Discussion

1. Create a list of five situations in which nonverbal communication helped you to accurately interpret verbal communication. Use the functions of nonverbal communication in your description.
2. Reflect upon the functions of nonverbal communication and provide an example from your own life for each function.
3. List and define the categories of nonverbal communication. For each category, make a list of corresponding nonverbal behaviors that are discussed in this chapter and add to this list from your own experiences.
4. Recall a situation in which you interacted with someone whose nonverbal behaviors stood out for positive reasons. Describe the situation and nonverbal behaviors. Why do you consider nonverbal behaviors to be positive?
5. Recall a situation in which you interacted with an individual whose nonverbal behaviors detracted from the individual’s ability to communicate effectively. Describe these nonverbal behaviors and suggest what the individual could do differently.
6. Select a nonverbal specific behavior such as greeting through a wave or eye contact. Use this nonverbal behavior in a manner that is inconsistent with the accepted use of this nonverbal behavior. For example, avoid eye contact completely with a friend or kiss a friend on the cheek instead of simply saying hello. Make a note of your reaction as well as the reaction of your friend. (Be prepared to explain your behavior to your friend.)
7. Take an inventory of your nonverbal communication skills by answering the following questions. Do you believe nonverbal communication is important? Why or why not? Which subcategories of nonverbal communication are your strengths and weaknesses? How can you improve on these weaknesses?

Homework

Choose an empirical research article pertaining to nonverbal communication. Then, write a reflection to answer the following questions:

1. Explain the behavior being studied – what is the thing this study is looking at? What do we already know about this behavior?
2. Explain the study in detail. What is this specific study looking at? What is their hypothesis (in your own words) and what is their methodology? Give the independent and dependent variables.
3. Explain the findings. Discuss both the raw results, as well as the general findings and conclusion.
4. Create a take-home message and why these results are important and relevant for understanding intercultural communication.

Discussion questions for “Part Seven: Nonverbal and Verbal Messages Across Cultures” are from “Chapter 5: Nonverbal Communication” in Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships by Jason S. Wrench, Narissra M. Punyanun-Carter, and katherine S. Thweatt licensed CC BY-NC-SA.

“Homework for Part Seven: Nonverbal and Verbal Messages Across Cultures” by Dr. Kathryn Weinland is licensed CC BY.