The document summarizes an experiment that tested whether nonverbal or verbal communication is more effective at influencing people. Participants were asked to rate unfamiliar products, with the goal of getting them to rate a dog USB drive highly. One group received verbal instructions without vocal emphasis, another with vocal emphasis on the USB, and a third received verbal instructions plus body language emphasis on the USB. The group with nonverbal cues rated the USB highest, supporting the hypothesis that nonverbal communication is better for influencing people. The study aims to help understand persuasive communication techniques.

1. The Effect of Nonverbal and Verbal Communication on the Advertisement of Ideas Helen Zhao Amity Regional High School

2. Abstract The purpose of this project is to identify which form of communication is most useful to influence participants to produce a desired outcome. It is hypothesized that nonverbal communication will be more successful in producing a desired outcome than verbal communication. This field of study is important because once fully explored, the justice department could be more successful in capturing and convicting criminals using simply either verbal or nonverbal communication. Officials could obtain the truth easier and the use of aggressive methods could be greatly reduced. In this experiment, participants were given surveys to fill out where they rated a list of odd and unfamiliar products. The goal was to influence them to rate the dog USB highly, either a 9 or 10, based on how funny they thought it was. The control group of participants had results similar to the groups given vocal instructions-the ratings were mixed.

3. Introduction Prof. Albert Mehrabian’s study at UCLA found 93% of effective communication is nonverbal. Another study at UCLA shows that the impact a performance gives is determined by 38% vocal cues and 55% body language.

4. Introduction Studies at Erasmus University show that consumers with a positive experience with a product use abstract language to describe it. Ohio University studies show that people reject popular opinion if they already have opposing opinions.

5. Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to identify which method of communication is most useful in influencing people to get a desired outcome.

6. Question Which method of communication, verbal or nonverbal, is best to be used to influence people? Do verbal cues in vocal communication help in influencing people?

7. Hypothesis Studies have shown that effective human communication consists of 93% nonverbal communication and only 7% verbal communication. Therefore, nonverbal communication is better suited for influencing participants. Also, verbal cues will help verbal communication.

8. Variables IV-usage of verbal communication or nonverbal communication, usage of verbal intonation DV-survey results of how high the participants rated the USB dog (targeted product) Constants-environment, age group, survey Control-Verbal Communication with vocal cues + body language

9. Materials 20 participants Consent forms Surveys rating odd and unfamiliar products Writing Utensils An empty classroom Actor/Actress 2 Audio recordings

13. Procedure Group 3: Language + Verbal Instructions without vocal cues The surveys and writing utensils were distributed to the participants. Instructions and descriptions of the products with a neutral tone were given by the actress in addition to body language to provide emphasis when describing the USB. Body language included using hand motions when describing to USB to accent and enforce the description of the product. Participants rated the products on a scale of 1-10 so that no number was repeated twice. After the participants finished the survey, it was collected.

15. Data

16. Data Rating of Dog

17. Conclusion Group 3 had the highest rating Group 1 had the lowest rating, Group 2’s rating only a bit higher than Group 1

18. Conclusions The use of nonverbal communication to influence people is very effective. The use of verbal communication with vocal cues influences participants to rate the dog USB slightly higher than verbal communication without vocal cues

19. Errors/Recommendations Outbreaks of giggles affected opinions of others Increase number of participants to increase reliability Attract attention of participants to actress

20. Future Studies Specifically, what types of body language are best for influencing people? Charm Force/Fear

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23. Questions/Comments