Nonverbal Communication: A Guide to Cross-Cultural Communication, Exercises of Communication

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Nonverbal Communication

Guide to Cross-Cultural Communication

Importance of Nonverbal

Communication

Nonverbals are a crucial element of managerial communication. The nonverbal message comprises about 93% of the total message (55% comes from facial expressions and posture of speaker, while vocal aspects [vocalics] deliver 38%, and the actual words deliver only 7%).

Nonverbal Communication Defined  Definition: The transfer of meaning without using verbal symbols.

Nonverbal Categories

 Sign language  Action language  Object language

Functions of Nonverbal

Communication

 Complementing : these signals reinforces the general tone or attitude of our verbal communication.  Examples: a downcast expression and slumping posture might accompany words of discouragement; upright posture, a smile, & animated movement might reflect the verbal story about getting a promotion.

Functions of Nonverbal

Communication

 Contradicting : these signals can contradict the verbal message, sometimes deliberately, sometimes unintentionally.  These nonverbal cues will often tell the observer the truth when the verbal cues don t. (Nonverbal leakage of deception) Examples: tears in our eyes and a quiver in our voice might contradict our verbal message that we re all right. A wink & a nod will send the non- verbal message that we don t mean what we re saying.

Functions of Nonverbal

Communication

 Repeating : these signals repeat what verbal messages convey.  Example: with keys in hand and coat on, you announce I m leaving as you walk toward the door.

Functions of Nonverbal

Communication

 Substituting : If we can t send a message by verbal cues, we might use emblems to get our point across.  Example: A supervisor visiting a noisy factory might use the OK sign to signal an employee; a thumbs up sign can substi-tute for words of praise or encouragement.

Principles of Nonverbal

Communication

 Nonverbal behavior always communicates.  Nonverbal behavior is governed by rules. (Most nonverbal behavior is learned and is a product of our culture in which we are raised, but there are exceptions.)

Principles of Nonverbal

Communication

 Nonverbal behavior is highly believable.  Nonverbal behavior is metacommuni- cational. ( Meta means along with, about, or among; so it is communication about communication.)

Kinesics

 Kinesics is the most studied of the areas of nonverbal communication.  It includes body movement (walking, sitting, standing, moving our arms, hands, head, feet, and legs), posture, facial expression, and eye contact.

Five Basic Categories of

Human Movement (Kinesics)

 Emblems : nonverbal acts which have a direct verbal translation, sometimes just a word or two.  Examples: thumbs-up sign, the extended middle finger, the hitchhiker s thumb, OK sign.

Five Basic Categories of

Human Movement (Kinesics)

 Affect displays : these are behaviors that indicate the type and intensity of the various emotions that we feel.  Example: facial expressions and hand & arm movements are commonly used to communicate emotional states of mind.

Five Basic Categories of

Human Movement (Kinesics)

 Regulators : these are the body move- ments that help control the flow of communication.  Example: when one holds up the hand palm outward to keep another from interrupting.