Chapter 6

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Communicating without using words much of which is unintentional

Communicating Effectively

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in communication

If you are unaware or miss noverbals, you are very likely to miss a part or the entire message

Nonverbals are very complexNo two communications can be the

same as a result of nonverbals

Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal

There is a huge difference between how the brain processes verbal and nonverbal information

Verbal is very linear – all in a line, one after another in order

Nonverbals are taken in all together and then a general impression is made from the nonverbals received

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbals are learned through your upbringing and through imitation

Nonverbals are largely unconscious and hard to suppress so at times they may conflict with verbal – which is more believable?

Mixed messages – verbals and nonverbals contradict each other

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Paralanguage – HOW you say thingsParalinguistic cues can often set strong

impressions for others and are often remembered longer than WHAT you said

Rate – speed; can effect the message. Faster speakers are seen as more competent but often seen as less honest

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Pitch – highness or lowness of your voiceVolume – how loudly you speak; often if

you are too quiet you are perceived as less competent on the subject you are speaking about

Quality – see text for traitsVocal fillers – “um”, “ya know” etc – affects

competence?

Body Movement

(also kinesics), all forms of body movement, excluding touching

Emblems – body movements that directly translate into words. These are often used when words may be in appropriate or when they tie people together (secret handshakes, etc)

Body Movement

Illustrators – accent, emphasize or reinforce words (measurements, etc)

Regulators – control the flow of conversation

Adaptors – nonverbal ways of adjusting to a situation; not usually intended to be verbally communicated

Eye Messages

All information conveyed by the eyesIn the US, eye contact is usually seen as

a sign of honesty and credibility. Are there differences in other cultures?

Eyes may signal turn-taking; this tells who is to talk next or to stop, slow down (acts as a regulator)