SPEAKER: Nonverbal communication is complexbecause things can have different meaningsor interpretations in different cultures.Vocalics is the use of voice to express oneself.It includes tone of voice, volume, articulation, pitch,rate of speech, and use of silence.

SPEAKER [continued]: Voice plays a major role in sharing thoughts and emotions.The same words can have different meaning dependingon how they are delivered.For instance, if someone asks you how you are and you reply--oh, great thanks.This could be genuine, and you could be in a great mood.Or it could be sarcastic and mean the opposite.

SPEAKER [continued]: The voice is also unique to each individual.Some actors and singers have very distinct voicesthat are instantly recognized.Kinesics is the study of body movement,including posture and gestures.People have a certain way of carrying themselvesthat can be their recognizable feature like the way they walk,

SPEAKER [continued]: for instance.Different postures give off different meanings.Standing up straight often projectsconfidence and high self-esteem.Moods and emotions can affect your posture too.You might slump into the sofa when you get homeafter a long day of work.Gestures are movements you make with your hands and arms.

SPEAKER [continued]: Some people talk with their handsto emphasize what they're saying.Others may prefer fewer gestures to avoid distractingfrom their verbal message.The five categories of kinesics include emblems, illustrators,affect displays, regulators, and adapters.

SPEAKER [continued]: Emblems are signs, designs, and figures that identifyor represent something.Flipping someone off with a specific hand gestureis an emblem because it has a direct translationto the written word.Some gestures that have the widest meaning crossculturally include pointing and waving hello or goodbye.

SPEAKER [continued]: Not all gestures have universal meaningsand can be offensive to different cultures.Illustrators are gestures that complement the verbal message.If giving directions, you may point to show the way.Illustrators can also act as substitutesfor the verbal message.For example, pointing to something on a menu

SPEAKER [continued]: that you're not sure how to pronounce.Affect displays are nonverbal gestures, postures,and facial expressions that communicate emotions.Typically, nonverbal cues can be detectedbefore the verbal message.For example, if you're excited, it will show in your faceand your posture and hand movements

SPEAKER [continued]: will express just how excited you are.Regulators are gestures used to control the turn talkingin conversations.You may raise your hand to get a turn to speak.Head nods, vocal expressions, facial expressions,body gestures, and eye contact are

SPEAKER [continued]: all connectors in conversation.Adapters are gestures used to release tension.Gestures like fidgeting, poking, scratching,and interacting nonverbally with our environment.Proxemics is the study of how people use space and distanceto communicate.

SPEAKER [continued]: Have you ever been in a crowded elevatorand felt uncomfortable because your personal space wasbeing invaded?Your relationships with others, your power and status,and your cultural background determinehow close you get to others and how closeyou let others get to you.