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)
