Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

1. Verbal and Nonverbal Messages Unit 1 Section 2

2. Vocabulary Body language Connotation Cues Denotation Dialect Intimate space Jargon Masking Paralanguage Personal space Public space Slang Social space Standard American English sublanguage

3. Activity 1: Nonverbal Cartoon Using the handout, write in each frame the dialogue you think fits the depicted action. Observe expressions, postures, and actions of the characters.

4. Comparing Verbal and Nonverbal Language

5. Activity 2: Exploring the Effects of Verbal and Nonverbal Messages Think of a short verbal message to send to a partner. (Ex. “I’ve got to leave now,” “Please don’t say that.” “Where’d you get that sweater?”) Express the same message verbally three times. Each time, change your nonverbal message to convey a different meaning.

6. Understanding Verbal Language Analyzing Language Language is a system Language is symbolic Language is conventional Language is learned. Language changes.

7. Common Ways That Language Changes

8. ACTIVITY 3:Exploring the Meanings of Words In a group of two or three, choose one of the following words. Discuss what you think the word means until your group can agree on a definition. Check your definition. Then find the earliest meaning of the word. amuse hobby stew bread silly temper forlorn

9. Understanding Shades of Meaning Denotation Dictionary meaning of a word Ex. Quarter = “1/4 of a dollar”; “area or section of a city” Connotation Hidden meaning of a word, association that the word arouse Ex. Dog, mother, etc

10. Adapting Language to Specific Situations Standard American English Sublanguages Jargon Specialized vocabulary that is understood by people in a particular group Slang Recently coined words or old words used in new ways Dialect Regional or cultural variety of language differing from SAE in pronunciation, grammar and word choice

11. Sublanguages

12. ACTIVITY 4:Analyzing Slang Working with your group, make a list of 10 slang expressions (CLEAN!) you hear frequently. Then ask your parents or grandparents for five slang expressions they used when they were young. Share with the class and compile two lists, one of common slang expressions popular today and one from the past. What expressions appear on both lists? What conclusions can we draw from this?

13. Use Language to Present the Best Possible You Use words carefully Understand the connotations of words Use language that is appropriate to the communication setting Improve your language HOW TO

14. Analyzing Body Language Facial expressions masking Eye contact Gestures Posture Movement

15. Communicating with Body Language

16. 24 HOUR SILENCE Write about your experience during the 24 hour silence assignment. What was the most challenging part? What was the easiest part? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about how you communicate?

17. ACTIVITY 5:Using Body Language to Express Emotion In a group of 5 or 6 people, act out a situation in which each person uses body language to express strong emotion. The situation could be stubbing a toe, dropping car keys into a sewer, finding a dollar on the ground, bringing home good (or bad) grades, or winning a prize. Act out the scene for the class. ONLY NONSENSE SYLLABLES ALLOWED. NO REAL WORDS. Analyze how the characters used body language to covey the message.

18. Evaluating the Message Your Appearance Sends Appearance can be interpreted by others as a clue to your interests Appearance can be interpreted as expressing a person’s attitude toward another person, especially when a specific kind of attire is expected. Appearance can be interpreted as a sign of a person’s self-regard.

19. ACTIVITY 6:Analyzing a Picture for Nonverbal Cues With your team, study the picture you brought without speaking. Then jot down three to five adjectives for each photo, such as lively, warm, sympathetic, etc. Discuss the similarities and differences in your lists. Discuss why you chose the adjectives you chose.

20. Analyzing Paralanguage Type of nonverbal communication that involves using voice variation and non-word sounds to accompany a verbal message. Three types: General sound of the speaker’s voice Pitch Volume Rate Quality or tone

21. Analyzing Paralanguage Speaker’s use of pauses Indicate uncertainty Create suspense Add emphasis Speaker’s use of non-word sounds Extraneous sounds such as “um”, “well,” “you know” to fill gaps in spoken comments These are considered non-words when they have no real meaning in the context of the verbal message

22. ACTIVITY 7:Using Paralanguage to Communicate Meaning Copy this dialogue: “How are you?” “Great. How about yourself?” “Just fine.” “I’ve got to be going now.” “I’ll catch you later.” Using paralanguage clues create three scenarios 1st: speakers really like each other 2nd: speakers don’t particularly like each other but are just being polite 3rd: speakers really dislike each other

23. Identifying How Environment Affects Communication Color Some colors have a stimulating effect, while others have a calming effect Lighting Low lighting vs. bright lighting Fluorescent lighting Sound Soft music vs. loud music Loud or distracting noises

24. Identifying How Environment Affects Communication Space Intimate space Up to 18 inches between you and other people Reserved for family members and close friends Dictated by custom; may vary country to country Personal space 18 inches to 4 feet Most conversations with acquaintances

25. Identifying How Environment Affects Communication Space Social space 4 to 12 feet Distance for interviews and formal conversations Public space Beyond 12 feet Public speeches, oral readings, etc.

26. ACTIVITY 8:Analyzing an Environment Select three communication environments. Describe the color, lighting, sound, and space in each environment. How do these features contribute to or detract from the communication setting? How do these features differ from one environment to another?

27. Use Nonverbal Communication Effectively Use body language that supplements what you want to say. Make sure your appearance is in keeping with what you want to accomplish. Make sure that the sound of your voice is in keeping with your message. If possible, create an environment that is suitable for the kind of communication you want. HOW TO

28. Review Questions Unit 1 Section 2 1. What are the functions of nonverbal communication? 2. Define verbal language. List five important features of it. 3. List four ways the English language changes. 4. What is the difference between denotation and connotation? 5. Why is it important to communicate in Standard American English? When is it appropriate to use nonstandard English? 6. How can you improve your use of language? 7. What are five ways that body language communicates messages? 8. What is paralanguage? 9. List and explain the four types of space, or distance, that affect communication.