A.    Nonverbal Codes involve meanings derived from others and "coded" without words.  [usually not symbolic]

B.   Functions of nonverbal messages: - examples

1.                  reinforce the verbal message - nodding your head while saying "yes"

2.                  contradict the verbal message - a tone of voice that sounds angry when you say you aren't angry

3.                  regulate the conversation - raising your hand when you want to speak in class

4.                  supplement or replace the verbal message - football referee's penalty hand signals

5.         establish relationships - hugging a loved one

C.  Types of Nonverbal Codes:  

1.          Paralanguage (vocal cues) - vocal qualities and “extra-symbolic” codes

2.          Proxemics (space) - territoriality, spatial arrangement, touch (haptics), and personal space

(1)   Intimate distance = 0 - 18"

(2)   Personal distance = 18" - 4 ft.

(3)   Social distance = 4 ft. - 12 ft.

(4)   Public distance = 12 ft - 30/40 ft.  (Mediated communication is typically used beyond 30/40 feet.)

3.         Appearance and body type, clothing, artifacts (objects), environment (colors, architecture, temperature, etc.)

4.          Kinesics  (movement, gesture,  posture, facial expression)

5.     Haptics (touch)

6.          Time (chronemics)

D.   Kenesic codes - types of movements/gestures

1.                  emblems - NV gesture symbols - the peace sign

2.                  illustrators - NV gesture indexes or icons - pointing at something you're discussing

3.                  regulators - controls interaction (e.g. turn-taking) - raising your hand to ask for recognition to speak

4.                  affect display - emotions - a frown                                 

5.                  adaptors - unintentional, functional movements - scratching your head while thinking

 E.   Keys to decoding nonverbal communication.

1.                  Be tentative in interpreting nonverbal cues.  There are ---

                   a.  multiple meanings for a single cue and

                                      b.  multiple cues for a single meaning.

2.                  Nonverbal communication may or may not be intentional

3.                  You can't read a person like a book.  While nonverbal communication is universal, it is culture bound.

4.                  Nonverbal interacts with the verbal. (It’s immediate.)

5.                  Monitor your NV impressions.  They matter to others.

Discussion Task - Observe the non-verbal behavior of others around you for a day or two.  Be prepared to discuss your observations

1. Note at least one example of non-verbal behavior used for each of the 5 functions (in B. above).  Identify each example as Icon or Index or Symbol.  Write this out and be prepared to turn it in.

2. Note at least one example of non-verbal behavior illustrating each of the 5 types of kenesic codes above.

3. Note examples of nonverbal cues used as icons, indexes and symbols

4. Describe one instance in which you were mislead by nonverbal cues.