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. "Nonverbal communication is all intentional and unintentional messages that are neither written nor spoken. These messages may be contradictory, complementary, or reinforcing" (Abbott, 1992). There are many types of non-verbal communication that can be used to contradict verbal messages, such as facial expressions, eye contact, hand gestures and personal appearance. Observing and identifying behavior in verbal and nonverbal interactions of others can help increase a person's ability to communicate more effectively. Following are examples of observed communication situations in which verbal and nonverbal messages are contradictory.
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CommunicationCommunication Situation # 1
"According to a UCLA study, people evaluate one another using the three V's visual (appearance), vocal (voice), and verbal (what you see). And about 93 percent of a person's communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal communication" (Knight Rider, 2003, pg. 1). This is very true during a job interview. The applicant is being interviewed for an administrative assistant position to work for a vice-presidents of the organization. The applicant arrived on time and was dressed appropriately in a business suit. The applicant greeted the interviewer with a very firm handshake and friendly smile. The interviewer started the interview with small talk and the applicant seemed to be relaxed and appeared to be upbeat, personable and comfortable with small talk. The interviewer started to ask specific questions relating to the applicant's last job. The applicant...