Nonverbal Communication 1

One good question to ask when evaluating tone of voice as a nonverbal sign.

Does the person's voice project warmth, confidence, and interest, or is it strained and blocked?

How does trusting instincts help one in reading body language?

Don't dismiss your gut feelings. If you get the sense that someone isn't being honest or that something isn't adding up, you may be picking up on a mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues.

How does looking at nonverbal communication signals as a group help one in reading body language?

Don't read too much into a single gesture or nonverbal cue. Consider all of the nonverbal signals you are receiving, from eye contact to tone of voice and body language. Taken together, are their nonverbal cues consistent—or inconsistent—with what their words are saying?

Nonverbal communication can play the role of substitution which means...

It can substitute for a verbal message. For example, your facial expression often conveys a far more vivid message than words ever can.

how can touch convey a nonverbal message?

We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.

Body Language

the use of physical behavior, expressions, and mannerisms to communicate nonverbally, often done instinctively rather than consciously.

Nonverbal communication includes...

the way we listen, look, move & react

One good question to ask when evaluating sounds as a nonverbal sign.

Do you hear sounds that indicate interest, caring or concern from the person?

One good question to ask when evaluating intensity as a nonverbal sign.

Does the person seem flat, cool, and disinterested, or over-the-top and melodramatic?

how can body movement and posture convey a nonverbal message?

Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the subtle movements you make.

What are the eight main nonverbal signs?

Eye contact, facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and gesture, touch, intensity, timing and place and sounds.

What are seven types of nonverbal communication?

Facial expressions, body movement and posture, gestures, eye contact, touch, space and voice.

how can gestures convey a nonverbal message?

Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly, often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures can be very different across cultures. While the OK sign made with the hand, for example, conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it's consider offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it's important to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.

how can space convey a nonverbal message?

Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy and affection, aggression or dominance.

Two good questions to ask when evaluating eye contact as a nonverbal sign.

Is the person making eye contact? If so, is it overly intense or just right?

Two good questions to ask when evaluating posture and gestures as a nonverbal sign.

Is their body relaxed or stiff and immobile? Are their shoulders tense and raised, or relaxed?

Two good questions to ask when evaluating timing and place as a nonverbal sign.

Is there an easy flow of information back and forth? Do nonverbal responses come too quickly or too slowly?

Three good questions to ask when evaluating touch as a nonverbal sign.

Is there any physical contact? Is it appropriate to the situation? Does it make you feel uncomfortable?

Nonverbal communication can play the role of contradiction which means...

It can contradict the message you're trying to convey, thus indicating to your listener that you may not be telling the truth.

Nonverbal communication can play the role of accenting which means...

It may accent or underline a verbal message. Pounding the table, for example, can underline the importance of your message.

Nonverbal communication can play the role of complementing which means...

It may add to or complement your verbal message. As a boss, if you pat an employee on the back in addition to giving praise, it can increase the impact of your message.

Nonverbal communication can play the role of repetition which means.

It repeats and often strengthens the message you're making verbally.

how can voice convey a nonverbal message?

It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. When you speak, other people "read" your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as "ahh" and "uh-huh." Think about how your tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

How does paying attention to inconsistencies help one in reading body language?

Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said. Is the person saying one thing, but their body language conveying something else? For example, are they telling you "yes" while shaking their head no?

What are the five roles nonverbal communication can play?

Repetition, Complementing, Substituting, Accenting and Contradicting.

how can eye contact convey a nonverbal message?

Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person's interest and response.

how can facial expressions convey a nonverbal message?

The human face is extremely expressive, able to convey countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.

Two good questions to ask when evaluating facial expressions as a nonverbal sign.

What is their face showing? Is it masklike and unexpressive, or emotionally present and filled with interest?