Non Verbal Communication - Sign Theory, Code Systems and Proxemics

Sign Theory (e.g., Semiotics) 3 fields

• Semantics - the study of how signs relate to things ... the sign as designator.
• Syntactics - the study of how signs relate to other signs … how are signs organized into sign systems?
• Pragmatics - they study of how codes are used in everyday life.

Nonverbal Code Systems

• General Characteristics
• Analogic - continuous, forming a spectrum or range.
• Iconicity - resemblance to the thing being symbolized.
• Universal meaning - some codes may be biologically determined` e.g., emotions
• Simultaneous transmission - several nonverbal messages can be sent at once.
• Automatic response
• Spontaneity

Proxemics Edward Hall, proxemics refers to the study of how humans construct and manage “microspace”

• The ways in which space is used and interpreted are cultural matters.
• Humans’ use of space can be thought of as a specialized elaboration of culture.
• Proxemics is related to haptics - touching behavior; commmunication via touch.

Types of Space

• Fixed-feature space
• Semifixed-feature space
• Informal Space

Types of Distance

• Intimate Distance
• Personal Distance
• Social Distance
• Public Distance

Non Verbal Communication Theory - Kinesics

"A man stands inside of a closed glass phone booth. You cannot hear a word he says, but you see his postures, gestures, and facial expressions. You see his kinesics."

Marjorie F. Vargas (Louder Than Words, p. 67)

Kinesics
Kinesics is the nonverbal code system of bodily activity; “body language.” Major theorists are R. Birdwhistell, and P. Ekman and W. Friesen

Kinesics - Birdwhistell Birdwhistell’s Six Key Assumptions 1.  All body movements have meaning potential in communicative contexts. 2.  Behaviour can be analysed because of patterns and repetitions. 3.  Although body action has biological limits, the use of body motion in interaction is part of the social system. 4.  People’s visual bodily activity can influence others. 5.  Communicative functions of bodily activity can be studied. 6. A person’s use of bodily activity will have unique, idiocyncratic aspects while also being part of a larger social system shared with others. -- R. Birdwhistell, Kinesics and Context, 1970

Kinesics - Ekman and Friesen Ekman and Friesen’s work emphasizes face and hands.  They propose three ways to analyse nonverbal behaviour: 1.  Origin - source of the act (innate, species-constant, or variant). 2.  Coding - the act-meaning relationship (arbitrary, iconic, intrinsic). 3.  Usage - what does the behaviour do, how does it convey information (communicative act, interactive act).

Ekman and Friesen assert that all nonverbal behaviour is one of five types: 1.  Emblems - precise meaning 2.  Illustrators - depict verbal message 3.  Adapters - facilitate release of bodily tension 4.  Regulators - control or coordinate interaction 5.  Affect displays - presentation of feelings and emotions -- Ekman & Friesen, Unmasking the Face, 1975

Choosing the best method of Communication

Professor Albert Mehrabian - Non Verbal Statistical Formula

The Mehrabian Formula

• 
  Theory prevalent in mid-late 1900's
• The most widely reference communication statistics ALTHOUGH
• The theorist never intended the formula to be used so freely
• "Silent Messages" is a key text
• The theory highlights the importance of understanding meaning in communication by not just recognising the spoken word.

"Successful communication between people depends as much on the non-verbal message as the verbal one."  pg. 50 Lawrence, D (2000) Building Self Esteem with Adult Learners. Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd.

The Power of Non-Verbal Communications

Non-Verbal Communication and Technology (with a little help from my friends!)