Nonverbal Communication - Case Study Example

Nonverbal Communication and Listening Analysis al Affiliation Nonverbal Communication and Listening Analysis Part One: Description Listening is needed to ensure that messages sent are received accurately, as intended. In different interpersonal settings, barriers or factors sometimes impede effective communication. In this particular discourse, the objective is to present an analysis of listening patterns that take place in either the student’s relationship with one person or a group of people. The scenario that would be described as the source of listening analysis is the interaction between me and my peers in the academic setting. The group of persons (peers) are composed of two female students and two male students. The setting is in the academic institution’s cafeteria during one of the in-between classes breaks. The subject of discussion is one of the course module’s project requirements which necessitate conducting a research based on designing a questionnaire for a survey. Since I would be doing the observation and listening analysis, I exhibited the kind of behavior that initiated the needed conversation and at the same time, ensured that proper listening techniques are applied. 1. Normal Interaction Patterns The subject of discussion appears to be interesting to all peers given that the project is important as it forms a major part of the students’ final grade. The female peers were more conversant and expressive of their anxieties for the project. The male members were intently listening; yet, intermittently responding to the conversation. However, since all were holding their respective smartphones, these gadgets seemed to serve as tools of distractions to effective listening. The evidences of distracted listening patterns are: (1) asking peers to repeat what was said; (2) responding erroneously; (3) not responding at well when asked; (4) appearing to listening when in fact, it was evident that the person was fully intent on personal endeavors using the smartphone. I am also guilty of using the smartphone during the conversation. At one point in time, there was a joke that was relayed by the male peer and I totally did not hear; as such, I had to ask the female peer who I was seated next to and asked her to repeat what was said. 2. Type of Listener From what I have observed, it appears that the type of listener does not depend on the gender alone; but on other factors. Since male peers exhibited lesser behavior in actual verbal communication, it could appear that they are more into listening. However, it was evident that since they were looking at their smartphones and doing some personal applications, the fact is that male peers exhibited equal skills in listening, as similarly exhibited by the female counterparts. One strongly believes that the type of listener exhibits different degrees and levels of intent listening depending on the enthusiasm on the subject matter; the number of members in the group; and the need to respond. For instance, at certain points, there were situations where female peers were talking to each other; rather than talking in general to the group. As it appears, when people were talking one-on-one (lesser members), the ability to listen is intensified; meaning, the person who one is conversant with is expected to listen and to respond; especially when a question is asked. At this situation, the male members were actually passive listeners who were not expected to react or respond; while the female peers who were talking to each other were active listeners. 3. Listening Behavior According to Gender Based on one’s observation, male peers listened in silence; while female peers exhibited intermitted verbal responses while listening. This means that while listening, the female peers were heard to acknowledge verbally that they were listening by responding ‘yes’, ‘okay’, ‘I see’ and even manifesting non-verbal communication patterns through gestures and facial expressions: nod, intent eye contact, smile, frown, or approaching the speaker closely to hear what is being said. This was confirmed and corroborated by Black (2011) who asserted that ”men and women in listening roles during conversations tend to express their responsiveness in different ways. Women often interject with small acknowledging remarks such as “yes,” “I see,” and “mm-hmm” to show the speaker that they are actively listening and processing the contents of the conversation. Men tend to listen silently, interjecting sparsely and usually only to ask clarification. The difference in response style can cause women to assume that men aren’t actively listening to them in conversations, while men tend to think that women over-listen” (par. 3). 4. Nonverbal Signals As above mentioned, female peers exhibited more nonverbal signals to affirm intent and active listening through gestures, facial expressions, and distance. Male peers appear more passive with limited nonverbal patterns being exhibited. Aside from those nonverbal communication patterns noted above, female peers were seen to be frequently using touch to affirm humor, sympathy or empathy, as required. 5. How Empathy is Expressed Female peers appear to express empathy through verbal and nonverbal signals. While listening, female peers express acknowledgement through words such as: “I understand”, “yes”, “we share the same feelings”. On the other hand, male peers’ assuming a silent stance could already be interpreted as a sign of empathy. For males, if they do not agree to the speaker’s thoughts, they immediately verbalize objection. Overall, it was interesting to observe similarities and disparities in listening skills and behavior of female and male peers. It is equally interesting to reveal that “despite all the research targeted at dissecting gender differences in listening, there is little to no evidence to suggest that members of one gender are better listeners than members of the other. Men and women listen equally well. Listening ability appears to be more due to individual differences and circumstances than due to gender differences” (Black, 2011, par. 5). Part Two: Evaluation Effective Listening Skills From one’s point of view, I honestly believe that I exhibited strengths in effective listening through manifesting the following behavior: (1) looking intently to the speaker while the speaker is talking; (2) acknowledging that I am listening by responding verbally and non-verbally; (3) asking questions for clarifications; and (4) responding and reacting appropriately, especially showing empathy, when needed. From the assessment of the female and male peers, the following behavior were proof of effective listening skills: (1) respecting the speaker by not talking at the same time; (2) looking intently to the speaker while the speaker is talking; and (3) responding and reacting in appropriate manner. Listening Skills that Need to be Improved From both my point of view and that of the other members (both female and male members) it was evident that the listening skill that needs to be improved is the need to remove the source of distraction: the smartphone. Likewise, one observed that since the group was conversing in the cafeteria, there were more sources of noise that impede the communication process. There were other students who were equally conversing; there were noises of utensils being used; there were other friends and acquaintances who frequently interjected during the conversation; and there might be a need to lessen the number of members (or peers) so that greater interaction and intent listening could be manifested. Recommendation and Conclusion From the observation and listening analysis, one has deduced that there are diverse factors that contribute to effective listening. It was evident that gender influences listening style and response. As emphasized, “men are more likely to be action-oriented listeners, which means they focus on listening to information pertinent to the task at hand. Action-oriented listeners have little patience for speakers who ramble off topic or include unnecessary details. Women are more likely to be people-oriented listeners. They connect with the emotional message and undertones of a conversation and are more concerned with the occurrence of the conversation than with the pertinent information discussed” (Black, 2011, par. 2). The fact that women use more nonverbal signals, including touch and distance, proves that they are people-oriented listeners who are swayed by emotional messages. In terms of response, it was already emphasized that women are more expressive: verbally and through nonverbal signals to affirm commitment and intent listening. What is most interesting was the fact that despite gender differences, both male and female apparently exhibit similarities in listening abilities. This confirms that other factors contribute to effective listening. When there are more barriers to communication, the more that the listening skills are impaired which causes miscommunication and misunderstanding. Also as observed, the lesser the number of people who is being communicated to, the more intent the listening behavior is. The rationale for this could be that the focus is more intense with lesser people to talk to; and that, the recipient of the message is more expected to react and respond accordingly. In a large group, such as that which was observed, the speaker could have failed to observe all the members’ listening behavior at the same time. As such, as long as one or two reacts and responds to the messages sent, it was deemed a confirmation that someone was actually listening. To improve listening, barriers to communication must therefore be minimized and addressed. Reference Black, A. (2011, May 23). Differences in Listening Between a Man and a Woman. 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