What Messages Can We Observe Nonverbally - 2420 Words

What messages can we observe nonverbally? As discussed in class, non-verbal communication can send stronger relational messages in many cases than verbal messages alone. With every culture having norms relating to non-verbal communication, a lot can be lost or forgotten in translation with many being left solely up to personal interpretation. Some mild examples of non-verbal communication are, smiling or making eye contact, facing a certain way in the elevator, moving or making room when passing someone, smiling apologetically for almost bumping into someone. Why are norms important? Norms are important because it helps to keep people grounded, in such a way so as to use discipline for actions dictated by laws, and social expectancies.†¦show more content†¦I also believed it would be a good place to see what norms people are violating unknowingly. People in general relay a great deal of information without even speaking; this is called nonverbal communication, and at the mall there is no exception. Nonverbal communication are â€Å"messages expressed by nonlinguistic means† (Adler, Proctor 188). Nonverbal communication transport just as much meaning as written or verbal communication. we as human beings can read and react to these nonverbal signals sometimes faster than verbal ones. Body language is a key type of nonverbal communication that includes body movement or gestures, which is called kinesics. Kinesics â€Å"is the study of body position and motion† (Adler, Proctor 198). There are several possible signs that can be communicated through body movements. Also, the movements we make can provide nonverbal cues given through facial expressions, eye contact, or touch, these can all influence or illicit individual interactions. I’m expecting to see at least one person break a norm unwittingly, whether t hrough invading personal space or by, walking the wrong side of the stairs, possibly even someone doing an act of kindness. For this observation at Westfarms mall I decided to sit in the lower level of Center Court, where Starbucks is located. I went on a busy Saturday afternoon around 2:00 pm. I knew there would be a lot of people because I used to work at the mall and Saturday is the busiest