Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Running head: VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Shanena R. Jacobs
University of Phoenix
SOC/110
Week Three: Communication Paper
Prof. Munson
Friday, May 21, 2010
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Small group communication is a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication begins with task ordering, process orientation and narrative or fantasy. Nonverbal communication is always occurring whether or not anyone is speaking. When a person finds meaning in an action or statement, whether accurate or misinterpreted this means communication has taken place. In this paper, the writer will discuss the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication. The writer will provide examples on how verbal and nonverbal communication is used in a small group or team setting for effective group or team results. The functions of verbal communication begin with task ordering, process orientation and narrative or fantasy. Task ordering involves cognitive meaning that focuses on either/or choices and creates an understanding about the group’s purposes and processes. Task ordering permits one to judge whether or not the group has been a success or a failure. Process orientation is how one says something and is as important as what one says. Process orientation allows one to gently and diplomatically address issues that can create great difficulties if left to a no-holds-barred task orientation. One of the best ways to differentiate between task and process orientation is to examine the concept of leadership. For example, at the task level, someone is a successful leader if the goal is accomplished. At the process level, the group looks at how the leader accomplishes the goal, whether he or she was successful as a coach, as a participant and motivator (DuBrin, 2000). The third function in verbal communication is narrative or fantasy. Narrative combines both myth and reality,
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Shanena R. Jacobs
University of Phoenix
SOC/110
Week Three: Communication Paper
Prof. Munson
Friday, May 21, 2010
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Small group communication is a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication begins with task ordering, process orientation and narrative or fantasy. Nonverbal communication is always occurring whether or not anyone is speaking. When a person finds meaning in an action or statement, whether accurate or misinterpreted this means communication has taken place. In this paper, the writer will discuss the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication. The writer will provide examples on how verbal and nonverbal communication is used in a small group or team setting for effective group or team results. The functions of verbal communication begin with task ordering, process orientation and narrative or fantasy. Task ordering involves cognitive meaning that focuses on either/or choices and creates an understanding about the group’s purposes and processes. Task ordering permits one to judge whether or not the group has been a success or a failure. Process orientation is how one says something and is as important as what one says. Process orientation allows one to gently and diplomatically address issues that can create great difficulties if left to a no-holds-barred task orientation. One of the best ways to differentiate between task and process orientation is to examine the concept of leadership. For example, at the task level, someone is a successful leader if the goal is accomplished. At the process level, the group looks at how the leader accomplishes the goal, whether he or she was successful as a coach, as a participant and motivator (DuBrin, 2000). The third function in verbal communication is narrative or fantasy. Narrative combines both myth and reality,
References: Harris, T. E. and Sherblom, J. C. (2008). Small Group and Team Communication (Fourth edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson Education Inc.. Remland, M. S. (2000). Nonverbal Communication in Everyday Life. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. DuBrin, A. J. (2000). Applying Psychology: Individual and Organizational Effectiveness. (Fifth edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Bormann, E. G. and Bormann, N. C. (1992). Effective Small Group Communication. (Fifth edition). Edina, MN: Burgess.