Chp. 3 -- Nonverbal Communication

Question 1

What is the difference between spontaneous and symbolic communication?

Answer 1

Spontaneous communication = a sender’s non voluntary display of inner emotional states and a receiver’s direct and immediate sensory awareness of those states
Symbolic communication = involves use of arbitrary symbols, socially defined and intended to convey specific messages

Question 2

What are 5 basic characteristics of nonverbal code?

Answer 2

1) Nonverbal codes are give more credence and are more trusted than verbal forms of communication.
2) Are more emotionally powerful.
3) Are influenced by culture but do express more universal meaning.
4) Nonverbal codes are continuous and natural.
5) Occur in clusters.

Question 3

How do nonverbal messages modify verbal messages?

Answer 3

Complement, accent, repeat, substitute for, or contradict verbal messages.

Question 4

Know regulator olfaction, oculesics, chronemics, etc.

Answer 4

Olfaction = messages we attach to smells emitted by the body 
Chronemics = interpreting messages associated with time (ex: a doctor's time is more important than a patient's time)
Haptics = message we send via touch

Question 5

What do the authors say about personal space?

Answer 5

Personal space = an imaginary bubble extending out from our bodies; it is considered to be as private as the body itself

Question 6

Know Scott and Lyman’s 4 types of territory.

Answer 6

Intimate distance (0-18 in.) = reserved for lovemaking and very private conversations
Personal distance (18 in.-4 ft) = range at which one is comfortable with friends and acquaintances
Social distance (4-12 ft) = used for business transactions and role relations
Public distance (12-25 ft) = appropriate for public ceremonies, speechmaking, classroom lecture, etc.

Question 7

What is kinesics?

Answer 7

Study of body movements such as gestures, posture, and head, trunk and limb movements (gaze and facial expressions sometimes considered).

Question 8

What are differences between men and women, whites and minorities in gaze?

Answer 8

Women tend to gaze more than men and are more uncomfortable when visual contact is cut off.