Direct Communication and Nonverbal behavior

Gilberto Castro-Bernal
Salt Lake Community College
COMM 1010-705
October 25, 2016

No individual is perfect. I, like many people, have many flaws, but an area that I seem to
struggle with significantly is communicating effectively. My challenges in this area vary, but
some of the ones that seem to be currently the most relevant are direct communication and

nonverbal behavior. The latter plays an important role in all aspects of my life but the former is
more of a problem in the workplace. I recognize these issues and seek to start alleviating them
with the recommendations in this proposal.
Description of Problem:
Direct conversations has both positive and negative aspects. It must be used judiciously
in order for it to accomplish the communicator's intentions in a way that is received well by the
decoder. I struggle using this kind of language in work, especially with my manager. I think that
being able to be direct with someone above you in the workplace is an important skill to have
and can have potential negative side effects if not used. An example of this is that of Korean Air
flight 801, in which the plane was in good condition, and while the weather was bad, it was not
life threatening. The pilot cannot see the runway and alarms begin to go off as the plane moves
closer to the ground. The flight engineer suggests the pilot pull up and try again twice before the
captain agrees, but it was too late to save the plane from its ultimate demise (Gladwell). Had the
engineer been more direct with the pilot, lives could have been saved. While my work will end
with someones life if I am not direct with my manager, it will impact my own financial wellbeing, the safety of the food, and the experience of the customer.
Nonverbal behavior is more of a difficult thing for me to analyze. I think that I am pretty
effective at stepping outside of myself in order to identify ones problems, but this has such a
strong visual link that is almost impossible. Not entirely, of course, but it takes a conscious effort
to be aware of when you are or are not conveying nonverbal messages. I think my issue lies more
with not using nonverbal cues as a tool for communication. When thinking on why I try to show
as little emotion as possible because I perceive it to be a weakness I cant help but attribute this
mind set to my culture. American culture certainly upholds the standard that men arent to show

emotion, but Mexican culture takes this to the extreme, with the endemic concept of
Machismo. When speaking in a formal setting, I do purposely speak with my hands, which is
ultimately very superficial and somewhat hitlerian.
Resources and Constraints:
Direct communication is not a new struggle in the workplace, so many business-type
organization have provided their suggestions on how to be more effective in that area. The
textbook is a good source for both of my problems. This resources will help me as they often
have advice for those who have similar difficulties, allowing me to relate and implement more
easily.
Recommendations:
Understanding stood out as the key to direct communication, according to Forbes (Cox).
Both parties must understand that they are attempting to see the other person's perspective if they
are to take that kind of conversation well. Also, surprisingly me to me, it is beneficial to provide
some background information before you tell them whatever it was you wanted to tell them. This
surprised me because I have always seen this as a trait of indirect conversation, and still think it
is, but I see how providing some information before you begin is helpful. If you dont the
receiver might be confused and even defensive if you are delivering criticism. Forbes had
specific advice for my predicament as well, recommending to be dispassionate when there is a
power imbalance. I plan to implement these techniques in my work by setting up the
conversation with background information. Currently, my manager is the one that approaches
me, or when I talk to him about my schedule I tell him I sort of need some days off or I think
Id like to work more but I think Forbes has a point when it recommends to say your reasons

first. This will make my manager more understanding of my requests and put me in a better
position when negotiating my hours.
The text goes over nonverbal communication pretty thoroughly throughout the book. In
chapter seven: Verbal and Nonverbal Messages, the most direct advice is given. It gives a lot
of importance to self-monitoring which is instrumental in catching yourself from making the
same mistakes and helping you look better as a professional(Adler). Also trying to show interest
and attempting to be aware of nonverbal conventions as they show your audience that you are
genuinely engaged and care about what they have to say. The attempt to show interest will help
me the most as my facial expressions are neutral the majority of the time and I tend to speak with
a flat voice. I do sometimes try to alter my voice to show interest but it is pretty obvious that it is
a conscious attempt. With facial expressions, I do use a direct eye gaze as the book suggests
already but could use help with animation. The book isnt very specific, just saying [use]
positive facial expressions but I interpret that to mean you should happy, engaged and
approachable. I will attempt to strategically move my eyebrows and nod to convey that I am
listening and not angry with what they are saying. A half-smirk would also be beneficial I think,
as it shows Im happy with them talking but not in a sassy or creepy kind of way. As far as
approachability goes, more of a smile would be appropriate since right now I have slight resting
bitch face or RBF (a real thing, and, despite its sexist connotation, affects both genders equally)
(Mazza).
Conclusion:
My struggles with communicating directly with authority figures and not using nonverbal
messages effectively is not unique to me and is relievable on a personal basis. If one attempts to
see the other party's point of view, and sets up the conversation to be understandable, direct

conversation will be much easier. If one attempts to monitor their own nonverbal behavior, show
interest, and be aware of cultural variances, they can communicate effectively beyond words. If I
implement the recommendations provided I will undoubtedly have more authority as a
professional and in my day to day interactions.

Works Cited:

Adler, Ronald B., Jeanne M. Elmhorst, and Kristen Lucas. Communicating At Work: Strategies

for Success in Business and the Professions. 11th ed. 2013. Print.
Cox, Rebekah. "The Best Way To Use Direct Communication In The Workplace." Forbes.com.
N.p., 10 Feb. 2016. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: The Story of Success. 1st ed. New York: Little, Brown and
Company, 2008. Print
Mazza, Ed. "Science Finds Resting Bitch Face Is Real -- And Men Can Have It, Too" The
Huffington Post. N.p., 4 Feb. 2016. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.