Week 5: Nonverbal Communication & Congruence
Week 5 Overview
1 min read
Learning Objectives
- 1Identify the major types of nonverbal communication (kinesics, proxemics, haptics, paralanguage, chronemics)
- 2Explain the functions of nonverbal cues (complementing, contradicting, substituting, regulating, accenting)
- 3Analyze how to read and use nonverbal communication effectively
- 4Understand the importance of achieving verbal-nonverbal congruence
- 5Recognize cultural variations in nonverbal communication norms
Why This Matters
Research suggests that 65-93% of the meaning in our messages comes from nonverbal cues. Understanding nonverbal communication helps us send clearer messages, read others more accurately, and avoid the confusion that arises when our words and body language don't match.