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Nonverbal Communication
The Nature of Nonverbal Communication
- Nonverbal communication is impossible to avoid.
- Nonverbal behavior is part of identity management.
- Nonverbal cues help define relationships.
- Nonverbal behavior is ambiguous, but it's essential to success.
Functions of Nonverbal Communication
- Repeating
- Substituting
- Complementing
- Regulating
- Contradicting
Deception and Nonverbal cues
- People only have a 50-50 chance of detecting a lie, even when the deceiver is a child.
- Knowing someone well doesn't usually make it easier to detect deception.
- A preconceived bias to think people are truthful (or not) interferes with people's judgement.
- Lies are easiest to catch when the deception is spontaneous and emotional and the deceiver feels bad about lying.
Kinesic Nonverbal Communication
- Good posture sends a message to others and even to yourself.
- Manipulators are fidgety behaviors.
- Smiling (within certain bounds) is advantageous.
- Eye contact may be perceived as friendly or as aggressive.
- An affect blend involves the expression of multiple emotions.
- Haptics reveal pleasurable and unpleasant dimensions of touch.
Nonverbal Aspects of Space, Time, and Place
- Proxemics involves the use of space is heavily influenced by culture.
- A monochronic approach emphasizes punctuality and doing one thing at a time.
- A polychronic approach involves simultaneous activities and a fluid sense of time.
- People claim territory in many ways, such as through the use of walls, doors, and personal items.
- Environments either encourage or inhibit open communication.
Nonverbal Cues and Attractiveness
- Good looks are generally an advantage, but extreme attractiveness can intimidate others.
- Clothing colors and style influence perceived attractiveness.
- Tattoos are evaluated differently depending on age and gender but are still discouraged in most work environments.
- People can boost their attractiveness level nonverbally.
Interpret Nonverbal Cues by...
- Being highly observant
- Considering context
- Using perception checking
Gender and Nonverbal Communication
- Gender differences are not as great as many people think, but women on average display more expressive (but less expansive) nonverbal cues than men do.
- Media portrayals emphasize women's appearance and men's ruggedness, and they generally underrepresent gender diversity.
- Women may be especially sensitive to nonverbal cues because traditionally they have been less powerful than men and more repsonsible for child care.
Use Nonverbal Cues Mindfully by...
- Making eye contact
- Monitoring tone of voice
- Observing yourself