Nonverbal Communication Paper
Nonverbal Communication Paper
Theresa Puryear
EDU/380
10/20/2014
Jennifer Kubach
Title of Paper
What is nonverbal communication? Nonverbal communications consist of “any communication that occurs between people, usually within each other’s presence by means other than spoken or written words or the signs of a sign language.” ((Levine, 2009) there are many types of nonverbal communication one in particular would be body language, body language can range anywhere from facial expressions, gestures, or body movements, by using any of these you can communicate with someone in many ways.
Body Language Body language is believed to comprise up to 90% of our total communication ((Karr, 2013). In the United States there are many gestures used that stand for something we want to say nonverbally. For example, when we meet someone or if we want to greet someone we normally would exchange handshakes. In America, the cultural gesture of shaking hands upon greeting is considered to be the norm when doing a person to person introduction. Also, here in America if you were to refuse to shake hands with a person, you would be considered a rude person.
There are also different types of handshakes for instance, a firm handshake sends the message that you are a strong person, however if you would take a look at the gesture of a handshake in another country such as Asia a firm handshake there is seen as the person is aggressive (Rugsaren). Another popular gesture used here in the United States is the “ok” gesture; this sign when used shows that you are in agreement with whomever you are exchanging the sign with, however if using this same gesture in another part of the country like Brazil, this gesture means that you are sticking your middle finger up at them.
The gesture used here for “thumbs up” which has a similar meaning as the “ok” gesture when used in another country would be considered a great insult. Going back to our traditional handshake if you were to travel to the
Theresa Puryear
EDU/380
10/20/2014
Jennifer Kubach
Title of Paper
What is nonverbal communication? Nonverbal communications consist of “any communication that occurs between people, usually within each other’s presence by means other than spoken or written words or the signs of a sign language.” ((Levine, 2009) there are many types of nonverbal communication one in particular would be body language, body language can range anywhere from facial expressions, gestures, or body movements, by using any of these you can communicate with someone in many ways.
Body Language Body language is believed to comprise up to 90% of our total communication ((Karr, 2013). In the United States there are many gestures used that stand for something we want to say nonverbally. For example, when we meet someone or if we want to greet someone we normally would exchange handshakes. In America, the cultural gesture of shaking hands upon greeting is considered to be the norm when doing a person to person introduction. Also, here in America if you were to refuse to shake hands with a person, you would be considered a rude person.
There are also different types of handshakes for instance, a firm handshake sends the message that you are a strong person, however if you would take a look at the gesture of a handshake in another country such as Asia a firm handshake there is seen as the person is aggressive (Rugsaren). Another popular gesture used here in the United States is the “ok” gesture; this sign when used shows that you are in agreement with whomever you are exchanging the sign with, however if using this same gesture in another part of the country like Brazil, this gesture means that you are sticking your middle finger up at them.
The gesture used here for “thumbs up” which has a similar meaning as the “ok” gesture when used in another country would be considered a great insult. Going back to our traditional handshake if you were to travel to the