Verbal & Nonverbal Communication in Small

Groups

Presented by:

Shaun A. Weiand (OLS)Seth Leeper (ECET)Misty Alverez (Sociology)Jeff Holdaman (ECET)Chris Ulman (Aviation Mgmt)

1. Definitions2. Structuration Theory 3. Appropriate uses of language 4. Appropriate usage of abstract words 5. Organization of personal remarks 6. Types and wording of questions 7. Phrasing of questions 8. Principles and functions of nonverbal

communication 9. Significance of the major categories of non

verbal signals 10. Computer-Mediated Communication

Chapter Objectives

Message = any action, sound or word used in

interaction

"Theory of Stucturation"

By: Marshall Scott Poole

David SieboldRobert McPhee

1. Group members do not come to group with a clean slate

2. Although people pick up rules/standards for behavior from their general culture, there is no law that forces them to follow those rules

3. The group is never finally created

Structuration Theory Assumptions

Verbal Communication

Follow rules of standard English◦ Proper structure◦ Correct grammar◦ Avoid Slang

Yo

Sup

Adjust to Symbolic Nature of Language

“What does the speaker mean?” Guard against bypassing

◦ Bypassing: two or more people do not realize they have different meanings for the same word

Be precise and concrete Avoid abstract language

Understanding the “Rules of the Group”

What is the group’s atmosphere/standards of behavior

Co-cultures/frame of reference Benefits of understanding “the rules”

◦ Better communication◦ Greater influence◦ Advance toward goals faster

Organize Your Communication Stay on topic State one point at a time Be concise and concrete Relate statements to previous statements Listener participation

Avatars

Categories of Nonverbal Behavior

• Appearance • Space and Seating • Facial Expression and Eye

Contact • Movements or Gestures• Voice • Timing

Appearance

First impressions are the most important.◦ Initially these cues play in group perceptions.◦ Regardless of accuracy appearance define roles.

Violations bring consequences.◦ Credibility is affected by ones appearance.◦ The Beatles accredited their success not only the

music but also the look.

Space and Seating

Group Ecology: group’s space created by seating and furniture arrangement choices.

Facing each other increases cohesiveness.

Functionality will be affected violations.

Seating arrangements indicate respect and cohesiveness.

Facial Expression and Eye Contact Both are very important nonverbal

behaviorisms. Other often used nonverbal

communications are microexpressions.◦ Microexpressions last only about 1/15th of a

second.◦ recognition of these indicators are a

trainable asset.

Movements or Gestures

Gesturing movements include hands, arms, and body signals.◦ Inclusive postures are leaning towards, open

armed, and smiling.◦ Exclusive postures are leaning away, crossing

arms, and sneering.

The fascinating aspect of movements is when they are subconscious.

Voice

Vocal cues include: pitch, speed fluency, loudness.

Indicate the speaker’s mood.

Backchanneling can increase or decrease cohesiveness.

Timing

Timing cues are both culture-related and relational.

Being late in US business world is considered undisciplined.

Leaving early is considered disinterested.

Always Remember!!!!!

No nonverbal action can definitively state with a high degree of confidence feelings or beliefs.

Computer Mediated Groups (CMG)

Computer technologies that can be used to communicate with multiple people

Examples Email Chatroom Net Conferencing Text messaging

Problems With CMG

Inability to decipher people’s nonverbal communication

Misinterpretation of responses

The degree to which a person feels that another is actually present during an interaction

Influences Technology Complexity of Group Task Creativity

Social Presence

Technology◦ Asynchronous Communication

Communication with a delay between messages Less social presence created

◦ Synchronous Communication Simultaneous Communication Creates more social presence

Complexity of Group Task ◦ The higher the complexity, the less effective

some CMGs become

Social Presence Influences

Creativity

◦ Users can make creative ways to increase social presence

◦ Examples Moderators Emoticons Sandwiching Net Conferences

Social Presence Influences

Verbal & Nonverbal Communication in Small

Groups

Presented by:

Shaun A. Weiand (OLS)Seth Leeper (ECET)Misty Alverez (Sociology)Jeff Holdaman (ECET)Chris Ulman (Aviation Mgmt)

Questions?