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Adam Lapierre E-Paper, Spring 2003 |
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This paper discusses some basic principals of nonverbal communication. |
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The social world is full of complex nonverbal languages, rules, ethics and expectations. Certain gestures or motions can take the place of entire ideas or verbal expressions. Universal body language, such as crying, smiling and laughing holds essentially the same meaning within most cultures around the world. Other forms of nonverbal communication are culture-specific; they exist within different cultures but hold different meanings. From greeting and saying goodbye to showing emotion, lying and flirting, body language exists within all interpersonal communications. This short essay discusses some major elements of nonverbal communication, in their most basic forms, and offers a few essential nonverbal behaviors exhibit. The first aspects I will discuss are some specific forms of nonverbal communication and the meanings they commonly hold. For length purposes I will only talk about American behaviors.
These categories of body language are vague and general, but indicate the major areas of interest to nonverbal theorists. With all of these, it’s important to understand that “few convey true meaning in and of themselves, so they must be taken in context. (Warfield, 4)
An important aspect of nonverbal communication context; certain gestures, expressions, tones and pitches of voice, glares and postures are only appropriate in certain situations. Age, gender and cultural differences are very important to consider in any interaction. Spitting and scratching and swearing excitedly might be appropriate around a group of buddies hanging-out; that behavior around that same group’s mothers, or even worse, grandmothers, would probably have negative consequences. Cultural differences are also very important to be aware of because “conventional gestures can have absolutely contrary meanings in different countries, and provide rich possibilities for social disaster (Imai, 12).” For example, eye contact is considered somewhat necessary in America to display confidence and honesty. Eye contact in many Asian nations is considered rude and disrespectful. Male-Female eye contact often suggests sexual interest, depending on the context. In loud, busy environments like bars or concerts, loud and boisterous gestures, touching, dancing and excited expressions are appropriate and often encouraged. The same nonverbal behaviors at a library, museum or church on the other hand would be completely out of line. Clearly, awareness of one’s own body language and that of others can be highly beneficial. Appearing confident and competent can be vital in the professional and business world; looking relaxed and comfortable during a first date always helps; and a friendly smile to your date’s mother is just as important. The ideal is to utilize body language to your benefit, to consciously send the right messages. Picking up on other’s nonverbal cues is also important to being an effective communicator. “It’s important to notice what people are doing with their bodies, weather they’re doing it on purpose, and the messages that are being sent regardless. (Segell)” I have merely scratched the surface of nonverbal communication. The languages of our bodies are complex, various and often transitory. Within the world, uncountable numbers of variations of nonverbal communication exist; within large cultural variations exist again an uncountable number of smaller behavior patterns; within those subcultures are smaller groups that use different means of communicating; and so on and so on- somewhat like Russian egg-dolls. Because of this complexity and ever-changing levels of behavior patterns within ever changing cultures and subcultures, no “manual” of body language can ever be produced. Instead, there are some basic patterns and behaviors to be aware of; personally and collectively. The following suggestions are from some professions in the field of nonverbal communication and offer basic things to consider in any personal interaction. · “A good listener? Make eye contact, smile, nod occasionally during a conversation, and tilt your head toward the speaker. (Warfield, n.p.)” · “Use your body movements to encourage communication…nod for understanding, move your arms for enthusiasm, and avoid playing with things. (Blodgette,6)” · “The way you sit, gesture, and smile can make the difference between success and failure in any situation. (Anderson 10)” · “Be a keen observer! Note facial expressions, body language and enthusiasm, or lack of it. (Bohannon, 1)”
Anderson, Kare. “Creating a Positive First Impression.” Nursing. (March 1998): N.P.
Blodgett, Paul. “Six Ways to be a Better Listener”. Training and Development. (July 1997): p.111.
Ekman, Paul. “Should We Call it Expression or Communication?” The European Journal of Social Science. Volume 10, issue 4, (December 1997): p333.
Helm, Ted. “An overview of Nonverbal communication in Impersonal Relationships”. SmithCollege School for Social Work. (2001): p1-6.
Imai, Gary. “Gestures: Body language and nonverbal communication”. TASSI:www.crane.gr. (November 2001): n.p.
Warfield, Anne. “Do you Speak Body Language?”. Training and Development. (April 2001): p87.
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