Muddiest points clarified

Artifacts are physical representations that can be used to identify us such as cars, jewelry, clothes, furniture, collections, and décor. They can overlap with physical appearance except physical appearance is more about appropriateness in this context and not identification.

If we wear a suit to an interview, it may not identify who we are necessarily.

Nonverbal communication can be intentional or unintentional and should not be used a sole basis for judgments or conclusions.

4 similarities of verbal and nonverbal comm.
1. Both can be intentional or unintentional
2. Both are culture bound: we are socialized into our understanding of society, it is not innate
3. Both are symbolic: open to interpretation
4. Both are rule guided by constitutive and regulative rules

Constitutive deals with what is appropriate behavior: we mourn at funerals and celebrate at weddings

Regulative deals with whom we disclose what information: we talk about sex with intimate partners and grades with teachers.

Responsiveness, Liking, and Power deal with common norms in society and how we show these ideas through nonverbal behavior.

Responsiveness: eye contact and nodding to show we are paying attention

Liking: hugs and smiles to show interest

Power: pats on the back to praise and standing up to show dominance

We can monitor nonverbal behavior, it is just not very natural and it is not so easy to see how we are viewed by others. We can say that “I caught myself rolling my eyes and I know she thinks I disagree”. This is a way to monitor our behavior.

Haptics is touching. It is typically used to supplement verbal comm. A waiter may place their hand on the back of a new guest at a restaurant to greet them and make them feel welcome.

Silences can be positive or negative. We can sit in quiet with those we are comfortable with and not feel that we are being negative. For instance, if someone has a long day and just needs quiet to relax. It can be used as a defense mechanism or a weapon. For instance, when someone says; “We are not on speaking terms” this can be seen as negative. And then you have the awkward silence. This usually occurs in situations with strangers or perhaps people that we have unresolved issues with.

Bring any further questions to class!!!