Nonverbal Communication

Brief Thoughts

How do you define nonverbal communication? Which channels do we use for nonverbal communication? What is the function of nonverbal communication?

Definition

Nonverbal communication is everything that communicates a message but does not include words
So, this definition cover a very wide range of ways of communication
Facial expressions Hand movements Dress Tattoos Jewelry Timing of what happens Position in the interaction Body posture

Tone of voice Eye-movements Positions of the furnutures in the room Touch Smell ...

Definition

Two Sides of NVC: Decoding vs Encoding

As the verbal communication, nonverbal communication also includes encoding and decoding processes
Encoding is a process of turning your message into a symbolic form Decoding is a process of reading and attributing a meaning to an encoded symbols

If you feel happy, you can encode it into a facial expression, and the others can decode this expression to infer your mood state
Actors, teachers and public speakers are good encoders Therapists and advisors are good decoders

Definition

Two Modes of NVC: Static vs Dynamic

Static NVC refers to the elements of an interaction that do not change during its course
The color of your eyes is static The status of a judge is symbolized by the fact that judges sits higher up all the other people at the court An interaction in a friends bedroom Piercings Millitary Uniforms Your clothes that you wear in an interaction

Dynamic NVC involves movements and changes during interaction

How does NVC Works?

To understand the process of NVC, we need to focus on its main characteristics NVC is
Symbolic Guided by Rules Cultural Personal Ambiguos Less controled Continuous

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Symbolic

As in the verbal communication, we use symbols to transmit our message in NVC these symbols could be
visionary audotory olfactory somato-sensory

Nonverbal symbols could be polysemic

What is the mean of smile

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Guided by Rules

In NVC, we fallow certain rules because of presentational concerns

Rules guide the choice of nonverbal symbol that should be used in specific situations
You would probably shake your your insturctors hand rather than give him/her a high five Greeting someone with a kiss is normal
If s/he is your romantic partner, or If you prefer to kiss not the cheak but air

The rules guiding nonverbal communication is learnt more indirecly

Nonverbal communication is not a part of formal educations There is actually a diagnosable disability called Nonverbal Learning Disability

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Cultural

Nonverbal communication is heavily linked to culture

In USA, eye-contact is and indicator of self-esteem In Japan, eye-contact with a superior is an indicator of disrespect

Some nonverbal messages are universal

Facial expression Some body postures

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Personal

Individuals can consturact their own meanin system for nonverbal messages
For some people, hug could be a gesture of intimacy, but for other a violation of personal space

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Ambiguous

The meaning of NVC is more ambiguous than verbal communication

Just try to infer the feelings of the little girl in the picture

Sometimes this ambiguity is functional

Flirting with someone, it is much more safer to send him/her ambiguous messages. Otherwise rejection could be more frustrating

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Less Controlled

Individuals have less control over nonverbal messages Social Psychologist actually use this to measure prejudices and stereotypes

How does NVC Works?

NVC is Continuous

Differing from verbal communication, you can not stop sending nonverbal messages
Your clothes, facial expression, or your posture keep NVC going

Functions of NVC
Interconnects with Verbal Communication Regulates interaction Identifies Others Transmit Emotional Information

Functions of NVC

Interconnects with Verbal Communication

Many times, NVC repeat your verbal communication

When we say hello to someone, you might wave at the same time
Im very happy with you
Me too!

Sometimes, NVC emphasize verbal communication NVC may moderate the certainity of verbal message Sometimes, NVC contradicts verbal communication

Functions of NVC

Regulates Interaction

NVC
Informs you how you should behave, and Conveys how you want others to behave

Clothes, body posture or personal distance can regulate interaction

To start an interaction, we simply turn to the person and try to make an eye-contact To finish an interaction, we may interrupt his/her talk, look away or turn away To establish a formal interaction, we may prefer to suit up

Functions of NVC

Identifies Others

Others clothes, tatoos, musles identify their

Gender Ethnicity Idology interests in sports SES

Functions of NVC

Transmit Emotional Information

Many people belive NCV is a better indicator of emotions

NVC can shows our feelings about the other NVC can shows our feelings about situation NVC can shows our feelings about ourselves

The Elements of NVC

Proxemics: Space and Distance Kinesics: Movement Vocalics: Voice Chronemics: Time Haptics: Touch