1). Because nonverbal messages can be ambiguous, they are open to misinterpretation. Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someones nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal message?
One nonverbal cue that leaves me stumped is the yawn. I have done it to people in conversation and they have done it to me, leaving both of us confused about our listener’s interest level.
Not until recently did I learn that when someone yawns while you are talking it does not necessarily mean that they are bored. In fact, yawning could mean that someone is captivated by a speaker and in high concentration, which could slow their breathing while raising their body temperature, and the yawn is to cool the brain down. This was found in a study by Gallup AC & Gallup GG Jr (2007).
This explanation cleared a lot of mystery for me because sometimes when I was genuinely interested in a conversation, and in deep attentiveness, usually in one-on-one interactions a yawn would just creep up! I have been in fights before, but I have never won with a yawn.
A good way to clear the ambiguity and get an accurate interpretation of this nonverbal cue would be to understand that just because a person yawns does not mean they are bored. Also, realize that someone may be interested in what you are saying; they just may be tired at the same time.
That is why if I yawn awkwardly in a conversation I will just tell them scientifically what just happened, that it means I am just really interested and concentrating on what they are saying. Most of the time I am sure this is the case.
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Your entry was really interesting because of your take on the nonverbal communication. I have never really thought of yawning as a form of nonverbal communication, but as you put it, it can show the interest level of your listener. I can't believe that something a little as a yawn can cause a fight, but again, it is a form of nonverbal communication, so if misinterpreted, it can go sour.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that yawning can show signs of complete interest and attention. Your logic for it makes perfect sense and it is a very interesting observation. I never really agreed with the reasoning that yawning was a showing of disinterest. I always just looked at it as a sign of being tired. While being bored may be a lull, I find it hard to beleieve it makes you tired. If you are watching someone speak and you yawn it could mean many things including the fact that your tired.
ReplyDeleteGood Post!