Download Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work

Nonverbal Communication 1
Nonverbal Communication
Bobbie Taylor
Mayville State University
Nonverbal Communication 2
According to Adler, Elmhorst and Lucas, “nonverbal communication sends messages
beyond the words spoken.”1 Nonverbal communication has great value in creating an
environment of trust amongst those whom are communicating. Communication plays a major
role in how you are perceived by others and nonverbal communication is the first impression that
is given and received. Nonverbal communication can build trust if what the person is saying
mimics the nonverbal messages which are being sent. Nonverbal communication is a tool in
communication which can be practiced and improved upon. The tools gained by practicing and
researching nonverbal communication can assist one in becoming a successful communicator.
Communicators gain powerful skill-sets by understanding all aspects of communication, more
importantly aligning one’s verbal skill-set with one’s non-verbal skill-set sends a clear and
concise message.
Types of Nonverbal Communication
There are many different types of nonverbal messages given through multiple means.
Adler, etal states nonverbal communication can be submitted through, voice, appearance, face,
eyes, posture, movement, personal space, distance, physical environment and time.2 Each of
these means of communication brings value to the interaction between the receiver and sender.
There is value in understanding how nonverbal communication messages are being transmitted
between the sender and receiver at any one interaction. In an effort to understand the nonverbal
cues during interactions, each of the nonverbal messages will be discussed to elaborate on their
importance.
1
2
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.90.
Ibid., p.92-100.
Nonverbal Communication 3
Voice is the nonverbal message given off by the tones in one’s voice. Tone gives the
impression of feelings of excitement, anger, boredom, grief and frustration.3 One can learn a lot
about how someone is feeling during a conversation by listening to the tone of one’s voice. The
sender needs to be aware of the type of message one is sending to the receiver due to the tone in
which one is speaking. The receiver needs to understand the tone in which a message is being
sent in order to maintain a level of understanding of the message.
Appearance gives the first impression of who you think the person is; meaning we are
quick to judge someone by how they look. Adler states, people who look more attractive are
initially considered likeable and notably they tend to have more successful careers.4 This begins
to show us playing the part of the person one wants to become begins with one’s appearance.
One could pick up cues from those one would like to emulate, dress for the job you want;
conservatively may be the standard in a promotion situation. One should not show too much skin
and finally casual does not mean sloppy.5 There is a distinction between men and women;
women need to dress more conservative to have the perception of competence.
One’s eyes have much to say about a message, equally messages are being sent between
the sender and the receiver based on eye contact. However, one also needs to be aware of
cultural differences. For instance, a lack of eye contact in one culture can be perceived as
disrespectful and in another cultural eye contact may seem too disrespectful.6 Eye contact can be
considered the most important nonverbal communication attribute. According to Cicalese, there
are five conversational functions of the eyes; regulate taking turns, monitoring feedback,
signaling thoughts, expressing feelings, and communicating the nature of interpersonal
3
Ibid., p.93.
Ibid., p. 93-94.
5
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill. 94-95.
6
Ibid., p. 96.
4
Nonverbal Communication 4
relationship.7 It is important for the sender and the receiver to establish eye contact, however
establishing the proper amount of eye contact is important so there is not any miscommunication
during the interaction.
One’s facial expressions also sends a message regarding emotions, for example if one is
smiling it sends a welcoming message to the receiver, however if one has a frown it indicates
discontent.8 One’s eyebrow movement also carries emotion behind a message between the
sender and receiver. Facial expressions can lead to misunderstandings if one is not aware of how
the movement of one’s face is sending different types of messages.
Posture and movement is a way one’s body communicates messages. Messages are sent
out in many different ways, an example of movement could be in one’s handshake. The
importance of a handshake gives a strong first impression; handshakes are used many times in
meeting for the first time. One needs to have a professional handshake which is a balance of
confidence and timing.9 Beyond the handshake our movements with hands, legs and feet send
nonverbal messages. Fidgeting may be a sign of nervousness, tapping one’s foot; sign of
impatience and clenching fists; a sign of anger.10 One needs to be aware of how one is standing,
sitting, moving and gesturing. Additionally how one is positioning oneself in the relation to
others, having this knowledge assist one in reading the situation and being aware of their own
messages which are being sent. Hiemstra states, actions speak louder than words and one needs
to practice professional communication, because this type of communication is an important part
7
Cicalese, M. 2013. Non-Verbal Communication. [online] Available at:
http://www.stockton.edu/~crossp/nonverbalcomm.htm [Accessed: 01 Oct 2013].
8
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.95.
9
Hiemstra, KM 1999, 'Shake My Hand: Making the Right First Impression in Business With Nonverbal
Communications', Business Communication Quarterly, 62, 4, pp. 73.
10
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.96.
Nonverbal Communication 5
of business success.11 Posture can indicate power in a one on one relationship, typically the
person in power is more relaxed, while the subordinate is watchful and guarded.12 Cicalese
refers to studies which have been conducted showing a forward-lean conveys interest, whereas a
backward-lean conveys disinterest or negative feeling.13 Although one may not grasp the
message one is sending, there needs to be awareness in one’s action to invoke desirable
messages.
