Ch. 5 Section 2 Notes

Using Nonverbal Communication to create a Professional Image

Characteristics of a Positive Professional Image

  1. Confidence- conveys to others that you believe you can accomplish tasks successfully and you can build positive relationships.
  1. Poise- sends the nonverbal message that you are in control of your communication and the situation.
  1. Assertiveness- does not try to impose his/her ideas on others, they use tact and persuasiveness to take a stand.
  1. Immediacy- perceived by others as approachable, friendly and open. When you sue all of these characteristics you portray a positive professional image.

Types of Nonverbal Communication: (3 Main)

  1. Voice
  2. Body Talk
  3. Environmental Cues

1. Voice

  1. Pitch- highness or lowness of sound on a musical scale

High Pitch- associated with stress, fear, tension, excitement, frustration

Medium Pitch- used when you speak normally

Low Pitch- associated with sadness, concern, uncertainty

Range- variations possible for a speaker to reach

Inflection- the rising and falling of pitch

  1. Volume- use listener feedback to judge appropriateness of volume
  2. Tone- specific vocal quality
  1. Duration- has 2 related components

Rate- how fast or slow an individual speaks

Tempo- rhythmic quality of a person’s speech

  1. pauses & silence- you can communicate more with silence than with sound
  2. laughter- extremely effective nonverbal cue
  1. vocalizations- when you make sounds without forming words or meaning. They send messages about a senders feelings.

2. Body Talk

  1. Personal Appearance- people respond first to what they see.
  2. Dress- culture makes a difference on what’s appropriate
  3. Grooming- Hair- clean, fixed appropriate length

Face- clean (shaven) not too much make-up

  1. Kinesics- use of the body in communication
  2. Posture- shows confidence
  1. Movement and Gestures
  2. Movement- (gait) or the way you walk or move from one point to another
  3. Gestures- movement of any part of the body that reinforces another message or acts as a substitute for speech
  1. Facial Communication-
  2. Eye Comm. –eyes capable of sending powerful nonverbal messages

3. Environmental Cues

A. Spatial Communication- your perception and use of space/distance (4 types)-

1. Intimate Distance- up to 18 inches away from your body, used in

confidence when sharing information.

2. Personal Distance- 18 in- 4 feet. Your space, when people break this

distance they are invading your space. Most family, friends, and

some co-workers use this distance when communicating.

3. Social Distance- 4-12 feet, most appropriate distance for interpersonal

and small group interactions. This distance shows respect.

4. Public Distance- 12-265 feet or more, most often used in formal

Presentations

B. Territory- sometimes we identify a space or territory, claim it, and protect it as

our own. *How you maintain your space or territory sends a variety of

messages about you*

C. Touch- CAN be considered harassment and intimidation and can cause serious

emotional and legal issues, but some touching, hand-shake, pat on the

back, is considered acceptable.

D. Time- how you manage your time is a form of nonverbal communication.

How you use time sends strong messages about you, your perceptions of

others, your relationships with them, and you attitude about

responsibilities.

Other Types of Environmental Cues:

Artifacts- articles of adornment you use to decorate yourself and your surroundings.

Colors- there are nonverbal messages sent by colors

Fragrance and Odor- the sense of smell is believed to provide the most direct link to an emotion. It has great power to instantly evoke memories, feelings and permanent impressions. Fragrance and odor can send powerful nonverbal messages.