Verbal and Nonverbal Signals in Small Group Communication

1
Verbal and Nonverbal Signals in Small Group
Communication

• Effective group members send and interpret verbal
  signals in harmony with nonverbal signals and
  realize that all their actions are potential
  messages to other members.

2
The Nature of Language
3
Language and Culture
4
Language, Culture, and Gender
5
Problems Resulting from Language Choices

• Bypassing
• Lack of clarity
• High-level abstractions
• Ambiguity
• Emotive words

6
Improving Communication by Organizing Remarks

• Relate your statements to preceding remarks
• Speak concisely
• State one point at a time

7
Nonverbal Signals in Small Group Communication
8
Principles of Nonverbal Communication

• You cannot stop sending nonverbal signals to
  other members of a small group.
• Nonverbal signals are highly ambiguous.
• When nonverbal and verbal signals seem to
  contradict each other, people will usually trust
  nonverbal signals.

9
Functions of Nonverbal Communication

• Supplementing the verbal
• Substituting for words
• Contradicting verbal messages
• Expressing emotions
• Regulating interaction
• Indicating status relationships

10
Types of Nonverbal Signals

• Physical appearance
• Space and setting
• Eye signals
• Facial expressions
• Movements
• Vocal cues
• Time cues
• Touch