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?
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