Body Movements are portrayed as ones facial
expression, gesture, and posture;. Body movements are learned at a young age
and are normally passed down from generation to generation; often meaning different
things to different people. For example, In Japan, it is disrespectful to look
a person in the eyes during conversation; however, in American it is a sign on
sincerity.
Body movements serve several purposes besides
depicting ones attitude and/or feelings. Body movements can also create
illustrations to help place emphasis on a story. In addition, body movements can also serve as
nonverbal indicators and or/ regulators of conversation. For example, when a
person nods his or her head, it indicates to the speaker that he or she
understands what the speaker is saying.
Spatial relationships can be recognized as the
measure of distance between speaker and listener. Spatial relationships are
also known as Proxemics – the study of what you communicate by the way you use
space. For example, if you are nervous when giving a speech, you may choose to
stand behind a podium rather than out in the open. Spatial relationships
provide a measure of intimacy between two people; the closer you are to a
person, the more intimate and vice versa.
In chapter 5, McKay, Davis,
& Fanning (2009) explain the meaning and elements of both Paralanguage and
Metamessages.
Paralanguage is the vocal component of
speech. Paralanguage includes 6 different elements: pitch, resonance,
articulation, tempo, volume and rhythm. All 6 elements vary depending on a
person’s emotional state. Without each element, a person’s paralanguage would
be referred to a monotone and boring. By discovering and practicing your own
paralanguage, you can become an expert in public speaking.
Metamessages communicate a person’s attitude
and feelings. Metamessages are largely communicated through a person’s pitch, rhythm
and verbal annotations. Metamessages can
often be described as interpersonal conflict. If a person places too much
emphasis on a particular word, a message can be construed as negative or disrespectful.
For example, if you tell a colleague that you expect all documents to be
complete before submitted; the word expect can be construed both negatively and
positively depending on the persons tone of voice. A person can interoperate a
message incorrectly due to pitch being used by the speaker. In order to refrain
from negative interoperations, one must place equal emphasis on all words
within a given sentence.
In chapter 6, McKay, Davis,
& Fanning (2009) discuss the 8 hidden agendas found in face to face
communication.
1.
“I’m good” – This person’s
agenda is caring and sensitive. The “I’m good” character plays the role of the hero;
showing the world that he or she is courageous. However, the hero is generally
not his or her authentic self.
2. “I’m good, (but you’re not)” – This person’s agenda is to prove
that he or she is right by showing just how bad everyone else is.
3. “You’re good (but I’m not)” – This person’s agenda is flattery; he
or she attempts to sweet talk his or her way out of doing something.
4. “I’m
helpless, I suffer” – This type of person often plays
the role of the victim.
5. “The blameless” – This type of person always pleads innocent.
6. “I’m
Fragile – This type of person cannot handle the truth and always tells stories
about betrayal.
7. “I’m
Tough” – This type of person often takes on more than he or she can handle;
giving the impression that he or she is tough.
8. “I
Know It All” – This person is a one upper. He or she only communicates to prove
how much he or she knows.
The Purpose of Agendas – Agendas serve two functions
1. To
build up and preserve and existential position – this agenda serves as a way to
cope with ones feelings.
2. To
promote ulterior motives – flattery can only get you so far; however, it can
provide a person with the antidote needed to get what he or she wants.
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