Ch' 6: The Nonverbal Dimension of Communication

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Ch. 6 The Nonverbal Dimension of Communication

• Nonverbal communication accounts for 65 to 93
  of the total meaning of communication

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What is Nonverbal Communication?

• It includes all aspects of communication other
  than words themselves
• Gestures and body language
• How we utter words (inflection, volume)
• Features of environment (temperature, lighting)
• Objects that affect personal images (dress,
  jewelry, furniture)

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Principles

• There are similarities and differences between
  verbal and nonverbal communication
• Similarities nonverbal communication is symbolic
  (ambiguous, abstract, arbitrary), guided by rules
  (like a handshake), culture-bound, and
  intentional or unintentional

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Differences between Nonverbal and Verbal
Communication

• Nonverbal communication is perceived as more
  believable or truthful
• Nonverbal communication may be seen, felt, heard,
  smelled, and tasted
• Nonverbal communication is continuous

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It can Supplement or Replace Verbal Communication

• It may repeat verbal messages (nodding)
• It may highlight verbal communication
• It complements or adds to words
• It may contradict verbal messages
• It may substitute for verbal messages (rolling
  eyes to show disapproval)

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Nonverbal Communication can Regulate Interaction

• Tells us when its our turn to talk, when to
  enter a conversation, etc.

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N.C. can Establish Relational Level Meanings

• It is the relationship language because it so
  often expresses the overall feeling about
  relationships
• Conveys responsiveness, liking, and power

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N.C. Reflects Cultural Values

• Most nonverbal actions arent instinctual but are
  learned in the process of socialization
• Territoriality
• Touching
• Eye contact
• Greeting behaviors (handshakes, kisses, embraces,
  bowing)

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Types of Nonverbal Behavior

• Kinesics the study of body position and body
  motion, including those of the face
• Haptics the study of nonverbal communication
  involving physical touch. Touch communicates
  power and status.
• Physical appearance sex, skin color, size, and
  features
• Artifacts personal objects we use to announce
  our identities and personalize our environments

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Proxemics

• The study of space and how we use it
• In the U.S., social acquaintances4 to 12 ft
• Eighteen inches or less for close friends and
  romantic partners
• Space announces status

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Environmental Factors

• Factors that are elements of settings that affect
  how we feel and act.
• Includes architecture, colors, room design,
  temperature, sounds, smells, lighting, music

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Chronemics

• How we perceive and use time to define identities
  and interaction
• In Western societies time is valuable, so speed
  is highly valued
• Increasing contact is one of the ways we
  intensify relationships

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Paralanguage

• Is communication that is vocal but does not
  involve wordsit includes sounds (such as murmurs
  and gasps) and vocal qualities, such as volume,
  rhythm, pitch, and inflection, tone of voice
• We modulate our voices to reflect our cultural
  heritage

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Silence

• Can communicate powerful messages, such as the
  following
• Contentment
• Awkwardness
• Disconfirm others

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How to Improve Nonverbal Communication

• Monitor your nonverbal communication Are you
  projecting the image you desire?
• Be tentative when interpreting others nonverbal
  communication check your perceptions and use I
  language
• Be aware of how setting and culture affects the
  meaning of communications