Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication: Defined
messages expressed by other than linguistic means. Messages are transmitted by vocal cues such as sighs and laughs. As well as nonlinguistic dimensions of the spoken word such as volume, rate, pitch, and so on.
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal skills are vital
- good nonverbal communicators are more persuasive and have greater success in settings
- Sensitivity to nonverbal communication is a major part of “emotional intelligence”.
- It is impossible to study spoken language without paying attention to its nonverbal dimensions.
- Its also important to be able to read and respond to others’ nonverbal communication.
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication: All behavior has communication value
- we cannot stop communicating.
- Unintentional nonverbal behaviours differ from deliberate ones. For example, we don’t stammer, blush, frown, and sweat without meaning to do so.
- Even our unintentional nonverbal behaviour can be picked up and interpreted by others.
- Unconscious and unintentional behaviours convey messages and are thus worthy of studying.
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication: nonverbal communication is primarily relational
- nonverbal communication defines the kind of relationship we have with others. Greeting a person with a wave or a clap on the back sends messages about the nature of your relationship.
- Nonverbal communication also performs a third variable to social function which conveys emotions that we may be unwilling or unable to express or we aren’t even aware of.
Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal Communication Occurs in Mediated Messages
- more internet and phone messages including visual and vocal dimensions, making communication richer and enhancing understanding. For example, Skype and FaceTime.
- The content of the nonverbal message matter, when it was sent is equally essential.
Nonverbal Communications Serves Many Functions: Repeating
nonverbal behaviors that duplicate the content of a verbal message. For example, if someone asked for directions you would say “two blocks north” while also pointing in that direction.
Nonverbal Communication Serves Many Functions: Complementing
nonverbal behavior that reinforces a verbal message; match the thoughts and emotions that the communicator is expressing verbally. For example, imagine the difference between saying “thank you” with a sincere facial expression and tone of voice, and saying the same words in a deadpan manner with a monotone voice.
Nonverbal Communication Serves Many Functions: Substituting
nonverbal behaviour that takes the place of a verbal message. Like when a friend asks, “what’s up” and you shrug a shoulder and make a face instead of actually answering the question.
Nonverbal Communication Serves Many Functions: Accenting
nonverbal behaviours that emphasize part of a verbal message. (e.g., It was your idea).
Nonverbal Communication Serves Many Functions: Regulating
- a function of nonverbal communication in which nonverbal cues control the flow of verbal communication between and among individuals.
- For example, conversations are regulated by nodding (I understand or keep going) and looking away (lack of attention).
Nonverbal Communication Serves Many Functions: Contradicting
nonverbal behavior that is inconsistent with a verbal message. For example, someone with a red flushed face yells “angry, no I’m not angry”.
Nonverbal Communication offers Deception Cues: deception cues
- nonverbal behaviors that signal the untruthfulness of a verbal message
- When people try to be deceitful, they often make more speech errors, spoke for shorter periods of time, and had a lower speech rate. Another experiment revealed that liars; voices were more high-pitched than truthtellers
Nonverbal Communication offers Deception Cues: Leakage
nonverbal behaviours that reveal information a communicator does not disclose verbally.
Nonverbal Communication offers Deception Cues: identifying liars
- We are only accurate at detecting deception only
slightly more than half of the time - We overestimate our abilities to detect others’ lies.
- We have a strong tendency to judge others’
messages as truthful.
Deception clues are more likely when?
Deception cues are more likely when the receiver…
- wants to hide emotions being felt at the moment
- feels strongly about the information being hidden
- feels apprehensive or guilty about the deception
- gets little enjoyment from being deceptive
- Has not had time to rehearse the lie in advance
- know there are sevre punishments for being caught
Nonverbal Communication is Ambiguous: Less clear than verbal messages:
for example, a wink can mean many things from a sign of friendliness to a sexual come-on.
Nonverbal Communication is Ambiguous: Multiple interpretations
- it is important to not read, or interpret, one cue but look at the whole picture.
- When a grocery store worker smiles and makes eye contact it doesn’t necessarily mean they are flirting with you.
Nonverbal Communication is Ambiguous: Consider the context, culture, and nature of the relationship
- using the perception-checking tool can help you decipher the meaning that communicators are actually trying to convey.
- Take in all factors that might contribute to the use of nonverbal cues.
Influences on Nonverbal Communication: Gender
women are more expressive and better at recognizing others’ nonverbal behaviour. Research shows that compared to men women: smile more, use more facial expressions; use more head, hand, and arm gestures; are more vocally expressive.
Influences on Nonverbal Communication: Culture
- cultures have different nonverbal languages as well as verbal ones.
- For example, the OK gesture, made by joining the tips of the thumb and forefinger to form a circle is cheery in Canada but means “you’re worth zero” in Belgium and France.
Influences on Nonverbal Communication: Body movement
includes body orientation, posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements.
Individual Factors: voice
paralanguage to describe nonverbal vocal messages. Paralanguage means of vocal expression: rate, pitch, tone, and so on. The way a message is spoken can give the same word or words many meanings. A particular emphasis on different words in a sentence can change its meaning.
Individual Factors: Touch
haptics is the study of touching. Touch can communicate many messages.
- Social/polite (handshake)
- Friendship/warmth (clap on the back)
However, touch can be misunderstood. For example, is a hug playful or suggestive of stronger feelings.
Individual Factors: Appearance
how we look sends messages to others. There are two dimensions to appearance: physical attractiveness and clothing.
- Physical attractiveness: for example, women who are perceived as more attractive have more dates, persuading males with greater ease.
- Clothing can convey 10 types of messages to others
a. Economic level
b. Economic background
c. Education level
d. Social background
e. Trustworthiness
f. Educational background
g. Social position
h. Level of success
i. Level of sophistication
j. Moral character
