Lecture Notes: Kinesics and Nonverbal Communication

Introduction to Kinesics

• Kinesics: Study of body language and how it's used to shape messages.
• Many kinesiology majors enter fields like sports medicine.

Body Language in Communication

• Body language plays a crucial role in conveying messages non-verbally.
• Example: A person poses for a picture, the photographer calls them beautiful, and captures their non-verbal reaction.
  • Changes in body language occur even without verbal response.

Importance of Facial Expressions

• Facial expressions are culturally bound and convey emotions.
• Seven globally recognized emotions: Surprise, Anger, Disgust, Fear, Interest, Sadness, Happiness.
  • Cultural interpretations of these emotions vary.
  • Example: Smiling may be perceived as a sign of weakness in some cultures.

Oculessics: Study of Eye Movement

• Eye contact used to gauge truthfulness.
• We have a bias towards thinking others lie more than they do.
• Eyes are considered the 'windows to the soul' and are a primary form of communication, especially with non-verbal infants.
• Eye contact and aversion can convey different meanings based on context.

Understanding Gestures

• Gestures: Visible body movements that can convey meaning.
• Types of Gestures:
  • Emblems: Direct substitutions for words.
  • Illustrations: Gestures that emphasize or explain words (e.g., a child showing how much they love using wide arms).
  • Affect Displays: Gestures showing feelings (e.g., high fives, hugs).
    • Example: A child expressing affection openly with gestures like hugs and kisses.
  • Regulators: Gestures indicating whose turn it is to speak during conversations.

Conclusion

• Nonverbal communication, through body language, facial expressions, eye movements, and gestures, plays a significant role in how messages are conveyed and interpreted. Cultural context is crucial in understanding these nonverbal cues.