Nonverbal communication is
vital for small group functions. There are eight principles of nonverbal
communication.
One important principle is
the second one stated in the book: our nonverbal communication is likely to be
believed more than our verbal communication. This principle explains that one
cannot just verbally make a statement. One’s actions are what make the
statement believable. During a small group project last semester, each member
in the group chose what task they were going to complete. One person did not
finish their task, resulting in trust lost. Throughout the duration of the
project, it was much more difficult to work with that person because we did not
trust them.
Another essential principle
is the fourth principle: nonverbal behaviors are guided by the context and
power of relationships. This principle states that actions are guided by “doing
the right thing at the right time” (99). A good example would be my coworkers.
I work with many patients and customers in a doctor’s office/retail environment.
We are required to be very kind to each person that we provide services to
because of the power of the relationships. If we are rude, then we lose our
relationships with the people that put the money towards our paychecks. Our
actions are significant for successful small group communication.
i too also believe nonverbal commmunication sometimes be more belivevable than what they verbally say. I think in a classroom enviornment, it comes in handy. I work with kids at an elementary school, and when you ask all the kids in a group if they are all done with their homework, most kids say yes. Then, you ask the kid who you are suspicious about and you can tell by where they are looking at and how there body is positioned that they are lying. Kinda funny really lol
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