Chapter 4: Nonverbal Communication
Chapter Outline:
1. Body Basics
2. Interpreting Nonverbal Messages
3. Multicultural Messages
Embedded Files
Learning Objectives:
1. Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal communication.
2. Use body language to reinforce your verbal message.
3. Recognize when someone is not telling the truth.
4. Explain how the same gesture can have different meanings in different cultures.
Describe the range of emotions portrayed by the characters in this series of clips from Friends.
Chapter Vocabulary Terms to Know:
nonverbal message
body language
eye contact
tone of voice
gesture
personal space
intimate distance
personal distance
social distance
public distance
Section 1: Body Basics
See how well you can interpret nonverbal messages: Match the action in with the message from the choices below. (A-E)
1. Slapping your forehead with the heel of your hand
2. Wrinkling your forehead and frowning
3. Tapping your fingers on a desk or table
4. Slamming a book down on a desk or table
5. Wrinkling your nose.
A. "I'm angry."
B. "I forgot something."
C. "I'm getting impatient."
D. "I don't understand."
E. "I don't like that."
6. In Amy Cuddy's presentation, she explains how positive body language and "power poses" can be beneficial to us in stressful situations. Besides a job interview, think of two additional situations when her advice might be beneficial to you in the future. If no one is looking, would you be likely to do some of the activities she suggests? Why or why not?
Section 2: Interpreting Nonverbal Messages
1. Because we try to disguise our real feelings from time to time, reading body language can be difficult. Describe some ways we can use body language to distinguish genuine feelings from false ones.
2. How can you tell a real smile from a phony one?
3. Watch the video clip of Lucy and Ethel above. What emotions are expressed by the two characters at the beginning of the clip? As the assembly line belt accelerates, what do you notice about their body language and facial expressions? What emotions are present by the end of the clip?
Section 3: Multicultural Messages
1. Give 3 examples of how greetings may differ from one country to another.
2. How does touch affect men and women differently?
Thinking Critically
3. According to the 2 articles by Business Insider, How important is it to be familiar with the body language customs of other cultures? Would it be better if all cultures had the same body language? Why or why not?
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