Functions & Purposes
The term that reinforces spoken words, such as nodding while saying "yes"
Complementing
What does good posture typically communicate in a professional setting?
Confidence and authority.
In Euro-American culture, what does direct eye contact typically indicate?
Interest, confidence, or honesty.
What is the study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication called?
Haptics
What is the study of personal space and its effect on communication called?
Proxemics
When someone’s body language contradicts their spoken words, which nonverbal function is at play?
Contradicting?
What is the term for unconscious movements like playing with a pen or touching one’s face, often associated with nervousness?
Fidgeting / Manipulators.
Why might a handshake be considered an inappropriate greeting in some cultures?
some cultures prefer bows, nods, or verbal greetings over physical contact.
If someone looks away while speaking, does this always mean they are lying? Why or why not?
No—some people naturally avoid eye contact due to personality, cultural norms, or anxiety
Why do people of higher status tend to have more personal space or larger office spaces?
It symbolizes power, authority and social status.
Two people from different cultural backgrounds rely heavily on nonverbal cues in their interactions, how might misunderstandings arise?
Misinterpretation of gestures, facial expressions, and personal space?
A speaker is making a persuasive argument but avoids eye contact and has closed-off body language. How might their audience perceive them?
less credible, unconfident, or even deceptive.
How does Television reinforce gender stereotypes related to nonverbal communication
Portraying women as focused on appearance and attractiveness (One's Hot)
Men are depicted as emotionally controlled and independent. (One's Cool)
Why do people tend to trust public speakers less when their nonverbal cues don’t match their words?
Signals a disconnect/insincerity between what the speaker is saying and what they truly feel
Two colleagues are assigned to work together on a project. One consistently stands close when speaking, while the other keeps taking a step back. Based on proxemics, what might be happening?
There's different cultural or personal space preferences.
Why do people often trust nonverbal cues more than spoken words when there’s a conflict between the two?
Nonverbal cues are more difficult to consciously manipulate
How can affect blends make it difficult to interpret facial expressions?
Multiple emotions can be expressed simultaneously, making it hard to determine a person’s true feelings.
why might women be better at reading emotions than men?
Lower social power, traditional roles (child care), heightened awareness of social and emotional cues (more observant)
A person says, “I’m not mad” but speaks in a loud, fast-paced tone with clenched fists. Why are their words likely to be ignored?
nonverbal cues are more authentic
How might nonverbal communication differ in a high-stress emergency room compared to a casual coffee shop?
ER: direct, urgent, and task-oriented
CS: relaxed, friendly, expressive
Imagine you’re giving a speech on an emotional topic. How could you use nonverbal communication to strengthen your message without speaking?
through body language, facial expressions, tone variation, pauses, and strategic gestures
Two people from different cultures are in a business negotiation. One maintains direct eye contact, while the other looks away frequently. What cultural differences in kinesics might explain this?
some cultures see it as engagement, others as disrespect.
A business executive from a monochronic culture meets with a client from a polychronic culture. How might their expectations about time cause conflict?
The monochronic executive expects punctuality and strict scheduling, while the polychronic client prioritizes relationships and may arrive late or multitask
what are two challenges in detecting deception through nonverbal cues?
1. Ambiguity
2. Personal Biases
How can territoriality impact group dynamics in a classroom or workplace setting?
People can become uncomfortable, defensive, territorial if their space is taken away, affecting collaboration