Non-Verbal Communication

Question 1

High-context vs Low-context

Answer 1

High context - cultures that rely heavily on NVC.

Low context - cultures that rely heavily on VC.

Question 2

Emblems

Answer 2

Gestures that can stand alone to convey meaning without speech (thumbs up, middle finger).

Question 3

Kinesics

Answer 3

Study of body language/NVC through body movements, crucial for de-escalating situations.

Question 4

Proxemics (4 main “zones” of personal space)

Answer 4

1. Intimate - reserved for closest relationships.
2. Personal - close conversations.
3. Social - professional interactions (maintaining authority while remaining approachable).
4. Public - public speaking/formal situations.

Question 5

Haptics

Answer 5

Experience with technology - phones, gaming controls (sense of touch).

Question 6

Oculesics

Answer 6

Eye behaviour (eye contact, eye movement).

Question 7

Autism Spectrum (ASD)

Answer 7

• Those with ASD have a smaller range of facial expressions and may not be viewed as “empathetic.”

Question 8

Paralanguage vs. Artifacts

Answer 8

Paralanguage - HOW something is said, rather than WHAT is said (raising voice).

Artifacts - what someone wishes to communicate about themselves (clothing).

Question 9

4 differences between VC and NVC

Answer 9

1. Channel (VC uses verbal words, NVC uses channels like facial expressions, tone, gestures).
2. Awareness (VC is more conscious, can carefully choose words, NVC is more spontaneous).
3. Ambiguity (NVC is more uncertain - gestures can have different meanings in different cultures/contexts).
4. Impact (NVC can have greater impact than VC - especially in revealing emotions/attitudes).

Question 10

Speech illustrators vs. Emblems

Answer 10

Speech illustrators - pointing for emphasis, outlining shapes in the air, counting on fingers.

Emblems - thumbs up, shushing gesture, middle finger.