Unit 4: Nonverbal Communication
Overview
Nonverbal communication shapes the ways that we connect with others, often without us even realizing it. Whether it’s through a friendly wave, a reassuring smile, or the way we naturally lean in when we’re interested in a conversation, nonverbal cues play a significant role in our daily interactions. This unit addresses the theories and practices of nonverbal communication, including body language, eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It might surprise you just how much we “say” without even speaking a word! By understanding nonverbal signals, you can become more aware of the messages that you are sending and receiving. This awareness can help you to navigate social situations more effectively.
As we explore the different types of nonverbal communication, you’ll start to notice how these subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) cues impact your relationships, how you’re perceived by others, and even how you feel about yourself. From the space you naturally keep between you and others, to the way you use your hands when you talk, this unit will break down these everyday behaviours and show you how they can enhance—or sometimes complicate—your communication. Paying attention to the nonverbal cues that you use and being able to decode those that others provide can help you to construct and consume messages in ways that enhance your communicative experiences.
Topics
Unit 4 contains the following topics
- Topic 1: Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication
- Topic 2: Theories and Elements of Nonverbal Communication
These readings, together with the activities in this digital textbook, will give you an introduction to how the theory and practice of nonverbal communication play out in your everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
- Define and discuss the functions of nonverbal communication.
- Identify nonverbal signals and how they affect verbal messages.
- Understand and employ strategies for improving, sending, and interpreting nonverbal messages.
- Identify examples of gender and cultural differences in nonverbal communication.
- Identify examples of nonverbal communication in relational and professional contexts.
Activities and Graded Assessments
Activities
| Activity Number | Activity Description |
|---|---|
| Activity 1 | Personal Reflection Journal – Reflection Question 1 |
| Activity 2 | Reading – Introduction to Human Communication |
| Activity 3 | Personal Reflection Journal – Reflection Question 2 |
| Activity 4 | Personal Reflection Journal – Reflection Question 3 |
| Activity 5 | Reading – Nonverbal Communication |
| Activity 6 | Interactive – Image Pairing Activity |
| Activity 7 | Reading – Space and Territoriality |
Graded Quizzes and Assignments
At the end of the unit, please open your Moodle course and complete the following assessment(s):
- Quiz 4 (3%)
Activity 1: Personal Reflection Journal – Reflection Question 1
Please answer the following reflection in any format you like (such as in writing, a video, note form, or a drawing). Save your reflection responses in one large file so you can refer to them later in the course if needed.
Reflection Question 1:
Think about a recent interaction you had where words weren’t the primary form of communication. What nonverbal cues did you notice, and how did they influence the tone or outcome of the interaction?
Media Attributions
AllGo – An App For Plus Size People. (2019, November 15). Confident person with their hand on their hip [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-wearing-white-sweatshirt-and-red-and-brown-accordion-skirt-ZAbdSzJnFtQ
