1
Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) to the above
question as you would in a face-to-face class by stating why you
agree as pertaining to the discussion and by probing questions.
Your response posts need to be at least 200 words each. Please
be sure to validate your opinions and ideas.
Discussion (Sarah)
Nonverbals include everything except actual words (Adams & Galanes, 2021 and
Navarro, 2020). Communicating and speaking are not synonymous. You can
communicate without saying any words. Body language, frequently done automatically
rather than intentionally, uses actions, gestures, and expressions to communicate
nonverbally (Segal et al., 2023). We constantly communicate information about our
values and beliefs without realizing it or speaking a word (Navarro, 2020). Nonverbal
communication is not only important but necessary. Without nonverbal communication,
human interaction fails to make sense (Zhang & Qin, 2022).
According to Adams & Galanes (2021), the categories of nonverbal communication are
appearance, space and seating, facial expression and eye contact, movements, voice, and
timing. The category of appearance deals with first impressions: dress, grooming, body
type, presumed age, etc. Navarro (2020) mentions in his Ted Talk that he was told he
could dress down because the environment at Ted Talk Conferences is relaxed, but he
wore a suit because that is what he feels is appropriate. People in the audience, most
without even knowing it, probably formed an option of him based solely on his dress
before he started talking. Space and seating deal with how much or little space people
are comfortable with between them. Physical space can communicate signals of intimacy
and affection, aggression, or dominance, and the meaning can and will change depending
on the culture (Segal et al., 2023). Facial expressions and eye contact are significant
factors in nonverbal communication. Your facial expression can change the entire
meaning of your words. If you are smiling while you say something, it can mean
something completely different than if you are scowling or frowning while saying the
same words. Some people feel that direct eye contact means paying attention, but you
are lying or uninterested if you avoid eye contact. Movements can deal with hand
movements while talking or other small body movements. Hand movements while
talking can be interpreted to mean that you are passionate about what you are speaking
about. Small body movements such as shaking a foot or leg or tapping a pencil can be
interpreted as anxiousness or annoyance (Adams & Galanes, 2021). Your voice can
indicate if you are excited or upset, depending on your speech’s tone, pitch, and speed
(Segal et al., 2023). An example of how the nonverbal category of timing can be
interpreted is when someone shows up to a meeting late; some people will feel like that
person believes that their time is more important than everyone else’s (Adams &
Galanes, 2021).
2
Nonverbal communication can cause difficulties when dealing with different cultures, or
on the other hand; it can be a way to communicate without speaking the same language.
“Culture plays an irreplaceable role in nonverbal communication” (Zhang & Qin, 2022,
pp. 104-105). The same behavior may mean different things depending on the culture. In
Chinese culture, seeing two young men holding hands is not uncommon, and they are
only thought of as good friends. In Western cultures, the same two young men would be
considered gay. “Eye contact in the United States is a sign of confidence, but in parts of
Asia and the Middle East, it can be seen as rude or challenging” (Schueneman, 2023).
Understanding cultural differences and how to communicate effectively, both verbally
and nonverbally, across cultures is essential to avoiding unintentional offense or
misunderstanding. When used effectively, nonverbals can be used to communicate with
other cultures when language is a barrier. For example, if you are on vacation and need
an extra pillow, the maid does not speak your language. You can pretend you are
sleeping and make snoring sounds to help them understand. Another example would be
smiling at someone going through a difficult situation and trying to show compassion,
even if you cannot communicate verbally.
References
Adams, K., & Galanes, G. (2021). Communicating in groups: Application and skills (11th ed.).
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.eISBN-13: 9781259983283
Navarro, J. (2020, March 31). The Power of Nonverbal Communication [Video]. YouTube.
Schueneman, T. (2023, March 13). Cultural differences in nonverbal communication:
Business. Point Park University Online.
https://online.pointpark.edu/business/cultural-differences-in-nonverbalcommunication/
Segal, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Boose, G. (2023, March 1). Nonverbal communication
and body language. HelpGuide.org.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbalcommunication.htm
Zhang, Y., & Qin, B. (2022). Ways of improving intercultural nonverbal communication
between China and America. International Journal of Education and
Humanities, 6(2), 104–106. https://doi.org/10.54097/ijeh.v6i2.3648
