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

Nonverbals Can:

•Repeat a message•Substitute for a verbal message•Contradict a verbal message•Complement a verbal message•Accent a message•Regulate a message•Add vocal cues•Communicate Emotion•Communicate spatially

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

Add vocalizations

Communication through voice (vocal cues other than words = paralanguage) such as…

• Tone of voice/ pitch• Volume• Rate• Accent/ dialect

Communication EmotionNonverbal 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.

Spatial:

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