This chapter has covered a very big topic in interpersonal communication: nonverbal communication. What is nonverbal communication? It refers to how we express ourselves beyond words, including how we say the words. We discussed the roles, functions, and types of nonverbal communication that we find in our everyday lives.
There are lots of articles, books and videos about nonverbal communication because people find it so intriguing because of its significance and pervasiveness in our interpersonal interactions. Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk does a good job of summing up the critical role that nonverbal communication plays in our interactions and our own identities:
So when we think of nonverbals, we think of how we judge others, how they judge us and what the outcomes are. We tend to forget, though, the other audience that's influenced by our nonverbals, and that's ourselves. We are also influenced by our nonverbals, our thoughts and our feelings and our physiology. (Cuddy, 2012)
A good understanding of how nonverbal communication influences our identity and our interactions with others is vital in becoming a better interpersonal communicator.
Consider This: Nonverbal Immediacy
Building and maintaining relationships are central to healthy human existence. Immediacy behaviors, both verbal and nonverbal, are important in the building and maintenance of relationships. Nonverbal immediacy refers to behaviors that decrease “real or perceived physical and psychological distance between communicators” (Comadena et al., 2007). For example, posture, gestures, touching, smiling, eye contact, and even tone of voice can indicate approachability of an individual. Of course, cultural background, gender, individual preferences, and context are some factors that influence these behaviors and cues.
You can assess your nonverbal immediacy by taking the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale developed by Virginia Richmond, James McCrotsky, and Aaron Johnson in 2003. The interactive version of the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale is a 26-item test that can be completed in 4 to 8 minutes. Upon completion, your results are automatically calculated. You will also be able to explore the Statistical Properties and Correlations of the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale. Higher scores suggest that one is more approachable, friendly, and warm.
Discussion Questions
Think of a teacher or boss with whom you liked and got along. What nonverbal immediacy behaviors did they exhibit that made you feel comfortable?
Before taking the self-inventory below, predict whether you would score high, medium, or low, on nonverbal immediacy (high = you’re very approachable). Then take the self inventory below. Think about your own nonverbal immediacy behaviors. Did the results match your prediction? Explain why or why not.
Does your nonverbal immediacy vary from situation to situation and/or person to person? Or do you feel your nonverbal immediacy behaviors remain consistent. Explain.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever communicated with someone outside of your culture? How were their nonverbals similar to your own, or different?
Have you ever had your nonverbal cues misinterpreted? For example, someone thought you liked them because your proxemics suggested an intimate relationship. How did you correct the misinterpretation?
What kind of nonverbal communication do you use every day? What does it accomplish for you?
Which do you consider has greater weight when interpreting a message from someone else, verbal or nonverbal communication? Why?
Research shows that instruction in nonverbal communication can lead people to make gains in their nonverbal communication competence. List some nonverbal skills that you think are important in each of the following contexts: academic, professional, personal, and civic.
To understand how chronemics relates to nonverbal communication norms, answer the following questions: In what situations is it important to be early? In what situations can you arrive late? How long would you wait on someone you were meeting for a group project for a class? A date? A job interview?
