Nonverbal expressions, such as handshakes, posture, gestures, and head movements can communicate power and social dominance. Small cues like firm handshakes, good posture, interrupting conversations, and how one nods can influence how authoritative a person seems in social situations. However, these expressions can be easily misinterpreted between men and women. For example, men often nod to show agreement while women may nod simply to indicate they are listening. Such misunderstandings of nonverbal cues can potentially lead to disagreements. While some use such expressions to manipulate power dynamics, they are also common ways people unconsciously navigate social hierarchies.

1. By: Ross Homer-Bouthiette
al s of
erb ion
nv ss
No pre
Ex
POWER
Dominance

2. #1
What are nonverbal expressions
of power and dominance?

3. Nonverbal expressions of power and dominance are
*gestures or motions {not communicated through
that assert one’s talking}
authority over another

4. Which
Include
...

5. Handshakes

6. Waving

7. 
Smiling

8. Nodding & Shaking The
Head
Plus
Even the colors
you wear affect
Others’ Perceptions
of your authority

9. In Ancient Rome . . .
Leaders and higher status
members of society adorned
their clothing with
PURPLE
to distinguish themselves as
noble or wealthy.

10. Presently. . .
People tend to think more highly
and attribute greater authority to
others wearing
RED

11. Wi
#2
谁 hi?
e?
Wh C
だれ
o?
Qui?
Wer
?
か
ποιοι
誰
?
em
Qui
én? KTO?
Qu

12. Absolutely
Everyone

13. Everyone jousts
for authority
in everyday
speech and
conversational
patterns

14. Some people openly and
aggressively attempt to
assert their dominance
in social contexts

15. Others subconsciously
employ strategies for
social advancement
without realizing

16. stly
La
Some are given authority
through no fault of their,
but through the perceptions
of others.

17. #3
So what’s the point?

18. Why manipulate
social power?
Throughout the entire existence of humans,
power struggles have been an ever eminent theme

19. It is the human condition
to strive for power and
dominance in social settings

20. Being able to effectively use
nonverbal expressions will allow for
greater social power and dominance
Simple gestures can provide a basis
for establishing authority

21. A firmer handshake ,
better posture
, and
causing slight
interruptions in conversation
can raise authority in group situations

22. Criticism
#4

23. With nonverbal expressions of power
and dominance being an unspoken means
of communication,
many peers view them as
a means of manipulation
for self gain.

24. Placing these gestures and motions
in a cynical category based only on
the possibility that when used with
certain intent the outcome can be
DISASTROU

25. The gender difference of
nonverbal expressions
of power and
#5
dominance

26. Men and women view the world differently. . .
And as a result the
perception
of nonverbal expressions
are
different

27. For
Example

28. While interacting with a member of
the opposite gender, the smallest of
gestures is interpreted with alternate
meaning

29. Nodding
is one of the most misinterpreted
nonverbal expressions during cross-
gender communication.

30. Most women interpret a nod, as
a signal that what has been said
was thoroughly listened to and
understood.
The opposite is generally true as
well, a nod from a woman during
conversation is meant to indicate
understanding of the conversation on
behalf of the woman.

31. WHILE

32. Men nod and interpret a nod during
conversation as a confirmation of
agreeing with the concept being discussed

33. It is small
miscommunications
& misinterpretations
such as nodding that can lead to
Disagreement
& Confrontation.

34. Image Credit in order of Appearance
Meez Photography. (2009). Speechless. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meez_photography/3931012358/sizes/m/in/photostream/
(2010). Passive aggressive. [Web Photo] Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prozac74/4355840483/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Dombrowski, Q. (2010). Hi from Bill Clinton. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/5038168800/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Amadeus, G. (2008). Pedalpalooza 2008. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielamadeus/2461223819/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Harris-Roxas, B. (2006). Beer o’clock. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosydney/103834807/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Loux, N. (2010). Day 38 of 365 days of love! (Explored!). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikki_loux/5253517352/sizes/l/in/photostream/