Gendered-Expression in Nonverbal Styles

Chapter 4: Nonverbal Styles of Gendered Expression

Author Teri Kwal Gamble explores the many ways that gender and correspondence interact and impact one another in her book, The Gender Communication Connection. Each chapter encourages reflection on how gender attitudes and behaviors, both historical and contemporary, affect people’s perceptions of what it means to be male and female as well as ladylike and manly. To summarize Chapter 4 of the book Nonverbal Styles of Gendered Expression is the main goal of this project, nevertheless.

Nonverbal Communication and Its Components

Nonverbal communication that takes into account “kinesics,” or the study of body motions; paralinguistic, which are vocal cues; proxemics, the manner we make use of our personal space; and haptic, the human communication that involves touch, is a communication that is neither coded nor expressed with words.

The Role of Nonverbal Messages in Gender

Apparently, nonverbal messages give a considerable measure of information when it comes to gender. Teri Kwal Gamble (2014) mentions an analyst, Judith Hall, who argues that respective genders, male and female, are but roles with each having its set of recommended characteristics. Moreover, Hall argues that males and females act gender, making their gendered identities via dissimilarities in nonverbal behavior.

The Functionality of Nonverbal Messages

Chapter 4 also focuses on how effective nonverbal messages are when it comes to functionality. For one, it helps in the reinforcement of a message; nonverbal cues add redundancy to a verbal message. Secondly, nonverbal cues may contradict a verbal message. Moreover, nonverbal cues might also help in word substitution. Nonverbal cues play a big role in accenting parts of a verbal message. Nonverbal cues may control the exchange of communication.

Summary

In conclusion, chapter 4 highlights many elements of nonverbal style of correspondence. It defines terminologies such as paralinguistic, kinesics, haptic, and proxemics to the dimensions and functions of nonverbal communication.

Reference

Teri Kwal Gamble, M. W. (2014). The Gender Communication Connection. New york: M.E. Sharpe.