Nonverbal Communication

 Principles of Nonverbal Communication.

   Four principles enhance insight into how nonverbal communication influences meaning in human interaction. 

• Nonverbal communication may supplement or replace verbal communication.
• Nonverbal communication may regulate interaction.
• Nonverbal communication often establishes relationship - level meanings.
• Nonverbal communication reflects and expresses cultural values.

   I am going to explain these principles as examples without any description. So, I think it is easy to understand anybody. 

Nonverbal communication may supplement or replace verbal communication.

• Nonverbal behavior may repeat verbal messages.

Example - you might say "yes" while nodding your head.

• Nonverbal behavior may highlight verbal communication.

Example - you can emphasize particular words by increasing your volume.

• We use nonverbal  behavior to complement.

Example - you might say "I'm glad to see you" with a warm embrace.

• Nonverbal behaviors may contradict.

Example - when someone says "Nothing's wrong" in a hostile tone of voice.

• We sometimes substitute nonverbal behavior for verbal cues.

Example - you might point to the left when asked to give directions.

Nonverbal communication may regulate interaction.

Example - 

Don't say,

• "You turn to talk" 
• "I have finished speaking"

Instead,

• Turn taking in conversation usually is regulated nonverbally.
• When we are through talking, we look at others to signal, "now somebody else can speak."

Nonverbal communication often establishes relationship - level meanings.

Responsiveness.  example-

• face to face
• smiling 
• making eye contact
• head nodding

Liking.   example-

• smiles and friendly touching convey positive feeling.

Power.    example-

• we use nonverbal behaviors to assert dominance.

Nonverbal communication reflects and expresses cultural values.

Example - 

• Many Brazilians stand closer together in shops, busses and elevators and when they bump in to one another, they don't apologize or draw back.
• Many people raised in traditional Italian and Jewish communities are more emotionally expressive than people raised in English or German communities.