Ch 6 Nonverbal Communication wo Words Nonverbal Communication

Ch. 6 Nonverbal Communication w/o Words

Nonverbal Communication �Covers: �Definition �Characteristics �Functions �Types

Nonverbal Communication-Defined �=messages expressed by nonlinguistic means. �Some NV has a vocal element. �Some nonspoken communication (ASL) is linguistic, but often what we DO conveys more than what we say. �NV contributes a lot to shaping perceptions. �It also has been called “communication without words”.

NV Characteristics All behavior has communication value. - It’s impossible NOT to communicate b/c we transmit messages about ourselves & our relationships. - ALL NV can create messages. - It doesn’t mean others will notice ALL available unspoken messages. • NVC is primarily relational. - Social functions in kind you have or want to have w/others (nod, smile, frown, hug, etc. ) - Can convey emotions unable or unwilling to express or are not aware of - Attitudes & feelings conveyed <Verbal= ideas conveyed>

NV Characteristics • NVC is ambiguous (vague)means more than 1 thing. • NVC in mediated messages-even text-based CMC has NV features - Time lapses play in CMC: delays can be seen as negative. • Culture and gender influence NVC. - Emblems: cultural substitute for verbal expressions. Some widely used (head moves for yes or no) - Some are universal symbol, but the way used varies widely. - What is appropriate in 1 culture may not be in another one. - Women: more NV expressive; better -interpreting NV cues.

NV FUNCTIONS Creating/Maintaining behavioral impressions in each relationship stage 1. - cues for creating/signaling emotional climate (in families, at work, in romance) 2. 3. Regulating interaction - Turn-taking signals w/ eyes and face - Listeners usually look more at speakers to see response - children & some w/ autism may have rough trial & error until learn to “read” NV signals Influencing others can be more important than words spoken - used to get others to satisfy our wants & needs - eye contact, clothing, “open” postures, friendly, upbeat manners (firm handshake, smiling-jobseekers) -

NV Functions (cont. ) 4. Concealing/Deceiving - Silence, Lying, Hedging Lies: Not easy to detect, but more speech errors, pitch rising, pupil stakes” dilation, (sometimes brief unconscious displays often if “high - punished if detected); can see variety of cues over time; microexpressions - Not all deception is self-serving. Can aim to “save face” for both sides. - When V and NV conflict, we tend to believe the NV! 3 Findings: a) We overestimate our ability to detect lies. b) We’re accurate just over ½ time. c) We tend to judge others as truthful. We’re biased.

NV Functions (cont. ) 5. Managing Impressions -Positive impression if V and NV behaviors match. Manner: HOW we act-deliberately stand, move, use voice and facial expressions Appearance: How we use/wear dress, hair, makeup, scents, artifacts (jewelry, etc. ) Setting: Physical items we use to surround ourselves & belongings, cars, dwelling, etc. Minor changes - can play major roles in impression management.

Managing NV Impressions (cont. ) �A positive impression is associated with consistency of verbal & nonverbal behavior. �Your manner is how we deliberately act: stand, move, control facial expressions, and voice adjustments. �Appearance: how we dress, do hair, use makeup, scents, artifacts worn-jewelry, etc. �Setting: physical items we surround ourselves with (cars, dwelling, belongings) Minor changes can play major roles in impression mgmt.

TYPES of NV Communication �Face & Eyes: hard to accurately read due to # of possibilities for parts of face & eyes -the face is the primary source of communicative information … next to speech (Knapp & Hall) Oculesis=how the eyes communicate; eye contact may or may not reflect liking; many phrases about eyes in English �Posture: deep links between posture & communication phrases (laid back, hunched over, straight laced, ect. ) -we are aware of posture even if unconsciously: look for subtle, small changes -but expansive poses can be signs of power & status -can affect how we feel about ourselves

NV Gestures �Even those blind since birth can use fundamental gestures �Gestures can be intentional or unconscious �Fidgeting= a group of unconscious gestures �Manipulators=1 body part touches or manipulates another 1 � Social rules discourage in public, be people do it w/out knowing it. �We can use more gestures when relaxed, but often fidgeting signals discomfort. �People with power or in positions of control use more gestures. It could be that more gestures= more persuasive. REACTIONS to: wide range -must see in context b/c in 1 cooperative social setting=okay, but may seem aggressive/dominating in competing setting ** Insincere gestures will probably backfire! Recognize ones to use & consider how they reflect what you are feeling.

