Chapter 6-Universals of Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

This chapter introduced the message system and examined some of the similarities and differences in verbal and nonverbal messages. Messages and Meanings What is meaning and what principles regulate the communication of meaning from one person to another?

• Meanings are in people, in their thoughts and feelings, not just in their words.
• Meaning is more than words and gestures; meaning includes what speaker and listener bring to interpersonal interaction.
• Meaning is unique; no two people experience exactly the same meaning.
• Meanings are context-based; the context heavily influences the meanings that words and gestures are given.

Message Characteristics

What are the major characteristics of verbal and nonverbal messages?

• Messages are packaged; they occur in clusters and usually reinforce each other but may also contradict each other.
• Messages are rule-governed; they follow the rules of the culture.
• Messages vary in abstraction; they vary from very specific to highly abstract and general.
• Messages vary in politeness from rude to extremely polite.
• Messages vary in inclusion and may include or exclude other people.
• Messages vary in assertiveness, a quality that may be increased by analyzing the communications around you, rehearsing assertive communication, and communicating with assertive messages.

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