Chapter 5 AdlerRodman Copyright 2006 by Oxford University

Chapter 5 Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

It’s impossible not to communicate nonverbally Why? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

There are many types of nonverbal communication including… • Posture and gesture • Face and eyes • Voice • Touch • Physical appearance & attractiveness • Distance and territory • Time • Physical environment Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Why are nonverbal skills important? • Nonverbal sensitivity is a key part of emotional intelligence. • Good nonverbal communicators are more persuasive than people who are less skilled. • They have a greater chance of success in life. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Social functions of nonverbal communications: • Identity management: Project an image • Relations: Gestures you use when meeting someone • Conveying emotions. Especially useful in suggesting how others feel about you and the relationship. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Nonverbal messages are more ambiguous than verbal communication. Why? How? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Nonverbal communication has several important characteristics: • It’s always present when people encounter each other and in many situations where they aren’t physically present. • It has great value in conveying information about others. • Much of that information isn’t what others intentionally want to reveal. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Nonverbal communication serves many functions, when compared to verbal messages. • It can repeat, complement, and accent spoken words. How? • It can substitute for speech. • It can regulate conversations. How? • It can contradict spoken words, or deceive others. How? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman even Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication • Repeating • Emblems: • Pointing – deliberate nonverbal behaviors that have precise meanings (directions) • Shrugging shoulders Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication • Complementing: • Facial expressions match what’s being said (apology) • Illustrators: Nonverbal behaviors support spoken words Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman that Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication • Accenting • Pointing • Regulating • Sending unconscious send/receive cues • Taking a breath ready to talk • Contradicting • Verbal and nonverbal don’t match Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

• What might be the signs of someone deceiving you? • Tend to make more speech errors (stutter, hesitate, false starts, etc) • Vocal pitch may rise • Eye may blink more • May rapidly shift their posture • May fidget more Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

• Culture shapes many nonverbal practices. How? • Gender plays a role in the way we communicate. How? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

How could you show the following in a nonverbal way: • You’re bored • You’re interested • You’re happy • You don’t understand • You’re nervous • You’re sad Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Impact of the Internet Misunderstandings E-mail Examples How can you avoid e-mail misunderstandings? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Types of nonverbal communication • Face and eyes • Voice • Touch • Physical attractiveness • Clothing • Distance • Time • Territory • Environment Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

FACE AND EYES Researchers Ekman and Friesen ID six basic emotions that facial expressions reflect: • Surprise • Fear • Anger • Disgust • Happiness • Sadness Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

FACE AND EYES • Smiling cocktail waitresses get more tips • Influence of a smile Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

POSTURE AND GESTURE • How you sit • “Kinesics” • See someone slumping into a room, what might that mean? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

VOICE “Paralanguage” is …. nonverbal, vocal messages. Listeners respond more to people who talk at the same rate as the listener. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

TOUCH • Touch increases a child’s mental functioning as well as physical health. • Touch affects how we respond to others. • Touch can communicate what? • Positive, playful, control, Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman aggression Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

TOUCH • Factors: Area being touched, how long touch lasts, how much pressure used, movement after touch, anyone else present, relationship between the two people Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS • Research shows it does make a difference in how people perceive others • Women who are perceived as more attractive get more dates • Children rate good looking children as having positive social characteristics Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

CLOTHING • Clothing can be used to display economic status, educational level, social status, moral standards, athletic ability, etc. • We are more likely to obey people dressed in a high-status manner. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

DISTANCE The study of the way people and animals use space is called…. “proxemics. ” Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

DISTANCE Research indicates we choose a distance depending upon how we feel toward the other person at a given time, context of the conversation, and our personal goals. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

DISTANCE Choosing the optimal distance can have a powerful effect on communication. WHY? Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

DISTANCE • Imitate distance: skin – 18 inches • Emotionally close, doctor, dentist, etc • Personal distance: 18 inches – 4 feet • We can be uncomfortable in this zone. Why? • Social distance: 4 -12 feet • Business situations • Public distance: 12 feet+ • Two-way communication more difficult Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

TIME • What do we call the study of how humans use and structure time? • “Chronemics” • Our culture values time • In others---it may be barely considered • “Hawaiian” time Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

TERRITORY • Territory is a fixed space: Room, house, neighborhood, country. • How people use space can communicate a good deal about what? • Power and status. • High status people tend to be granted more territory and greater privacy. (Boss at work) Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

ENVIRONMENT Physical environment affects communication. It creates perceptions. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.