Running Head Journal 2 Ellison Speech Sunday

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Humans interact with one another daily, often through both verbal and nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication encompasses methods of conveying information without using words, such as body language, appearance, and even subtle cues like gestures or facial expressions. These nonverbal signals can reveal a person's feelings, social status, or intent, but they can also be misleading, necessitating careful interpretation.

Body language and appearance are particularly powerful indicators of an individual's state or role. For instance, a poorly dressed individual with a backpack and a cigarette may be perceived as homeless or helpless, whereas someone dressed in a clown costume may give the impression of being humorous and approachable. Nonverbal cues can also be intentionally deceptive, as seen in contexts like poker tournaments, where players rely heavily on reading and hiding signals to outsmart opponents and win significant sums of money (Ekman & Friesen, 1969). The ability to accurately interpret these cues often determines the outcome of competitive or high-stakes scenarios.

Verbal and nonverbal communication differ substantially. Verbal communication is typically deliberate, organized, and intended, focusing on clarity and understanding through spoken or written words. Conversely, nonverbal communication is often subconscious, continuous, and can be ambiguous. It supplements verbal messages, providing context or emphasizing certain points, but it can also conflict with spoken words, leading to misunderstandings (Burgoon et al., 2016). Recognizing and interpreting these cues accurately is vital for effective interpersonal interactions.

The concept of communication climate pertains to the emotional environment created during interactions, influenced heavily by perceptions, feelings, and attitudes. This climate can be positive—characterized by trust, openness, and support—or negative, marked by hostility, mistrust, and defensiveness (Gibb, 1961). The initial impressions and verbal and nonverbal cues exchanged at the start of an interaction set the tone and influence the development of this climate. A positive communication climate fosters better collaboration and understanding, while a negative one can hinder relationship development and progress.

Personal experiences illustrate the impact of communication climate. During a summer participation in a Veteran’s to Learn I.T. program, I achieved certification earlier than my peers, which boosted my confidence and motivation. However, my inability to maintain a positive communication climate with the faculty adversely affected my chances of being selected for internships, despite my success in certification. I initially adopted a reserved stance, minimizing communication and showing false motivation, based on lessons learned from military discipline. Unfortunately, this approach created a negative perception among staff, diminishing my opportunities (Cummings & Worley, 2015).

Despite setbacks, I adjusted my approach, maintaining a positive outlook, demonstrating patience, and engaging more constructively with program staff. This shift allowed me to secure an internship at Deloitte's IT Help Desk in Dallas. My experience underscored the importance of creating a positive communication climate, especially when facing perceived unfairness or bias. It reaffirmed that emotional intelligence—the ability to manage one’s own emotions and interpret others’—plays a crucial role in fostering effective communication (Goleman, 1995).

Furthermore, my military background ingrained a competitive mindset, emphasizing winning and efficiency. Transitioning this mindset to civilian contexts required understanding the importance of empathy, patience, and active listening. These skills facilitated better relationships with staff and colleagues, ultimately leading to career opportunities and personal growth. This experience demonstrated that cultivating positive communication climates can lead to positive outcomes even in challenging situations.

In summary, nonverbal communication is a vital aspect of human interaction that can either enhance or hinder understanding. Recognizing the difference between verbal and nonverbal signals, and managing the communication climate effectively, are essential skills in both personal and professional relationships. Cultivating a positive communication environment fosters trust and cooperation, facilitating success in various endeavors.

References

• Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2016). Nonverbal communication. Routledge.
• Cummings, T. G., & Worley, C. G. (2015). Organization development and change. Cengage Learning.
• Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1969). The repertoire of nonverbal behavior: Origins, classification, and usage. Semiotica, 1, 49–98.
• Gibb, J. (1961). Defensive communication. Journal of Communication.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Knapp, M. L., Hall, J. A., & Horgan, T. G. (2014). Nonverbal communication in human interaction. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Mehrabian, A. (1972). Nonverbal communication. Aldine-Atherton.
• Riggio, R. E. (2010). Introduction to nonverbal communication. Routledge.
• Rice, L. N., & Sibina, S. (2017). Communication skills for effective management. Routledge.
• Watzlawick, P., Beavin, J. H., & Jackson, D. D. (2011). Pragmatics of human communication: A study of interactional patterns, pathologies, and paradoxes. Norton & Company.