Troy Dulles

Behavioral Dynamics
OGL 220
Chapter 9 -Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

INSTRUCTOR: Layne Gneiting

Chapter Summary

● In chapter 9, it discusses the differences between verbal and nonverbal

communication. Nonverbal communication can best be described as not

being involved. Verbal communication is the act of being involved in a

conversation or task.

Quotes

● “In other words, many times we are not aware of the nonverbal cues we are

sending in our communication. Therefore, they have great powers either to

reinforce our spoken message, or to undermine it.” (p. 234)

○ This quote stood out to me because we often send out signs of us not

listening or paying attention in a conversation without us even

knowing it. This is exactly what nonverbal communication can be

depicted as.

● “The first principle of effective communication is that language must be clear

and specific.” (p. 220)

1
 ○ This quote stood out to me because I disagree, I believe listening is the

first step in effective communication because without listening,

nothing can be accomplished.

Human Code

● This chapter reveals communication as either a strength or weakness,

depending on the situation and the conversation. Verbal communication is

the act of participating and listening in a conversation. This is considered a

strength for humans because it's the act of successful communication.

Nonverbal communication is the exact opposite, it is being cold and not

open. This is seen as a weakness to humans.

Hacking the Human Code

● This chapter reveals that communication is the way to hack into the inter-

human self by either being a verbal communicator and participating, or

nonverbal where you just shut out what is being spoken.

Experiment

● For this week's experiment, I was to test the difference between verbal and

nonverbal communication. In person, on the phone, it didn't matter. I was

to test it and see the differing responses.