Chapter 6 - Nonverbal Communication

Question 1

Nonverbal Communication

Answer 1

Nonverbal behavior that has symbolic meaning.

Question 2

Nonverbal Behavior

Answer 2

All the nonverbal actions people perform.

Question 3

Why is it impossible to “read a person like a book”?

Answer 3

Because understanding nonverbal communication requires interpreting behavior and assigning meaning to it, and we don’t always have the information we need to do that.

Question 4

What features of nonverbal communication make it challenging for us to interpret it easily?

Answer 4

It is multi-channeled, or can be transmitted in a variety of ways simultaneously making it difficult and confusing to keep up with everything.

Question 5

How do some scholars differentiate nonverbal behavior from nonverbal communication?

Answer 5

These researchers argue that nonverbal communication occurs only when nonverbal behavior has symbolic meaning and it is communicated intentionally, although they also acknowledge that some nonverbal communication does lack the element of intentionality. They also argue that actions one might consider to be “bodily output” can still convey messages nonverbally.

Question 6

Nonverbal Codes

Answer 6

Distinct, organized means of expression that consist of symbols and rules for their use.

Question 7

Kinesics

Answer 7

Nonverbal communication sent by the body, including gestures, posture, movement, facial expressions, and eye behavior.

Question 8

Gestures

Answer 8

Nonverbal communication made with part of the body, including actions such as pointing, waving, or holding up a hand to direct people’s attention.

Question 9

Illustrators

Answer 9

Signals that accompany speech to clarify or emphasize the verbal messages.

Question 10

Emblems

Answer 10

Gestures that stand for a specific verbal meaning.

Question 11

Adapters

Answer 11

Gestures used to manage emotions.

Question 12

Regulators

Answer 12

Gestures used to control conversation.

Question 13

Immediacy

Answer 13

How close or involved people appear to be each other.

Question 14

Relaxation

Answer 14

The degree of tension displayed by one’s body.

Question 15

Paralinguistics

Answer 15

All aspects of spoken language except the words themselves; includes rate, volume, pitch, stress.

Question 16

Voice Qualities

Answer 16

Qualities such as speed, pitch, rhythm, vocal range, and articulation that make up the “music” of the human voice.

Question 17

Vocalizations

Answer 17

Uttered sounds to do not have the structure of language.

Question 18

Chronemics

Answer 18

The study of the way people use time as a message.

Question 19

Proxemics

Answer 19

The study of how people use spatial cues, including interpersonal distance, territoriality, and other space relationships, to communicate.

Question 20

Monochronically

Answer 20

Engaging in one task or behavior at a time.

Question 21

Polychronically

Answer 21

Engaging in multiple activities simultaneously.

Question 22

Intimate Distance

Answer 22

The space used when interacting with those with whom one is very close (0 to 18 inches).

Question 23

Personal Distance

Answer 23

The space used when interacting with friends and acquaintances (18 inches to 4 feet).

Question 24

Social Distance

Answer 24

The distance most U.S. Americans use when they interact with unfamiliar others (4 to 12 feet).

Question 25

Public Distance

Answer 25

The distance used for public ceremonies such as lectures and performances (12 to 25 feet).

Question 26

Haptics

Answer 26

The study of the communicative function of touch.

Question 27

Professional Touch

Answer 27

Type of touched used by certain workers, such as dentists, hairstylists, and hospice workers, as part of their livelihood; also known as functional touch.

Question 28

Functional Touch

Answer 28

The least intimate type of touch; used by certain workers such as dentists, hairstylists, and hospice workers, as part of their livelihood; also known as professional touch.

Question 29

Social-Polite Touch

Answer 29

Touch that is part of daily interaction in the United States; it is more intimate than professional touch but is still impersonal.

Question 30

Friendship Touch

Answer 30

Touch that is more intimate than social touch and usually conveys warmth, closeness, and caring.

Question 31

Love-Intimate Touch

Answer 31

The touch most often used with one’s romantic partners and family.

Question 32

Demanding Touching

Answer 32

The type of touch used to establish dominance and power.

Question 33

Artifacts

Answer 33

Clothing and other accessories.

Question 34

Communicating Information

Answer 34

Using nonverbal behaviors to help clarify verbal messages and reveal attitudes and moods.

Question 35

Regulating Interaction

Answer 35

Using nonverbal behaviors to help manage conversational interaction.

Question 36

Expressing and Managing Intimacy

Answer 36

Using nonverbal behaviors to help convey affection and closeness.

Question 37

Establishing Social Control

Answer 37

Using nonverbal behavior to exercise influence of over other people.

Question 38

Service-Task Functions

Answer 38

Using behavior to signal close involvement between people in impersonal relationships and contexts.

Question 39

What five functions does nonverbal communication serve?

Answer 39

1. Communicating information
2. Regulating interaction
3. Expressing and managing intimacy
4. Establishing social control
5. Signaling service-task functions

Question 40

How does power influence nonverbal communication?

Answer 40

Power is primarily based on an individuals access economic resources. Economic resources are typically revealed or expressed through nonverbal codes such as clothing, accessories, quality of haircuts, home and car values.

Question 41

Congruent

Answer 41

Verbal and nonverbal messages that express the same meaning.

Question 42

Contradicting

Answer 42

Verbal and nonverbal messages that send conflicting messages.