6.3 Functions of Nonverbal Communication数字时代的商务英语写作.pdf

Nonverbal Communication 6.3FunctionsofNonverbal Communication Hello,everyone.Welcomebacktoour course. In this section, we’ll talk about the functions of nonverbal communication.What doweusenonverbal communication for andwhy? Altogether, there are five functions of nonverbal communication: repeating, complementing, substituting, regulating and contradicting. Let’slook atthem oneby one. The first function of nonverbal communication is repeating. In this case,nonverbal communication isusedtogether with verbal onetorepeat what the speaker is saying. For example, when you say “yes”, you will nod your head; when you are giving someone directions: turn left and then go straight ahead. You will at the same time use gestures to show directions and when you say “quiet”, you may put your index finger to your lips. In these examples, nonverbal behaviors are used to repeat or emphasizethe verbal message, although they couldhavebeen used alone toconveythesamemeaning. The second function is that nonverbal behaviors can add to or complement a verbal message. This function is related to repeating, but not the same. For example, smile and say, “Hi, How are you?” Bow and say:“Im sorry” Pat ones shoulder and say “Goodjob”. Here, smiling, bowing and patting may have different meaningswhen used in different situations.However,when they areused together with “Hi, how are you?” “I’m sorry.” and “Goodjob”, they are giventhe specificmeaning,that is,tocomplementtheverbalmessage. The third function is substituting. When verbal communication is impossible or inappropriate, nonverbal messages may substitute for verbal ones. For example, in a quiet situation where verbal communication would be disturbing or in crowded or loud places, we may use gestures to substitute for words. There are also times when we know it’s better not to say something aloud. For instance, if you want to signal to a friend that you think his or her date is a loser,