Personal space and distance sends messages of feelings and attitudes, which in turn
affects communication.14 A thought-provoking perspective regarding distance and personal
space was given by Cicalese. Cicalese states, “those who are working cooperatively or who are
close friends adopt the side-by-side position; in a confrontation, bargaining or similar situation,
people tend to choose head on; while in other situations.”15 However, much of the positioning
depends on culture and sexes. The other significant factor which can be considered is
subordinate and superior’s approach. A subordinate may be reluctant to enter the superior’s
office without an invitation; however the superior has no issues entering the subordinate’s office
unannounced. 16
Physical environment also plays a role in how we interact with each other; this similarly
shows a level of status.17 It is imperative to create the type of environment which is inviting to
others; this is a way of welcoming one into your work space. This also leaves the environment
11
Hiemstra, KM 1999, 'Shake My Hand: Making the Right First Impression in Business With Nonverbal
Communications', Business Communication Quarterly, 62, 4, pp. 74.
12
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.96-97.
13
Cicalese, M. 2013. Non-Verbal Communication. [online] Available at:
http://www.stockton.edu/~crossp/nonverbalcomm.htm [Accessed: 01 Oct 2013].
14
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.97.
15
Cicalese, M. 2013. Non-Verbal Communication. [online] Available at:
http://www.stockton.edu/~crossp/nonverbalcomm.htm [Accessed: 01 Oct 2013].
16
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.98.
17
Ibid., p. 100.
Nonverbal Communication 6
comfortable and the level of comfort is established due to the environment this assists in
communication amongst the sender and receiver.
Time is considered a silent message due the level of use, for example if one arrives early
to work this shows a higher level of commitment from the employee. On the other hand, if an
employee incessantly arrives late, the message which is received would be a negative one. Now
the use of time in different cultures can mean different things, for example getting down to
business right away could be seen as rude, however prolonging a meeting might be seen in the
same manner depending on the audience and/or culture.18
Cultivating Nonverbal Conduct
One needs to assess one’s own trustworthiness to associates based on the impression one
is initiating.19 Self-reflection on nonverbal cues one is using gives way for the opportunity to
make improvements. Knowing nonverbal communication accounts for 60-70% of all
interpersonal communication which indicates a high level of awareness is needed in order to
send out the right cues.20 Ideally, one needs to have a good understanding about how to selfmonitor and pay close attention to one’s own behaviors. The outcome of understanding and
continually improving one’s own nonverbal behaviors can lead to great success in
communication in conjunction with one’s audience.
Additionally, one needs to read immediacy cues which are especially important in the
beginning stages of developing a relationship.21 Researching and preparing for a meeting with
another culture gives way for making a great first impression. The time put forth in examining
18
Ibid., p. 100
Wood, J 2006, 'NLP REVISITED: NONVERBAL COMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNALS OF
TRUSTWORTHINESS', Journal Of Personal Selling & Sales Management, 26, 2, pp. 197.
20
Ibid., p. 197.
21
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.101.
19
Nonverbal Communication 7
another culture can bring communication to an elevated level when trying to cultivate a strong
relationship.
Conclusion
Nonverbal communication is necessary, constantly important and crucial regarding the
moment of speech by the nonverbal components of communication.22 Understanding the
fundamentals of nonverbal communication is a matter of appreciating and becoming cognitive of
the unconscious signs and signals one is sending. The effort one puts forth in learning one’s own
behaviors allows one to find norms and socially acceptable ways of conducting one’s self in a
controlled and professional manner. The belief is throughout one’s life, self-awareness will
result in advancements to understanding one’s behaviors and what is socially acceptable.
According to Akhyamova, one’s actions brings forth evolved behaviors which are socially
successful and attractive, however one is to view this as a “nonverbal mask.”23 Ultimately,
understanding nonverbal communication leads to a consistent message sent and received.
Nonverbal communication says more about what one is saying than the actual words which are
being articulated during any interaction, the sender and receiver need to be cognizant of their
overall message.
22
Akhyamova, II 2012, 'SOCIAL-PEDAGOGICAL PARADIGM OF THE CULTURE OF NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION AMONG STUDENTS', International Journal Of Academic Research, 4, 2, pp. 190.
23
Akhyamova, II 2012, 'SOCIAL-PEDAGOGICAL PARADIGM OF THE CULTURE OF NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION AMONG STUDENTS', International Journal Of Academic Research, 4, 2, pp. 191.
Nonverbal Communication 8
Biblography
Adler, R., Elmhorst, J. and Lucas, K. 2013. Communicating at work. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Akhyamova, II 2012, 'SOCIAL-PEDAGOGICAL PARADIGM OF THE CULTURE OF
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION AMONG STUDENTS', International Journal Of
Academic Research, 4, 2, pp. 190-192
Hiemstra, KM 1999, 'Shake My Hand: Making the Right First Impression in Business With
Nonverbal Communications', Business Communication Quarterly, 62, 4, pp. 71-74
Cicalese, M. 2013. Non-Verbal Communication. [online] Available at:
http://www.stockton.edu/~crossp/nonverbalcomm.htm [Accessed: 01 Oct 2013].
Wood, J 2006, 'NLP REVISITED: NONVERBAL COMMUNICATIONS AND SIGNALS OF
TRUSTWORTHINESS', Journal Of Personal Selling & Sales Management, 26, 2, pp.
197-204