Download NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION NOTES

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION NOTES
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

Substitute: Nonverbal message replaces verbal message
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.

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
Examples: “The fish was this big” while holding hands out to indicate size or “I’m
so frustrated!” while shaking fists

Accent: Use of gestures & facial expressions to emphasize or punctuate spoken
words
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
Examples: nodding head and saying “uh huh,” giving eye contact, opening mouth to
speak, leaning forward, raising eyebrows, or raising index finger
Areas of Study in Nonverbal Communication:
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 displays- Nonverbal 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