The Tennis Match: What Would You Do?

The nonverbal behavior is one of the significant ways to communicate with other people to make them understand the way a person feels and describe their feelings in best of the ways. When a person interacts with others, he or she continuously give and receive wordless signals. All of their nonverbal behaviors and gestures that are made, for instance, the way one sits, the tone of talking whether fast of low, the way a person stands for instance how close the person stands and how much the eye contact a person makes and sends strong messages. These messages are not interrupted even when the person is sitting quietly at some place. The facial expressions still reflect the nonverbal behavior of the person. (Braun, 1970)

Most of the times whatever come out from the mouth of the person and what the body of the person communicates are totally two different things. So, it is up to the listener how he or she comprehends between the verbal and nonverbal behavior of the person being observed. Invariably, they are going to choose the nonverbal because it’s a natural, unconscious language that broadcasts the true feelings and intentions of the people. (CROWN, 1973) Following are the types of the nonverbal communication modes:

First is the human face which is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.

Second is considering the perceptions of a person which are affected by the way of sitting, walking, standing or holding a head. The way a person moves and carries him or herself and communicates a wealth of information to the world. Such a type of nonverbal communication includes the posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.

Thirdly, the gestures are also one of the types woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use our hands when we’re arguing or speaking animatedly Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.

A physical space is also an essential part of the nonverbal communication, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. The physical space can be used to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy and affection, aggression or dominance.

Barry’s nonverbal behavior was very cold and rude towards Elana. He had been with her throughout the season and were the teammates. Despite appreciating Elana Barry had been showing a very neglected kind of an attitude towards her partner. The other two players Marquez and Lisa had also felt Barry’s nonverbal behavior as rude and unfriendly. It was not ethical on part of Barry to talk with her female team partner in such tone. He could have a better nonverbal behavior reflecting gratitude and respect towards Elana. Lisa in response to the negative behavior of Barry with Elana left and Marquez also followed her in order to depart her outside. This was a nonverbal response of the two as a result of Barry’s attitude with Elana. At first, Barry was sarcastic about the compliments that Lisa and Marquez had with regards to Elana’s performance and then the way he asked to her to pass his sweater was quite rude and unacceptable. Hence, the nonverbal behavior is the reflection of facial expressions, voice tone, and gestures that leave an impact on the opponents more than the verbal reflection.

References

CROWN, S. (1973). NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION: Non-Verbal Communication. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 123(5), 602-603.

Braun, E. (1970). SOME PERSPECTIVES ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION. Social Thought and Research.