Verbal and nonverbal communication in small groups was presented by five students. They discussed definitions of communication concepts, theories of group structuration, appropriate verbal communication styles, organizing remarks, categories and significance of nonverbal signals, and challenges with computer-mediated communication groups due to lack of nonverbal cues. The presenters aimed to provide an overview of effective verbal and nonverbal communication within groups and different communication mediums.

1. Verbal & Nonverbal Communication in Small Groups Presented by: Shaun A. Weiand (OLS) Seth Leeper (ECET) Misty Alverez (Sociology) Jeff Holdaman (ECET) Chris Ulman (Aviation Mgmt)

2. Definitions Structuration Theory Appropriate uses of language Appropriate usage of abstract words Organization of personal remarks Types and wording of questions Phrasing of questions Principles and functions of nonverbal communication Significance of the major categories of non verbal signals Computer-Mediated Communication Chapter Objectives

3. Message = any action, sound or word used in interaction

4. "Theory of Stucturation" By: Marshall Scott PooleDavid SieboldRobert McPhee

5. Group members do not come to group with a clean slate Although people pick up rules/standards for behavior from their general culture, there is no law that forces them to follow those rules The group is never finally created Structuration Theory Assumptions

6. Verbal Communication Follow rules of standard English Proper structure Correct grammar Avoid Slang Yo Sup

7. Adjust to Symbolic Nature of Language “What does the speaker mean?” Guard against bypassing Bypassing: two or more people do not realize they have different meanings for the same word Be precise and concrete Avoid abstract language

8. Understanding the “Rules of the Group” What is the group’s atmosphere/standards of behavior Co-cultures/frame of reference Benefits of understanding “the rules” Better communication Greater influence Advance toward goals faster

9. Organize Your Communication Stay on topic State one point at a time Be concise and concrete Relate statements to previous statements Listener participation

10. Avatars

12. Space and Seating

13. Facial Expression and Eye Contact

14. Movements or Gestures

15. Voice

17. Space and Seating Group Ecology: group’s space created by seating and furniture arrangement choices. Facing each other increases cohesiveness. Functionality will be affected violations. Seating arrangements indicate respect and cohesiveness.

18. Facial Expression and Eye Contact Both are very important nonverbal behaviorisms. Other often used nonverbal communications are microexpressions. Microexpressions last only about 1/15th of a second. recognition of these indicators are a trainable asset.

19. Movements or Gestures Gesturing movements include hands, arms, and body signals. Inclusive postures are leaning towards, open armed, and smiling. Exclusive postures are leaning away, crossing arms, and sneering. The fascinating aspect of movements is when they are subconscious.

20. Voice Vocal cues include: pitch, speed fluency, loudness. Indicate the speaker’s mood. Backchanneling can increase or decrease cohesiveness.

21. Timing Timing cues are both culture-related and relational. Being late in US business world is considered undisciplined. Leaving early is considered disinterested.

22. Always Remember!!!!! No nonverbal action can definitively state with a high degree of confidence feelings or beliefs.

24. Examples Email Chatroom Net Conferencing Text messaging

25. Problems With CMG Inability to decipher people’s nonverbal communication Misinterpretation of responses

27. Influences

28. Technology

29. Complexity of Group Task

30. Creativity Social Presence

31. Technology Asynchronous Communication Communication with a delay between messages Less social presence created Synchronous Communication Simultaneous Communication Creates more social presence Complexity of Group Task The higher the complexity, the less effective some CMGs become Social Presence Influences

32. Creativity Users can make creative ways to increase social presence Examples Moderators Emoticons Sandwiching Net Conferences Social Presence Influences

33. Verbal & Nonverbal Communication in Small Groups Presented by: Shaun A. Weiand (OLS) Seth Leeper (ECET) Misty Alverez (Sociology) Jeff Holdaman (ECET) Chris Ulman (Aviation Mgmt)

34. Questions?