Two Essential Tools
Verbal Communication – How you use words and language
Nonverbal Communication – Message components other than words that generate meaning
Language and Meaning
Denotative Meaning
The objective, dictionary-based meaning of a word
Connotative Meaning
The personal feelings connected to the meaning of a word
Language Difficulties & Examples
Bypassing
Offensive Language
Jargon
Offensive LabelsI’m relaxed; you’re untidy; she’s a
slob (lazybones).I’m energetic; you’re excitable;
he’s out of control.I’m full-figured; she’s overweight; Our group works hard; Lucinda’s
group members are workaholics; Greg’s group members are deceivers.
Verbal AbuseForms of Verbal
AbuseTone of VoiceContent
LanguageNonverbal CuesVolume
ExamplesHarsh, sarcastic,
angryCruel comments,
racial, gender and religious biases
Foul or obscene words
Language and GenderFemales tend to use language to
maintain relationships and cooperate with others.
Qualifiers – “maybe,” “perhaps,” “really,
Tag questions – “The answer is 4. Right?” “Let’s not meet tonight. Is that okay?”
Males tend to use direct and forceful language to assert their ideas and compete with others.
Code switching The ability to change from
the dialect of your own culture and adopt the
language of the majority in a particular situation
People may learn
codeswitching to avoid negative stereotypes about them based on their dialect.
Research on dialects, reveals that . . .
a) People judge others by their dialect.b) People seeking career success often
change their dialect to Standard American Speech.
c) Standard American Speech is most accepted by the majority of the American culture.
d) We should be aware of dialect prejudices and look beyond the surface when judging others.
Nonverbal Communication
The behavioral elements of messages other than the
actual words spoken
More than 50% of all meaning is communicated
nonverbally.
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Personal AppearanceFacial Expression and Eye ContactVocal Expression
Pitch, rate, volume, vocal variety, word stress
Physical Expression Movement, posture, touch
Environment Arrangement of space, use of personal
space
Facial ExpressionWe can produce more than 1,000
different facial expressions.Facial expressions allow non-
speakers to contribute to ongoing group discussions.
The Significance of Eye Contact: Lack of eye contact may be perceived as
rudeness, indifference, nervousness, or dishonesty.
Eye contact norms are culturally determined. Eye contact influences interaction in small
groups.
Physical ExpressionKinesics - The study of body
movement and physical expression
Touch can express encouragement, support, or happiness.
Interaction between touch approachers and touch avoiders can create misunderstandings.
GESTURE MISTAKES · ·
No use of gestures at all. · Keeping your hand in your pockets. playing with the keys · Fidgeting with your hands. · Holding your hands behind your back. · Pointing at the audience. . · Folding your arms across your chest. · Gripping the podium. · Using stilted gestures. Using overly rehearsed gestures
MOVEMENT MISTAKES ·
Moving without purpose. · Shifting your weight from one foot to the other. ·Hiding behind a desk, podium or flipchart.
keeping your head downkeeping your head down
POSTURE MISTAKES ·
Standing too stiffly.
Seating PositionsChoice of seating position in
groups For cooperative activities: Sit
corner-to-corner or side-by-side For competitive activities: Sit across
from one another Task leaders sit at the head of a
table Social leaders sit in the middle of a
side
Zones of Personal Space in North America
Artifacts
Include clothing, jewelry, personal belongings, accessories, etc.
Communicate economic level, educational level, trustworthiness, social position, level of sophistication, economic background, social background, educational background, level of success, moral character, masculinity/femininity
Important part of first impressions
Physical Appearance
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”We tend to notice obvious things first
(gender, race), then note attractivenessPhysically attractive people generally are
perceived better Importance placed on physical
appearance can be very damaging It’s what we do with it that’s most
important
Nonverbal ImmediacyLeaning
forwardPhysical
closeness to others
Eye contactOpenness of
arms and body
Touching
Direct body orientation
Relaxed posture
Positive facial and vocal expressions
Laughing and smiling
Thank You