TYPES of NVC �TOUCH: Haptics-the study of touching �Has value for infants: premature=improved their development; even 10 years later, still evidence of increased bonds �Increases compliance for requests �A server’s gestures have on-the job utility: larger tips, more alcohol ordered, more ordering of suggested meal �In U. S. , touching seems more appropriate for females �% of touch aligns with openness of expressing intimate feelings, active interpretation style, & relationships.

VOICE �Paralanguage= how a message is spoken; cues have strong impact on listeners - rate, pronunciation, pitch, tone, volume, emphasis, & pauses # and types of pauses- avoid unintentional but vocalized = disfluencies; can harm b/c people may judge negatively -In kids, “accent trumps race. ” -We pay more attention to paralanguage than content if asked to determine speaker’s attitude and emotions. -If V and NV contradict, we judge more from the NV cues. Direct link of age to NV sensitivity (w kids 4 -8, words matter more) -attractive voices rate higher than unattractive ones -Sarcasm paralanguage to change V to opposite meaning. -Culture can make a diff. =2 nd lang. learners w/accents can face discrimination

NV-Distance �Proxemics: the study of how communication is affected by use, organization, and perception of space and distance. � -Personal space=invisible bubble varying in size accd. to culture raised in, other person with, & situation. � -Size of bubble gives clue to our feelings. Happy couples comfortable closer than unhappy ones. � Hall’s 4 ZONES : Intimate= skin to 18 “ Invasion w/o consent usually makes us feel threatened � Personal= 18 “ to 4 feet (far range=2/5 -4’) just beyond the other’s reach. Most couples in public=abt. 18”. Hall says it keeps the other at about arm’s length. � Social= 4’ to 12’ People with high social anxiety are likely to reduce discomfort if staying farther away. Distance can have a powerful effect on how we regard & respond to others. Teachers, doctors, students, etc. more satisfying with them. � Public Distance= 12’ and further (most classrooms 12’) If 25’ or more, 2 way communication almost impossible. ) When bubble is invaded, = stress & we use barrier behaviors.

NV TYPES cont. � TERRITORIALITY: Remains stationary. In a library, we use corners 1 st. The reaction depends on who enters, why, and what the territory is. (In classrooms a desk, in bedrooms-furniture) � TIME: Chronemics - how we use and structure time. Time is a - marker of status, culture, and relationships. higher status-can be late- may be by wealth depending on culture- geography (mountains or water) relationships- time spent can be predictor of relationship satisfaction w/ interpreter and understanding PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS: Those viewed as attractive are rated better than others. (Newsweek- 200 mgrs. admitted attrac. ones got preferential treatment in hiring and on the job. But, attrac. candidates may be turned down if perceived as threats. The longer we know people, the more we regard them as better looking. Can use NV behav. to increase liking.

NV Types � CLOTHING: (Social Position= Men’s rated on attire, but women’s NV behavior gives cues to social position. � When people had to pass a well-dressed couple in a narrow hallway, they responded positively, but when the couple passed was dressed casually, more annoyance was indicated. � -Perception of attire is affected by a variety of cultural factors and values. � PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: IT CAN INFLUENCE YOUR COMMUNICATION. It can shape the KIND of interaction in it. � -Physical settings � -Architecture � -Interior design � Inner-city dwellers w/ access to landscaped public spaces interact in ways much more prosocial than those in barren environments. � Public housing residents report more mental fatigue, aggression, & violence than those w/ nearby grass and trees. !!! � Homes reflect occupants. � How furnished influences how people in them feel and interact. � <Interviews: furniture; teachers, supervisors- in offices desks usually separate> � Wards: tables with chairs versus chairs only =more conversation