4.6: Review
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Chapter 4: Vocabulary and Questions for Review and Discussion
In this chapter, you learned that nonverbal communication is all communication other than the words you use. Types of nonverbal communication discussed in the chapter are kinesics, haptics, personal appearance, proxemics, chronemics, and paralanguage.
In verbal communication, the communicator uses one channel (a word) at a time. Verbal communication is a conscious, distinct form of communication. In nonverbal communication, we may use multiple channels simultaneously. Nonverbal communication is continuous instead of distinct.
While nonverbal communication can be conscious or unconscious, much nonverbal communication is enacted at an unconscious level. It, therefore, is considered by many recipients to be more trustworthy than the actual words used by the communicator. A mixed message is one where the communicator’s nonverbal and verbal communication messages contradict one another. In the case of mixed messages, studies by Albert Mehrabian have found that message recipients are more likely to believe the nonverbal over the verbal message, with study participants indicating that 93% of their understanding came from nonverbal factors. What has become known as the Mehrabian Equation indicates that in the case of a mixed message, recipients are likely to pay MOST attention to personal appearance and body language (with recipients indicating 55% of their understanding came through personal appearance and body language); paralanguage is second in importance (responsible for 38% of the message’s interpretation), and verbal communication (words alone) as least influential, responsible for only 7% of the recipients’ understanding. Although the Mehrabian Equation may not fit every occasion, Mehrabian’s studies highlight the importance of studying nonverbal communication carefully.
Because nonverbal communication is strongly influenced by culture, it is essential to exercise caution when interpreting another's nonverbal behavior. In addition to cultural and co-cultural factors, some individuals are neurodivergent and may use nonverbal behaviors differently than those who are neurotypical.
- artifacts
- camouflaging
- chronemics
- continuous
- conscious
- distinct
- environment
- Feng Shui
- haptics
- inflections
- intimate distance
- kinesics
- masking
- mixed messages
- nonverbal communication
- nonfluencies
- paralanguage
- personal appearance
- personal distance
- pitch
- proxemics
- public distance
- rate
- silent treatment
- social distance
- vertical distance
- volume
- continuous
- distinct
- silence
- unconscious
1. List four reasons humans use nonverbal communication even after developing the ability to use language.
2. This chapter taught you that verbal communication uses one channel. However, when we communicate nonverbally, we can use multiple channels simultaneously. Pretend your best friend or significant other has forgotten to meet you for a meaningful engagement. Explain how you might use multiple channels to communicate your disappointment.
3. While verbal communication is distinct, nonverbal communication is continuous and ongoing. Explain your understanding of the continuous and ongoing nature of nonverbal communication
4. Agree or disagree: In face-to-face interactions, we are constantly communicating nonverbally.
5. Discuss when it would be advisable to be conscious of and practice your nonverbal communication.
6. What nonverbal signals might imply a friend or acquaintance partner is nervous or distressed?
7. Are any facial expressions interpreted similarly across many diverse cultures? Explain.
8. Why is nonverbal communication referred to as “culture bound?" Give examples.
9. Think of an environment where you spend a lot of time – such as your home, room, automobile, or office space. What impressions might others form about you based on this environment?
10. What personal artifacts or objects do you often have with you? Explain.
11. In the United States, we have a strict view of time and value punctuality. Discuss a culture where time is viewed differently.
12. What nonfluencies do you commonly or occasionally use? What is the danger of overusing nonfluencies? What can you do to limit your use of nonfluencies?
13. In “Recording Effective Smartphone Videos,” you were given many tips for recording a speech or presenting virtually. In your opinion, what are the five most essential guidelines? Are any guidelines missing that need to be added?
14. Explain how nonverbal communication can regulate the flow of conversation or communication.
15. According to studies by Albert Mehrabian, if a listener receives a mixed message, will verbal or nonverbal factors significantly impact his or her interpretation?
16. Would you categorize yourself as neurotypical or neurodivergent? Explain.
17. Have you ever had your nonverbal cues misinterpreted? For example, someone thought you liked him or her because your proxemics suggested a desire for an intimate relationship, or perhaps someone thought you were unfriendly when that wasn't your intention. How did you correct the misinterpretation?
18. What nonverbal communication do you use every day? What does it accomplish for you?
19. Now that you have learned about paralanguage and its importance in communication, formulate guidelines or suggestions for using the voice professionally in the workplace and with public speeches.