Verbal / Nonverbal Observations

It is not what you say; it is the way you are sitting. Have you ever listened to someone and heard what he or she said, but felt puzzled for some unknown reason? If so, you probably were receiving nonverbal communication that was not consistent with the verbal communication. Personal behavior is critical in a person's ability to communicate effectively. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is related and very important in our interactions with others. "…

…messages cannot contradict what you say or the listener will place more emphasis on the nonverbal meaning. Most important, remember that nonverbal messages are different in every culture and each person within that cultural will interpret nonverbal messages differently. Abbot, L. F. (1992). What you don't say speaks your message, Herald, Rock Hill, S.C., pg. 10. B, (1992, May 10) Knight Ridder Tribune News Service (2003). Follow these tips to make a strong impression, pg. 1, (2003, July 7) Pearson-Nelson-Titsworth-Harter, (2003), Human Communication