Nonverbal Communication

Characteristics of Nonverbal
Communication

Nonverbal Behavior Has Communicative Value

Definition:messages expressed
through nonlinguistic means

Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational

help us manage our identities

help define our relationships

convey emotion

Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous

Nonverbal Communication Differs from Verbal
Communication

Nonverbal Skills Are Important

Influences on Nonverbal
Communication

Culture

Gender

Functions of Nonverbal
Communication

Repeating

Substituting

Complementing

Sometimes nonverbal behaviors match the content of a verbal message

Accenting

Regulating

Nonverbal behaviors can control the flow of verbal communication.

Contradicting

Deceiving

Types of Nonverbal
Communication

Body Movements

Posture and Gesture

Face and Eyes

Voice

Appearance

Physical Attractiveness

Clothing

Touch

Physical touch can “speak” volumes

Space

Distance

Intimate distance

Personal distance

Social distance

Public distance

Territoriality

Environment

Time

Building Competence in Nonverbal
Communication

Tune Out Words

Use Perception Checking

Pay Attention to Your Own Nonverbal Behavior

What surprised me is the differences between distances and the meaning behind them.


What bothered me is the fact that it's hard to tell the specific meaning behind people's small gestures.


What I want to find out more is the influence of nonverbal communication in a greater depth.