Nonverbal Communication 60% of our communication is NONverbal!

Nonverbal Communication

60% of our communication is NONverbal!

Four functions of NV Comm.

To complement the verbal message

To emphasize the verbal message

To replace the verbal message

To contradict the verbal message

“I’m so happy!”

NonVERBAL vs. NonVOCAL

Nonverbal & Nonvocal – no words, no voice (ex. Slumping in chair, sleeping)

Nonverbal & Vocal – no words, but voice (ex. Humming, laughing, clearing throat)

Verbal & Nonvocal – words with no voice (ex. Writing an email, texting)

Verbal & Vocal – words and voice (singing, talking)

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Body Language

Facial expressionsCan help to show a person’s feelings (either for

reinforcement or as a substitute)Can emphasize or contradict verbal language

Eye ContactCan indicate honesty, sincerityCan demonstrate the intensity of interest

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Body LanguageGestures

Can replace words in certain messagesCan emphasize meaning of verbal languageCan add to meaning during descriptions

(EXERCISE: “Living Hand to Mouth” + video)Posture

The way you hold your body when you walk or the way you sit makes a statement about you!

Can convey attitude

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Body Language

MovementThe way a person moves makes a statementCan enhance the impression you want to make

or the message you intend to convey

Five Classes of NV Movement

EmblemsNonverbal behaviors that directly translate

words or phrases (an “okay” sign)Illustrators

Nonverbal behaviors that literally illustrate the verbal message (giving directions)

Affect DisplaysFacial movements that convey emotional

meaning (a smile when happy)

Five Classes of NV Movement

RegulatorsNonverbal behaviors that maintain, monitor,

or control another individual’s speech (waving for “hurry” etc.)

AdaptersNonverbal behaviors that satisfy some

personal need (scratching an itch)(Kevin James clip)

Understanding Nonverbal Language

ParalanguageVocal variations

Pitch & VolumeRate & Quality or tone of voice

Speaker's use of pauses Indicate uncertaintyCreate suspense (or humor)

Speaker’s use of extraneous words “uh”s and “um”sContribute no information to the verbal message

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Environment

ColorReds, yellows, oranges have a stimulating effectBlues, greens, and beiges seem cool, peaceful

and neutral

Black seems sophisticated

White seems innocent, pure

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Environment

LightingLow light tends to create

a relaxed atmosphere

Bright lighting causes interaction

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Space (Proxemics) Intimate Space

(0-18”) Personal Space

(18”-4’) Social Space

(4’-12’) Public Space

(12’-beyond)

Social &Public Space

Personal Space

Intimate Space

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Space (Proxemics)

Our use of space is a form of communication

Influences on space communication include status, culture, context, subject matter, sex and age, positive and negative evaluation

Understanding Nonverbal Language

TerritorialityThe claiming of space, sometimes

illegitimately, for private useTerritorial encroachment

Violation – unwarranted use of another’s territory (using someone’s office)

Invasion – entering another’s territory inappropriately (parent entering a teen dance)

Contamination – creating an impurity of someone’s territory (smoking in my car)

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Territoriality Reactions to encroachment

Turf defense Insulation Linguistic collusion Withdrawal

Territory markers Central markers – use of objects to reserve (coat over

chair) Boundary markers – physical objects to establish

boundaries (grocery store bar) Earmarkers – identifying marks to indicate possession

(initialed briefcase)

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Haptics The study of touch The meanings of touch

Positive affect Playfulness Control Ritual Task relatedness

Touch avoidance Difference in touch behaviors

Gender Culture

Nonverbal Symbols

Symbols worn make a statement about who we are

Examples of symbols:JewelryClothingTattoosSports memorabilia

(EXERCISE: “Message About Me” t-shirts)