Chapter 1 Communication: Non-Verbal Behavior Myths

Chapter 1communication Non Verbal Behaviormyths About Nonverbal Comm

Chapter 1 communication Non Verbal Behaviormyths About Nonverbal Comm Chapter 1 communication Non Verbal Behaviormyths About Nonverbal Comm Chapter 1 Communication & Non-verbal Behavior Myths about Nonverbal Communication • It’s nonsense. All communication involves language so all communication is only verbal. • Non-verbal communication accounts for majority of human interaction. • You can read a person like a book. • People who avoid eye contact are lying. • Behaviors apply to all people. • Meaning applies to all situations. Verbal Or Non-verbal? o Linguistic Distinction o Continuity Distinction o Processing Distinction o Outcome Distinction o Absolute Distinction Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages The Linguistic Distinction o Verbal messages depend on language. o Non-verbal message do not depend on language. Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages The Continuity Distinction o Verbal messages can be stopped and started. o Non-verbal message constitute a “package†of simultaneous messages. Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages The Processing Distinction o The brain processes verbal and non-verbal messages as to distinct systems of communication. Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages The Outcome Distinction o Verbal messages have explicit meanings. o Non-verbal message are typically implicit and ambiguous Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages The Absolute Distinction o Verbal messages convey content. o Non-verbal message convey affect or relationship. Nonverbal VS. Verbal Messages Verbal messages depend on language. Nonverbal messages do not depend on language. Linguistic distinction Verbal messages can be stopped and started. Nonverbal messages constitute a “package†of simultaneous messages. Continuity distinction The brain processes verbal and nonverbal messages as two distinct systems of communication.

Processing distinction Verbal messages have explicit meanings. Nonverbal messages are typically implicit and ambiguous. Outcome distinction Verbal messages convey content. Nonverbal messages convey affect or relationship. Absolute distinction Human communication is the process of stimulating meaning in the mind of another person by means of verbal and/or non-verbal messages Nonverbal communication refers to communication affected by means other than words. Human & Non-verbal Communication o Nonverbal behavior differs from nonverbal communication. o We can engage in nonverbal behavior at any time, but nonverbal communication happens only within a context in the presence of another person who interprets and assigns meaning to the nonverbal communication. o Accidental communication occurs when others attribute unintended meaning to someone’s nonverbal behavior Intentionality & Nonverbal Communication Source Behaves to send message Behaves with NO intent to send message R e c e i v e r Interprets behavior as message Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication -Accidental communication- Does NOT interpret behavior as message Nonverbal Behavior -no communication - Nonverbal Behavior -no communication- Non-verbal Behavior & Non-verbal Communication Culture & Nonverbal Communication o Culture teaches people hot to interpret the non-verbal behaviors of others. o People learn to behave in certain ways through cultural experiences. o Meaning vary from culture to culture.

Complementing Contradicting Accenting Repeating Regulating Substituting Functions Of Nonverbal Messages Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Complementing o Adds to, reinforces, clarifies, elaborates, explains intended meaning of a verbal message. o Example: Someone greets you with a hearty “Hello!†and a handshake. Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Contradicting o Nonverbal messages that conflict with verbal messages. o Example: A person claims not to be angry but scowls. Sarcasm. Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Accenting o Enhances, emphasize or highlights the verbal message. o Example: Pausing between comments to emphasize what comes next. Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Repeating o Reiterate or restate verbal messages.

They can stand alone if the verbal message is not present. o Example: Giving a thumb-up while praising someone for a job well done. Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Regulating o Serve to manage interactions with others. o Example: Making eye contact with someone to indicate it is her or his turn to speak. Functions Of Non-verbal Messages Substituting o Sent in place of verbal message. o Example: Weaving goodbye to someone without speaking. o Complementing – Elaborate The V Message. NV signals helpful when recalling o Contradicting – Conflict With V Message o Accenting – Amplify Or Moderate parts of the V Message o Repeating – Reiterate The V message and can stand alone o Regulating – Serve To Manage Interactions o Substituting – Sent In Place Of V Message Summary Functions Of Nonverbal Messages Categories of Nonverbal Messages • Physical Appearance • Kinesics • Oculesics • Vocalics Or Paralanguage • Space • Touch • Time Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Physical Appearance o The first messages people send come through physical appearance. o Body size, body shape, facial features, age, hair, skin color, height, weight, clothing, accessories, tec. message. o Movements of hands and arms, posture, torso, and body while communicating Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Kinesics (Gesture & Movement) Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Oculesics (Eye Behavior) o Eye behavior is known as oculesics. o The face and eyes are considered together because they typically function as a non-verbal unit.

Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Vocalics Or Paralanguage o Includes characteristics of the voice such as accent, dialect, intonation, articulation, volume, pitch, etc. Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Proxemics (Space & Territoriality) o Territoriality (claiming or marking space) o Use of personal space (interactive space) o Environment: architectural, spatial arrangements, lighting, music, color, temperature, scent, etc. Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Haptics (Touch) o Touch has been called the most potent nonverbal message in communication. Categories Of Nonverbal Messages Chronemics (Time) o Use of time sends strong messages regarding our feelings about ideas and people. What Function ? Exercise A student raises her or his hand to signal they want to participate in class. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). Instead of saying you are angry with another person, you simply glare and refuse to talk to him/her. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). The bartender says you are only allowed one more beer and then you are cut off.

Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). Your boss says “nice job†while he or she pats you on the shoulder. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). A driver yells obscenities at another driver and then give the “middle finger.†Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). We ask someone to be quiet and then put a finger to our lips. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). A teacher says “a good job†in a sarcastic tone. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). Rather than saying good bye, we simply wave good bye. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). We pause after each major point in a presentation to our coworkers. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). A teacher points to a student to indicate it is the student’s turn to talk. Read each situation, then decide whether the situation described is primarily: o complementing (CP) o contradicting (CN) o repeating (RP) o regulating (RG) o substituting (SB) o accenting (AC). SB A student raises her or his hand to signal they want to participate in class. SB Instead of saying you are angry with another person, you simply glare and refuse to talk with them. AC The bartender says you are only allowed one more beer and then you are cutoff. CP Your boss says “a nice job†while he or she pats you on the shoulder. RP A driver yells obscenities at another driver and then gives the “middle finger.†RP We ask someone to be quiet and then put a finger to our lips. CN A teacher says “a good job†in a sarcastic tone.

Paper For Above instruction

Non-verbal communication forms a vital facet of human interaction, often conveying more than spoken words. This essay critically examines prevalent myths about non-verbal communication, explores its core functions, categories, and cultural nuances, and discusses its role in effective human interaction. The discussion emphasizes understanding the distinctions between verbal and non-verbal messages, clarifies the context-dependent nature of non-verbal cues, and underscores the importance of cultural awareness in interpreting non-verbal signals accurately.

Myths surrounding non-verbal communication have persisted despite extensive research indicating its significance. One common misconception is that all communication must involve language and that non-verbal cues are insignificant or secondary. However, studies have demonstrated that non-verbal behaviors often account for a substantial part of human communication, sometimes exceeding verbal content in conveying emotions and relational messages. For instance, Mehrabian’s rule suggests that up to 93% of emotional communication could be non-verbal, although this has been widely misunderstood and oversimplified (Mehrabian, 1972). Therefore, dismissing non-verbal cues as trivial undermines the complexity of human interaction and misguides effective communication strategies.

Another myth is the belief that one can reliably read a person like a book, accurately interpreting their feelings or intentions through isolated non-verbal cues. In reality, non-verbal behaviors are often ambiguous and influenced by individual, cultural, and contextual factors. For example, avoiding eye contact may indicate dishonesty in some cultures but could signify shyness or respect in others. Similarly, the idiosyncratic nature of gestures and expressions makes it unreliable to attribute fixed meanings universally. Effective interpretation requires understanding the broader context, baseline behaviors, and cultural background, emphasizing that non-verbal cues should be integrated with verbal communication and situational cues for accurate understanding (Burgoon et al., 2016).

The assumption that behaviors such as eye contact lack universal significance is another myth. While in Western cultures, sustained eye contact is associated with confidence, in some East Asian cultures, excessive eye contact may be considered rude or confrontational. Such cultural variations highlight the importance of cross-cultural awareness in non-verbal communication. For example, personal space or territoriality varies significantly across cultures, affecting comfort levels and interpretations (Hall, 1966). These cultural differences underscore that non-verbal signals are not universally fixed but are learned and understood within specific cultural frameworks, necessitating cultural sensitivity for effective intercultural communication.

Understanding the core functions of non-verbal communication clarifies its central role in human interaction. These functions include complementing, contradicting, accenting, repeating, regulating, and substituting verbal messages. Each function serves a specific purpose in the communication process. Complementing, for instance, reinforces verbal messages, such as a handshake accompanying a greeting. Contradicting involves non-verbal cues that conflict with spoken words, as in sarcasm, where a smiling tone might mask insincerity. Accentuation emphasizes parts of speech, while repeating involves reiterating spoken messages through gestures like thumbs-up. Regulation helps manage conversational flow, such as eye contact signaling turn-taking. Substituting replaces verbal messages in situations where speech is inappropriate or unnecessary, like waving goodbye instead of saying it (Bolton & McGregor, 2020).

Categories of non-verbal messages encompass physical appearance, kinesics, oculesics, vocalics, proxemics, haptics, and chronemics. Physical appearance, including body size, shape, and attire, influences first impressions and can communicate social status or cultural belonging. Kinesics refers to gestures, movement, and posture, conveying attitudes and emotional states non-verbally. Oculesics relates to eye behavior, serving functions such as gaze direction or eye contact, which can indicate attention, interest, or hostility. Vocalics or paralanguage involves vocal qualities like pitch, tone, and volume that add emotional nuance to spoken words (Pease & Pease, 2004). Proxemics addresses personal space and territoriality, with spatial distances reflecting relational comfort levels. Haptics emphasizes touch as a potent communication tool, used to express support, affection, or dominance. Chronemics pertains to the use of time, signaling priorities or relational dynamics through punctuality or delays (Arnold & Anderson, 2013).

Effective interpretation of non-verbal cues also involves understanding their functions in specific contexts. For example, a student raising their hand signals a desire to speak, which is a regulating function. Conversely, a glare directed at someone without words expresses anger or displeasure, indicating an affective state. Recognizing these cues requires awareness of cultural, situational, and individual differences, underscoring the importance of cultural competence in decoding non-verbal signals accurately. Similarly, behaviors such as smiling, nodding, or gesturing are culturally dependent, requiring interpreters to be culturally sensitive to avoid misinterpretation and foster successful intercultural exchanges (Knapp & Hall, 2010).

In summary, non-verbal communication is an intricate and context-dependent form of human interaction that conveys emotions, relational dynamics, and cultural messages beyond spoken words. Challenging myths and misconceptions enhances our understanding of its complexity and significance. It is crucial to recognize the various categories and functions of non-verbal cues and appreciate the cultural context influencing their interpretation. Developing skills in decoding and using non-verbal communication effectively can significantly improve interpersonal relationships and intercultural understanding. As globalization increases contact among diverse cultures, mastering non-verbal communication remains an essential component of effective human interaction.

References

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