Analytical Paper: Nonverbal Communication

Alyssa
Com 100 Section 22
11/12/12
Analytical Paper
Non-Verbal Communication

Non-Verbal communication is one of the oldest forms of communication, originating back to years beyond recording time. Every day people are succumbed to thousands of non-verbal cues, and many of them are sent without realizing it. People use these cues to send a message and create meaning to other people without actually vocalizing anything. According to experts, an extensive share of our communication is nonverbal. Every day, we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues and behaviors including postures, facial expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles, nonverbal details reveal who we are and impact how we relate
The book went on to describe many of the aspects still studied today. Soon after that research on the subject matter began to flourish and more and more people began to discover the importance of nonverbal communication on the individual, the different types, and also the different functions of nonverbal communication. While these cues are so elusive, they do in fact have a very strong impact on the nature of people and society as a
Although it can not necessarily be seen or heard it is always there and has a forceful influence over the society as a whole. While the main function of nonverbal messages seems to be communicating information, it serves a number of other purposes as well, which would be why it is so important in day to day life. It can be used to regulate interactions, which would be like putting your hand up to stop someone from talking on the telephone. Additionally one can express and manage intimacy through this, and many couples display this through hugs and kisses, both publically and in private. A fourth function on nonverbal communication is establishing social control. This could be shown through shooting a nasty glare over at noisy people in the library or smiling at someone in return for a favor. Lastly, nonverbal communication can be used as a service task function. For example, doctors often have to engage in very intimate touch as a part of their jobs. This is a socially accepted procedure, and therefore is appropriate. Throughout my life, I have seen all of these functions take action. I have seen students raise their hands when they want to speak, regulating interaction. I have both seen and experienced public affection, demonstrating expressing and managing intimacy, and have smiled at a stranger who picked up my dropped dollar, establishing social control. The functions of nonverbal communication can go deeper and deeper in