Nonverbal Communication
Communication without words; a process by which an individual
stimulates meaning in the mind of another person through intentional
and unintentional messages through use of the body and voice
Functions of Nonverbal Behavior
Repeat- nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message
Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index finger up to your mouth
Repeat
Nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message
Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index
finger up to your mouth
Repeat- nonverbal message conveys the same idea as the verbal; can take either verbal or nonverbal message away and it still gives the same message
Examples: saying “Hello” while waving or saying “Be quiet” while holding index finger up to your mouth
Substitute
nonverbal message replaces verbal message; (also called emblems)
Examples: waving to say hello, thumbs up for “good job,” clapping at a concert,
hitchhiker thumb
Contradict
Nonverbal goes against verbal; they do not match up
Examples: Nodding yes while shaking head no, saying “I’m fine” when your head is
hanging down with slumped shoulders, etc.
Note: Which is more believable when verbal and nonverbal behaviors are contradictory?
Why?
Complement
Nonverbal supports verbal; used to show how to do something, show sizes, or
emphasize emotional feelings; we complement the verbal message with the nonverbal message when demonstrating something or giving directions & pointing
(also called illustrators)
Examples: “The fish was this big” while holding hands out to indicate size or “I’m so
frustrated!” while shaking fists
AccentUse of gestures & facial expressions to emphasize or punctuate spoken
words (also called illustrators)
Examples: yelling “That’s it!” while pounding fist, emphasizing words through tone of voice, saying “My first point…” while holding up one
finger
Regulate
Nonverbal cues that control or regulate the interaction of flow of communication between ourselves and another person
(Called regulators)
Examples: nodding head and saying “uh huh,” giving eye contact, opening mouth
to speak, leaning forward, raising eyebrows, or raising index finger
Vocalics
Communication through voice (vocal cues other than words = paralanguage) such as…
• Tone of voice/ pitch• Volume• Rate• Accent/ dialect
Kinesics:
The study of human movement and gesture, including facial expression &
eye contact
Affect displaysNonverbal behaviors used to
communicate emotions
Examples: hugging someone to express love or shaking fist at someone
to show anger
Adaptors
Nonverbal behaviors that help us to satisfy a personal need and adapt
to the immediate situation; not really intending to communicate meaning
Examples: scratching mosquito bite, adjusting glasses, combing hair,
pulling hanging thread of clothing, etc.
Proxemics:
Communication through the use of space
Territoriality- fixed area that is occupied, controlled and defended by a person or
group as their exclusive domain; regulates social interaction; can be
source of conflict; indicates ownership (permanent or temporary)
Zones of Space:
Intimate: 0- 1 and ½ feet
Personal: 1 and ½ - 4 feet
Social: 4-12 feet
Public: Beyond 12 feet