Listening - the ability to read nonverbal cues

THE ABILITY TO READ NONVERBAL CUES Adam Behnke

One aspect of becoming a better listener is the ability to read nonverbal cues. This includes noticing and being able to answer, "why?" to how a person is communicating.

As a result of my module, the student will be able to realize more about the listening process and allow himself or herself to become better at reading nonverbal cues.

Script and Storyboard:

Annie clearly wants to discuss something with Mark.
Notice:
she is establishing eye contact with him
she is using her hands
she is facially expressive

Mark wants to listen to Annie, but the variety of outside stimuli is hindering his ability to do so.
Notice:
the movement of people in his line of sight
the amount of noise he is able to hear
the interjection and interruption by a friend about "Portal 2," a completely different subject
the cards that appeal to Mark and divert his attention from Annie

Annie and Mark both decide to go into Mark's room, a 1-on-1 setting away from all of these distractions.
Notice:
he can maintain eye contact here
he directs his body posture towards her
he can continually notice more of her behavior and nonverbal cues
he is able to be a better listener and she is less frustrated with him

The more interactions Mark has with Annie, the more practice he has at understanding her nonverbal cues.
This gives him a better chance of understanding what her body language, pace of delivery, vocal expression, eye contact, and facial expressions mean.

Disruptions of/ Guidance for Reading Nonverbal Cues:
1-on-1 setting = simpler = better chance at understanding nonverbal cues
it is harder to understand and decode the nonverbal cues of an individuals when many other individuals are also interrupting and sending exhibiting nonverbal cues themselves

Part of reading and understanding nonverbal cues is simply being present to the speaker
you show involvement and attentiveness in the conversation through eye contact, body posture, and attentiveness

3. Higher Frequency of interaction =
greater amount of practice at decoding nonverbal cues =
better chance of noticing and understanding nonverbal cues

References:

Carton, J. S., Kessler, E. A., & Pape, C. L. (1999). Nonverbal decoding skills and relationship well-being in adults. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 23, 91-100.

Jones, S. M. (2011).  Supportive listening.  International Journal of Listening, 25 (1-2), 85-103.
Lieberman, M. D., & Rosenthal, R. (2001). Why introverts can't always tell who likes them: Multi-tasking and nonverbal decoding. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80, 294-310.

Norton, R. W., & Pettegrew, L. S. (1979).  Attentiveness as a style of communication:  A structural analysis.  Communication Monographs, 46, 13-26.
Rosip, J. C., Hall, J. A. (2004). Knowledge of nonverbal cues, gender, and nonverbal decoding accuracy. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 28, 267-286.

Smith, S. (1995). Perceptual processing of nonverbal-relational messages. In D. Hewes (Ed.), The cognitive bases of interpersonal communication (pp. 87-112). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Zakahi, W. R., Goss, B. (1995). Loneliness and interpersonal decoding skills. Communication Quarterly, 43, 75-85.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Listening