Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

Second, individuals must believe nonverbal communication is important and impactful. Awareness
of nonverbal communication without the belief that it is important can result in negative outcomes. For
example, students in nonverbal communication begin to learn about the importance of clothing and
general appearance in creating impressions. Some students “rebel” against the idea that appearance and
clothing matter stating, “people should accept me no matter what I am wearing.” While this would be
ideal, the fact of the matter is that humans size up other humans using visual cues in initial interactions.
Lastly, individuals can analyze their nonverbal communication. This can be accomplished in several
ways. Individuals might observe the behavior of individuals who seem to be liked by others and to whom
others are socially attracted. The individual should then compare the behaviors of the “popular” person
to their own behaviors. What differences exist? Does the other individual smile more, make more or less
eye contact, engage in more or less touch, etc.? Based on this comparison, individuals can devise a plan
for improvement or perhaps no improvement is needed!
In addition to awareness of nonverbal communication, believing that nonverbal communication is
important and analyzing one’s own behavior, individuals should be aware of nonverbal immediacy.
Immediacy is defined as physical and psychological closeness. More specifically, Mehrabian defines
immediacy as behaviors increasing the sensory stimulation between individuals. 36 Immediacy behaviors
include being physically oriented toward another, eye contact, some touch, gesturing, vocal variety, and
talking louder. Immediacy behaviors are known to be impactful in a variety of contexts.
In instructional, organizational, and social contexts, research has revealed powerful positive
impacts attributable to immediacy behaviors, including influence and compliance, liking, relationship
satisfaction, job satisfaction, and learning, etc. In the health care setting, the positive outcomes of
nonverbally immediate interaction are well documented: patient satisfaction, 37,38 understanding of medical
information, 39,40 patient perceptions of provider credibility, 41 patient perceptions of confidentiality, 42
parent recall of medical directives given by pediatricians and associated cognitive learning, 43 affect for
the provider, 44,45 and decreased apprehension when communicating with a physician. 46 Individuals can
increase their immediacy behaviors through practice!
Key Takeaways
Voice, body movement, eye contact, and facial expression can be assessed and
improved upon to become a more effective communicator.
Successful communicators can be observed and modeled.
Practicing nonverbal communication is no different from practicing other skills,
such as playing an instrument or cooking.
Exercises
Record your voice and listen to the recording several times. Use the questions
included in the “analyze your voice” section of this chapter. Make a note of areas
where you believe you are doing well and areas where you may need improvement.
Ask a friend to listen to your voice and respond to the question for additional
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