I have been wrong about someone’s nonverbal message. For the most
part, it was simply a point in my direction, despite it being towards someone
behind me. I reacted accordingly, although with confusion as I didn’t know why
said person was pointing at me. A moment later, someone came from behind me,
and I then knew that the person didn’t mean me, but a person that was standing
behind me.
The best way to improve the accuracy of the interpretation of nonverbal messages is to accompany them with verbal messages. If you specify verbally at least some sort of context to the nonverbal message, it narrows the possibilities of the implied meaning dramatically. For instance, if someone simply points at a crowd, it could mean they are showing the crowd to someone, trying to pick someone out in the crowd, or even showing someone that the direction they need to go is through the crowd.
The best way to improve the accuracy of the interpretation of nonverbal messages is to accompany them with verbal messages. If you specify verbally at least some sort of context to the nonverbal message, it narrows the possibilities of the implied meaning dramatically. For instance, if someone simply points at a crowd, it could mean they are showing the crowd to someone, trying to pick someone out in the crowd, or even showing someone that the direction they need to go is through the crowd.
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteI liked your misinterpretation from a nonverbal communication. I have also experienced that as well, you think someone is pointing at you, or even waving at you and you wave back! Oh how awkward. Always awkward when the react like you are a crazy person. But I do believe to look at all views, like reason with one's self of why another person could be pointing or waving at you. Other than that, embarrassment goes a long ways, so you learn from your mistakes. Combining verbal, nonverbal, and all outside sources are necessary.
I have done the same thing, and it can be awkward or even embarrassing, especially if you are young and a crush is involved. But it underscores how confusing nonverbal cues can be on a daily basis. In my previous writings, I have focused mainly on the intercultural aspects of nonverbal communication, as I find it the most intriguing. But there are plenty of issues to resolve in the way we communicate right here at home.
ReplyDeleteIf something as basic as giving directions can be misinterpreted, then it is easy to see how more complex nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and posture, are even more prone to being misinterpreted.
I think one of the most common reasons is that we tend to decipher messages from our perspective as opposed to the perspective of the sender.