Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...

UNIT 6: EFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION
Caution
Cross-Cultural Meanings of Nonverbals
Nonverbal language can have meaning that is culture-specific. An example of a
nonverbal behavior that has different meanings among different cultures is eye
contact. In the United States, maintaining strong eye contact indicates that the
listener is attentive and interested in the message. In some Asian cultures,
looking directly into a speaker’s eyes indicates disrespect, while lowering the
eyes indicates polite manners. In the animal world, direct eye contact is a
challenge or form of aggression, while averted eyes mean submission or
harmlessness.
Touching someone while speaking is known as “haptics.” When, where, and
how often we touch each other has cultural significance. Americans tend to
touch each other less than members of many other cultures.
We need to be especially sensitive to cultural differences regarding haptics.
For example, a disaster relief worker in Louisiana successfully calms an elderly,
female hurricane victim by patting her on the shoulder as they talk. The same
worker uses the identical tactic on a male Hawaiian disaster victim and is told
she will be “very sorry if you put your hands on me again.”
“Chronemics” is the timing of verbal exchanges—the pause between the
conclusion of one person speaking and the other replying. For some, a long
wait before a reply indicates lack of attention. However, in some cultures, a
pause before replying indicates a polite and considered response.
Personal space is another aspect of nonverbal communication that is culturally
specific. Within each culture, there are expected personal distances for
different types of relationships. Nonverbal communication can be confusing
when these comfort zones are violated.
Studies indicate that Americans prefer these proximities:
Personal distance – 1.5 to 4 feet. This is the distance typically found
between friends and intimates.
Social distance – 4 to 12 feet. This is the usual distance for social and
business transactions.
Public distance – 12 feet or more. This distance is generally preferred
among strangers in public.
Effective Communication Page 6.13