MIS 429/529 1

Introduction to Nonverbal

Communication

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Impact of nonverbal communication

• Percent of meaning due to NV– 2/3 estimate– 93%?

• International diplomacy examples

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Definition• Nonverbal communication refers to

behaviors that form a socially shared coding system.

– used with regularity among members of a given social community, society, or culture

– typically sent with intent– typically interpreted as intentional– have consensually recognized meanings

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Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.• Nonverbal elements present in virtually all

forms of communication• Features in written communication

April 22, 2023 5A CMI Series

Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.

– Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional. • Part of virtually all communication functions• E.g., clarifying or qualifying verbal messages,

expressing emotions, displaying power

April 22, 2023 6A CMI Series

Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.

– Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional. – Nonverbal behaviors may form a

universal communication system.• e.g., smiling, pointing, caressing, threat stares

April 22, 2023 7A CMI Series

We respond to gestures with an extreme alertness and, one might almost say, in accordance with an elaborate and secret code that is written nowhere, known to none and understood by all .

—Edward Sapir

April 22, 2023 8A CMI Series

Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.– Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional. – Nonverbal behaviors may form a universal

communication system.– Nonverbal behaviors create misunderstanding

as well as understanding.• e.g., photographer anecdote

April 22, 2023 9A CMI Series

Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.

– Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional. – Nonverbal behaviors may be universal. – Nonverbal behaviors create both

understanding and misunderstanding. – Nonverbal communication has primacy.

• first form of communication in the species• first means of communication in lifespan• first available signals in human encounters

April 22, 2023 10A CMI Series

Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is ever-present.– Nonverbal behaviors are multi-functional. – Nonverbal behaviors may be universal. – Nonverbal behaviors create both understanding and misunderstanding. – Nonverbal communication has primacy.

• phylogenetic• ontogenetic• Interactional

– Nonverbal communication can express what verbal communication can’t or shouldn’t.

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Reasons for importance of nonverbal communication

– Nonverbal communication is trusted.• Nonverbal believed over verbal when the two conflict

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Importance of nonverbal communication

• Large percent of meaning due to NV• Nonverbal believed over verbal when

two conflict

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The nonverbal codes• Visual codes

– Kinesics– Physical

appearance

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The nonverbal codes• Visual codes

– Kinesics– Physical

appearance• Auditory code

– Vocalics

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The nonverbal codes• Visual codes

– Kinesics– Physical

appearance• Auditory code

– Vocalics

• Contact codes– Proxemics– Haptics

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The nonverbal codes• Visual codes

– Kinesics– Physical

appearance• Auditory code

– Vocalics

• Contact codes– Proxemics– Haptics

• Place and time codes

– Artifacts– Chronemics

Taking More of a Communication Perspective

• Shifting emphases:– From individuals to dyads and interaction– From static view of behaviors to process, dynamics– From structure to function and process– To consider contexts and applications– To consider social and biological influences– To recognition of importance of communication skills

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Alternative Approach: Organization by Functions

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• Introduced by Burgoon & Saine (1978) in The Unspoken Dialogue

• Assumptions:— the nature of the specific communication function

determines the nonverbal behaviors to be observed— every function has situational characteristics— functions are dynamic and transcend single time

frames— a single nonverbal cue may serve multiple functions— a single function may be accomplished through

multiple nonverbal cues— a single function typically requires the coordination of

verbal and nonverbal behaviors

The Communication Functions

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• Producing and Processing Messages• Social Cognition and Forming Impressions• Projecting Real and Desired Identities

— Identification— Impression Management

• Expressing Emotions• Communicating Relational States

— Affection and Intimacy — Power and Dominance

• Defining Situations• Managing Conversations• Influencing Others

— Credibility— Influence strategies

• Deceiving others

Questions?

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