Communication Applications Chapter 5 Understanding Nonverbal Communication Principles

Communication Applications Chapter 5 Understanding Nonverbal Communication

Principles of Nonverbal Communication § Section 1 Objectives § 1. Describe nonverbal communications. § 2. Explain the functions of nonverbal communication. § 3. Describe the characteristics of nonverbal communication. § Nonverbal Communication is defined as a system of symbolic behaviors that includes all forms of communication except words.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication § Relates to Verbal Communication § Reinforces - nonverbal messages support the verbal message. § Contradicts – nonverbal messages do not support the verbal message. § Substitutes – stands in for a verbal message § Conveys Emotional & Relationship Dimensions § Feelings – showing your feelings without actually saying the words. § Relationships – showing a relationship without actually saying the words.

Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication § Subconscious – we are not usually aware of the messages we send nonverbally. § A person is frowning. § Contextual – it depends on the situation in which it occurred. § They may be concentrating on passing a test. § Ambiguous – open to interpretation and often confusing. § You may think that they are in a bad mood. § Cultural – a nonverbal message in one culture may send a different message in another culture. § Your tone of voice or eye contact.

Using Nonverbal Communication to Create a Professional Image § Section 2 Objectives § 1. Explain how nonverbal skills can convey the confidence, poise, assertiveness, and immediacy needed for a positive image in professional and social contexts. § 2. Describe the types of nonverbal communication and their possible effects. § 3. Describe the four characteristics of voice. § 4. Recognize the importance of effective nonverbal strategies such as a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and appropriate use of space and distance.

Characteristics of a Positive Professional Image § Confidence – a § Assertiveness – strong voice and an attentive and positive attitude § Poise – the ability to “read” any situation and respond appropriately, they “keep their cool” confident of yourself and your opinions or beliefs and are not afraid to take a stand when necessary § Immediacy – perceived by others as approachable, friendly, and open

Types of Nonverbal Communication § Voice § § § Pitch Range Volume Tone Pause Inflection § Body Talk § § § Posture Dress Eye contact Movement Grooming Facial § Environmental Cues § § § Touch Time Space Distance Fragrance Odor

Voice as Nonverbal Communication § Characteristics of Voice § Pitch – highness or lowness of sound on a musical scale § High, medium, or low. § Range – Highest to lowest § Inflection – rising and falling of pitch § Volume – how loud or soft § Tone – a specific vocal quality § Duration § Rate – how fast or slow a person speaks § Tempo – the rhythmic quality of a person’s speech

§ Cues that Accompany Speech § Pauses – a short period of nonverbal communication § Silence – longer period of nonverbal communication § Laughter – it can be funny or cruel § Vocalizations – sighs, whines, or throat clearing.

Body Talk as Nonverbal Communication § Personal Appearance § Dress – how you dress can influence the way others see you § Grooming – shows others if you take pride in your appearance § Hair and Face § Kinesics – nonverbal messages we send with our bodies § § Posture – how you sit or stand Muscular Tone & Tension – Are you “uptight” or “relaxed”? § Be aware of what you are saying with your body.

§ Movement– aka “gait” – the way you walk or move from one place to another. § Don’t shuffle or drag your feet § Gestures – a movement of any part of the body that reinforces another message or acts as a substitute for speech. § Tapping your foot, nodding your head § Facial Communication – facial expressions may last just a split second, but can communicate a whole lot about your feelings § Making and keeping eye contact is an important aspect of body talk.

Environmental Cues as Nonverbal Communication § Spatial Communication – your perception and use of space – the way you use space and distance is highly personal. § Intimate Distance – up to eighteen inches from your body, communication in this space is very personal § Personal Distance – from eighteen inches to four feet from the body, your own space to move freely § Social Distance – four feet to twelve feet from the body § Public Distance – twelve feet to twenty-five feet from the body, public speaking § Fit your use of space to the context of the situation.

§ Territory – people will identify a space or territory, “your” desk. § Sometimes hostilities can develop over territories that have been violated by others. § How you use and maintain your territory can send a variety of messages about you. § Organized – everything in it’s place § Disorganized – everything everywhere § Welcome – make visitors relax § Not Welcome – no personal touch § Touch – use the appropriate touch for the context of the situation. § Firm handshake, but don’t hold on too long

§ Time Communication § Sending Messages with Time-if you are always late, you appear to not care § Time Management-everyone has the same 24 hour day § Arrange your day into “slices” of time (figure 5 -6 pg 161) § Learn to say “No” when you need to do so

§ Artifacts – articles of adornment you use to decorate yourself or your surroundings § Jewelry, clothes, pictures, etc… § Objects – all the materials you keep in your space or take with you § Backpack, purse, notebook, etc… § Color – it is used to grab attention or to convey a feeling § Red will grab attention § Green and brown are soothing § Fragrance and Odor – smell is believed to provide most direct link to emotions § Scented candles, air fresheners, perfume, etc… can bring to mind memories or relax you