Nonverbal Communication

Issues

How is nonverbal communication

different from verbal communication?

Does the absence of nonverbal cues

make intercultural communication

easier or more difficult?

Definition: Nonverbal Communication

1.Communication through means other than language.
2.Cultural Space the contexts that form our identity.
Where we grew up
Where we live

Verbal vs.
Nonverbal Communication

Similarities

Differences

Symbolic

Rules vary by culture &

Communicate meaning
Patterned

context

Includes more than

gestures (appearance &

behavior)

Tend to believe nonverbal

over verbal

What does NV Behavior Communicate?

Relational messages
How we really feel about others.

3 guidelines to prevent hasty interpretations

1. Think about the context
2. Consider the persons other NV behaviors
3. Consider the verbal message

Status
Deception

Nonverbal Codes
Paralinguistics the study of vocal behaviors

that indicate how something is said.

Voice Qualities:
speed
pitch
rhythm
stress
articulation

Vocalizations:
laughing
crying
whining
moaning
fillers

Nonverbal Codes cont.

Personal Space the bubble around each of us

that marks the territory between ourselves & others.

Cultural groups may be identified as:

Contact cultures

Stand closer together while talking

Use more direct eye contact
Touch frequently
Speak louder

Noncontact cultures:

Stand further apart while talking

Use less eye contact
Touch less often

Nonverbal Codes cont.

Eye Contact is an element of personal space

because it regulates interpersonal distance.

Direct eye contact shortens distance between 2 people

Lack of eye contact increases the distance

Nonverbal Codes cont.

Cultural rules often regulate facial expressions.
Some are expressed similarly

Nonverbal Codes cont.

Gestures Arm and hand movements.
4 Kinds of Gestures
1.
2.
3.
4.

Emblems specific verbal translation

Illustrators reinforce verbal messages
Regulators Used to guide the flow of conversation
Adaptors Related to managing our emotions

Nonverbal Codes cont.

Monochronic
Time Orientation

Polychronic
Time Orientation

Time is a commodity

Time is holistic or circular

Time can be gained, lost,

Many events can happen at

Time is linear; events one

Personal obligations more

Values punctuality,

Tasks are accomplished

wasted, or saved

after another

completion of tasks, &

adherence to schedules

once

important than schedules

because of personal
relationships

Appearance
How we dress in large part determines how people

view and feel about us.

How much can a person guess about you by what you

wear?