CMCL C 223

1. Nonverbal Communication
Tamia Mays

2. Power of Nonverbal Messages
On page 56, the author states that nonverbal
messages have the power to:
• Convey feelings:
– (facial expressions)
• Form relationships:
– (Expressing interest through direct eye contact)
• Express truth:
– (“You didn’t hurt my feelings,” however, a person is crying in
reaction to a comment.)
• Culture bound :
– (Thumbs up signal: USA=positive; Middle East=offensive)

3. 6 Functions of Nonverbal
Communication
• Substituting
– Instead of stating it, using your index finger to signal “be
quiet.(pg. 57)
• Complementing
– You can show at the same time that you agree with
someone’s verbal message by extending a nonverbal
message, such as a head nod or handshake.
• Repeating
– If you say “Hello” and wave your hand, you are following
up your verbal message with a nonverbal message.

4. 6 Functions of Nonverbal
Communication cont’d
• Regulating
– Raising your hand during class in order to interject a
comment.
• Accenting
– Using certain voice inflections to emphasize certain words
may be considered as nonverbal communication.
• Contradicting
– The use of sarcasm, not matching verbal statements and
facial expressions, is considered the use of nonverbal
communication.

5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

6. It’s written all over your face.
Nonverbal communication plays a huge role in the way a person
receives the message we are sending. This chapter argues that
most people receive a person’s nonverbal communication over
their verbal communication if the two contradict.
(1) When communicating daily, are you more prone to
believe a person’s nonverbal communication over
their verbal communication? Why or why not?

7. We are the world.
Michael Jackson and friends said it best. However,
communicating cross-culturally continues to be a talent
that some of us lack.
(2) In what ways might nonverbal messages affect
your success when working in a global market?