Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Functions • Impression management • Influence perception • Appearance matters • Sign of membership • Visibility of logos • Team uniform

Functions cont’d • Regulate communication • Eye contact • Finger waving • Touch • Paraverbal language

Functions cont’d • Provide feedback • Facial expressions • Roll eyes • Fidgeting • Emphasize meaning • “The look”

Functions cont’d • Substitute for words • Emblems • Thumbs up • Express social relationships • Power • Compliance • Affect management • Social intimacy

Body Language • Proximity • Use of space • Seating dynamics • Touch • Interjection • Ask before touching

Body Language • Eye Contact • Cultural differences influence use, perception of eye contact • Indicates listening • Can make others feel valued

Body Language • Facial Expressions • Six universal expressions • Varied interpretations • Indicate feelings, level of understanding

Body Language • Gestures • Used to gain and maintain attention • Are culturally based • Facilitate the message being sent • Influence group affect

Body Language • Posture • Demonstrates confidence • Expresses feelings • Influences impressions • Shows physical well-being

Body Language • Olfactics • Culturally-based • Can create intimacy • Beware of sensitivities • Physical Appearance • Demonstrates fitness • Shows confidence, competence • Impacts stereotypes

Body Language • Chronemics • Use of time • Culturally-based • Is an expression of power • Is an expression of ‘other orientation’

Paraverbal Language • Pitch • Implies competence, confidence • Suggests authority, friendliness • Adjust for audience and task goals • Be alert to concerns related to hearing acuity • Use consciously

Paraverbal Language • Rate • Speed of speech • We listen faster than we can talk • Be aware of audience • Influences stereotypes

Paraverbal Language • Volume • Loudness • Projection vs. yelling • Check with participants • Inflection • Indicates question or assertion • Be aware of “uptalk”

Paraverbal Language • Accents • Different pronunciation sounds • Influences stereotypes • Be alert to the impact on the audience

Paraverbal Language • Silences and pauses • Gives time for people to think • Helps to make a point • Be aware of overuse

Paraverbal Language • Miscellaneous sounds • “Umm,” “ahh,” “hmm,” “tsk”, “pshaw” • Used to hold speaking turn • Speaker may sound uncertain

Symbolic Language • Pictorial symbols to convey messages • Logos • Road signs • Emblems

In the profession Memos, letters Reports Evaluations Marketing materials Electronic communications Effective writing Well-focused Readable Precise Accurate Active voice Gender-neutral Written Language

Electronic Communication • E-mail • Advantages • Worldwide in an instant • Broadcast to many at one time • Written record • Disadvantages • Two-dimensional • Decoding issues • No privacy

Electronic Communication • Listserv • Transmits to groups of people • Worldwide access • Great for mass feedback • Not everyone has access • Private vs. public lists

Electronic Communication • Cautions • Only use when it is best suited • Postings may be seen by unintended audiences • Beware of ‘Reply to All’ • Official record • No privacy expectations

Nonverbal Communication