📞Intro to Public Speaking Unit 9 – Nonverbal Communication in Public Speaking

What's Nonverbal Communication?

• Encompasses all forms of communication that do not involve spoken or written words
• Includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and tone of voice
• Conveys emotions, attitudes, and intentions, often unconsciously
• Plays a crucial role in interpersonal communication and public speaking
• Can reinforce, contradict, or substitute for verbal messages
• Accounts for a significant portion of the meaning conveyed in face-to-face interactions (up to 93% according to some studies)
• Helps establish rapport, trust, and credibility with an audience

Why It Matters in Public Speaking

• Enhances the impact and effectiveness of a speech by adding depth and nuance to the message
• Helps engage and maintain the audience's attention and interest
• Conveys the speaker's confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity, making the message more persuasive
• Allows the speaker to establish a connection with the audience and build rapport
• Provides visual and auditory cues that help the audience understand and remember the message
• Can influence the audience's perception of the speaker's credibility, competence, and likability
• Enables the speaker to adapt to the audience's reactions and adjust the delivery accordingly

Types of Nonverbal Cues

• Kinesics: body language, including posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact
  • Posture can convey confidence, openness, or defensiveness
  • Gestures can emphasize points, illustrate ideas, or show emotions
• Paralanguage: vocal cues that accompany speech, such as tone, pitch, volume, and pace
  • Tone can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions (friendly, sarcastic, or hostile)
  • Pitch variations can add emphasis or convey excitement or boredom
• Proxemics: the use of space and distance in communication
  • Personal space can indicate intimacy, familiarity, or power dynamics
  • Proximity to the audience can create a sense of connection or distance
• Haptics: the use of touch in communication, such as handshakes or pats on the back
• Chronemics: the use of time in communication, such as punctuality or the duration of a speech
• Appearance: clothing, grooming, and accessories that convey information about the speaker's identity, status, or values

Body Language Basics

• Posture should be upright, relaxed, and open, conveying confidence and approachability
• Gestures should be natural, purposeful, and synchronized with the verbal message
  • Illustrators: gestures that reinforce or clarify the verbal message (pointing, counting on fingers)
  • Emblems: gestures with specific cultural meanings (thumbs up, OK sign)
  • Adaptors: self-touching gestures that help manage emotions or physical needs (adjusting clothing, fidgeting)
• Avoid distracting or repetitive gestures that can detract from the message
• Use body language to create a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and engagement with the audience
• Be mindful of cultural differences in body language interpretation

Facial Expressions and Eye Contact

• Facial expressions are powerful nonverbal cues that convey emotions and attitudes
  • Smiling can convey warmth, friendliness, and approachability
  • Frowning can indicate disapproval, concern, or concentration
  • Raised eyebrows can show surprise, interest, or skepticism
• Eye contact is crucial for establishing a connection with the audience and gauging their reactions
  • Maintain eye contact with individual audience members for 3-5 seconds before moving on
  • Distribute eye contact evenly throughout the room, including all sections of the audience
  • Avoid staring, which can be perceived as aggressive or confrontational
• Use facial expressions and eye contact to convey sincerity, engagement, and responsiveness to the audience

Vocal Variety and Paralanguage

• Vocal variety involves using changes in pitch, volume, pace, and tone to add interest and emphasis to the message
  • Pitch variations can convey emotions, create a sense of melody, or add emphasis to key points
  • Volume changes can be used to draw attention, create contrast, or convey intensity
  • Pace variations can help maintain interest, allow for processing time, or create a sense of urgency
• Paralanguage refers to the non-lexical aspects of speech, such as intonation, stress, and pauses
  • Intonation can convey meaning, attitude, or intention (rising intonation for questions, falling for statements)
  • Stress can highlight important words or phrases and create a sense of rhythm
  • Pauses can be used for emphasis, to allow for processing time, or to create anticipation
• Avoid vocal fillers (um, uh, like) that can detract from the message and undermine credibility
• Use vocal variety and paralanguage to enhance the verbal message and engage the audience

Space and Appearance

• Proxemics involves the use of space and distance in communication
  • Public speaking typically occurs in the social zone (4-12 feet) or public zone (12+ feet)
  • Adjust proximity to the audience based on the size of the room, the formality of the occasion, and cultural norms
  • Use space strategically to create a sense of connection, authority, or intimacy with the audience
• Appearance includes clothing, grooming, and accessories that convey information about the speaker
  • Dress appropriately for the occasion, considering the audience, purpose, and context
  • Choose clothing that is comfortable, professional, and reflective of your personal style
  • Pay attention to grooming details, such as hair, makeup, and hygiene
• Use space and appearance to enhance your credibility, create a positive impression, and establish a connection with the audience

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication norms vary across cultures, and misinterpretations can lead to misunderstandings
  • Eye contact: direct eye contact is valued in Western cultures but may be considered disrespectful in some Asian cultures
  • Gestures: some gestures have different meanings in different cultures (thumbs up, OK sign)
  • Personal space: cultural norms for personal distance vary (Latin American cultures tend to prefer closer proximity than North American cultures)
• Be aware of cultural differences in nonverbal communication when speaking to diverse audiences
  • Research the cultural background of your audience and adapt your nonverbal communication accordingly
  • Avoid gestures or behaviors that may be considered offensive or inappropriate in certain cultures
  • Use nonverbal cues to show respect, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity

Practicing and Improving Your Nonverbal Skills

• Nonverbal communication skills can be developed and refined through practice and self-awareness
  • Record yourself speaking and analyze your nonverbal communication, identifying strengths and areas for improvement
  • Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or mentor who can provide feedback
  • Seek opportunities to speak in front of diverse audiences and adapt your nonverbal communication accordingly
• Incorporate nonverbal communication into your speech preparation and rehearsal process
  • Plan and practice gestures, facial expressions, and vocal variety that reinforce your message
  • Visualize yourself delivering the speech with confident, engaging nonverbal communication
• Continuously assess and adjust your nonverbal communication during the speech based on audience feedback and reactions
  • Pay attention to the audience's nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, posture, and engagement level
  • Adapt your nonverbal communication in real-time to maintain connection and enhance the impact of your message