxiety related to communication.
  • Types: 1) Situation-specific, 2) Generalized anxiety across most contexts.
  • Causes:
    • Nature: Genetic predispositions.
    • Nurture: Environmental factors and cultural influences.
  • Effects: Correlates with lower test scores, GPA, and graduation rates.
  • Reducing Effects: Positive self-talk, visualization, preparation.

Critical Thinking

  • Definition: A disciplined process of actively and skillfully evaluating information as a guide to belief and action (National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking).
  • Useful techniques include questioning assumptions, evaluating arguments, and identifying logical fallacies.

Interpersonal Communication

  • Definition: The process of exchanging messages to create meaning between individuals.
  • Importance: Fulfills human needs for inclusion, affection, and control.
  • Self-Disclosure: Sharing personal information for relationship building, which varies by culture and relationship intimacy.