Universals of Verbal & Nonverbal Messages

Interaction of Verbal &Nonverbal Messages =

We blend verbal and nonverbal messages to best convey our meanings

II. Meanings & Messages

A. Meanings are in people B. Meanings are more than words &

gestures

C. Meanings are Unique =

no 2 people ever have the same understanding

D. Meanings are both denotative & connotative

1. denotative = objective definition

2. connotative = subjective or emotional meaning

E. Meanings are Context-Based

III. Message Characteristics

A. Messages are Packaged = to create a unified meaning

Messages are Rule-Governed

C. Vary in Abstraction D. Vary in Directness

Verbal Messages: Principles & Pitfalls

Unit 10

I. Disconfirmation & Confirmation =

the extent to which you acknowledge another person

A. Disconfirmation =

ignoring a person’s presence and a person’scommunications

B. Confirmation-

acknowledge and accept the other person

C. Types 1. Racism –

places a certain racial or ethnic group in an inferior position

2. Sexism = get rid of a. generic “Man” b. generic “He” & “His” c. sex role stereotyping

C. Heterosexism = refers to language used to disparage lesbians and gay men

II. Excluding Talk & Inclusion = include others

III. Balance of Self & Other

A. Principle of Balance = strive for interactions using a balance of

self-talk and other talk

IV. Principles of Honest Appraisals

Focus on the Behavior Not the Person State Criticism Positively Be Constructive

• Own Your Own Thoughts and Feelings• Avoid Ordering & Directing

• Consider the Context• Use I-messages