Question

According to our reading, there are several different functions of nonverbal communication. To help demonstrate your comprehension of the different functions of nonverbal communication, please compare and contrast three recent interpersonal communication moments in your life where you used a certain type of nonverbal communication for one or more of the designated functions of nonverbal communication. In each example you should explain the specific type of nonverbal communication used and what specific function(s) of nonverbal communication were applicable in your example.

Answer 1

Three recent interpersonal communication moments in my life where I used a certain type of nonverbal communication for one or more of the designated functions of nonverbal communication are:

1. While giving a presentation in my social psychology class I was pointing both my hands in the direction of the audience so that I could focus on the particular point I was trying to make, This is a type of nonverbal function which complements verbal communication.

2. While bargaining in a market and coming across the fact that the shopkeeper is nowhere close to what you tend to pay for the item I walk away from that stall/store moving my head up and down saying “Yes” verbally but actually showing the shopkeeper that I’m not interested. This type of nonverbal communication is a function which contradicts verbal communication.

3. There are few nonverbal communications which we do as a function to our culture, in my case, being an Indian, I tend to tilt my head from one side to the other, swifting and quite unknowingly to conform to or affirm something.