Chapter 3: Using Verbal and Nonverbal
Messages
Chapter Context
This chapter describes how to make verbal messages clear, six strategies for supportive communication,
unique characteristics of nonverbal messages, and eight types of nonverbal messages.
Outcome-based Outline
Outcome
Learning Objectives
Communication
3.1 Describe the three characteristics of clear
verbal messages
Knowledge of Discipline
3.2 Identify and illustrate different ways of
communicating supportive verbal messages
3.3 Explain how an understanding of nonverbal
messages is important to be an effective
leader.
3.4 Identify and describe the different forms of
nonverbal messages
Discussion Question Bank
This discussion question bank provides a listing of discussion questions (1-2 per module),
which are included for in-class use.
Module
Discussion Question(s)
3.1 Communicating Clear Verbal
Messages
1. Discuss how can people effectively
communicate and interpret messages at the
workplace using both denotative and
connotative methods. Please provide
examples to support your answer.
2. Analyze the need for a right mix of
technology and strategy to achieve clarity in
verbal messages.
3.2 Communicating Supportive
Verbal Messages
1. Examine the various strategies that can be
used to combat a hostile environment in the
workplace.
2. Explain the different strategies for supportive
communication. How do they help solve
problems rather than control others?
3.3 Understanding Nonverbal
Message Characteristics
1. Discuss how nonverbal messages cross
cultural boundaries when conveying
information effectively. List a few steps by
which we can prevent some of our nonverbal
messages from being misconstrued.
2. Assess the importance of reading nonverbal
messages and navigating emotions
accordingly in the workplace.
3.4 Using and Interpreting
Nonverbal Messages
1. Examine the roles physical appearance and
physical action play in conveying nonverbal
messages effectively.
2. Discuss the various categories of gestures
that are important for direct verbal
translation. Illustrate how they help control
the interaction and flow of communication
between people.
Research Assignments
The following research assignments pertain to the main topics and/or themes of the chapter.
Please respond by writing a paper consisting of 1,000–1,500 words.
Using and Interpreting Nonverbal Messages
Your ability to use and interpret nonverbal messages effectively at the workplace depends
on your ability to recognize various sources of nonverbal messages. Write a report analyzing
Experiential Activity
Do Clothes and Artifacts Define Us?
Goals
•
To explore stereotyping
•
To discuss appropriate clothing choices for the workplace
•
To discuss gender issues
•
To explore cultural differences
•
To discuss accuracy of judgments from these items
Time of exercise
Determined by
instructor
Materials
Articles of clothing and artifacts may be brought in or photos may be downloaded onto
power point and presented in a slide show. Or a combination of each. Examples of
articles of clothing can be tee shirts,
sports teams’ hats, fraternity/sorority paraphernalia, briefcase, backpack, pocketbook,
Procedure
1. Hold up each item of clothing and/or artifact and discuss who is likely to wear this?
2. What impression does one get about the person wearing it?
3. Would culture affect one’s views of this item?
4. What about differences in gender?
5. How appropriate is this for the workplace?
Discussion
Explore stereotyping
Discuss gender issues
Discuss cultural
differences
