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Discussion Questions
Chapter 8: The Nonverbal Code
1. When you observe the nonverbal behavior of others, what do you notice first?
2. How does your style of dress identify you as a member of a particular culture?
3. What types of gestures have you used today to communicate without words?
4. How do you communicate intimacy nonverbally?
5. Without using words, how do you communicate to someone that you do not understand what
he or she is saying?
6. How many products have you used today that manipulate the way you smell?
7. How do you feel when someone (a stranger) is staring at you in class or at the lunch room?
ETHICS AND THE NONVERBAL CODE
Below are some situations for your students to consider that take into account concepts from Chapter
Eight.
1. Recently, the author of this excellently written text had a female international student enrolled in his
class. At one of their first meetings, the author extended his hand to her as a greeting. She refused to
shake his hand and said it was against her culture’s rules to shake the hand of a male. What do you
think? As a visiting international exchange student, should she have shook hands with the author?
2. Recently, the author of this excellently written text had several international students enrolled in his
class. Oftentimes in his class, the author distributes handouts to the students. The international students
asked that he not use his left hand to pass them the handouts. What do you think? Is their request
unreasonable? Should the author comply?
3. A student recently complained that his roommate, who is an international exchange student, bathes
only occasionally and smells bad. What do you think? Should the student say something to his
roommate? Perhaps the roommate is comfortable with the natural scent of the human body.
4. The author of this excellently written text was interacting with a student from South Korea who
refused to make direct eye contact with him. The student explained that in his country making direct
eye contact with his father or uncle or any male of higher status was a sign of disrespect and conflict.
The author told the student that direct eye contact with him was acceptable, but the South Korean
student could not comply.
