Interest Has Grown In Nonverbal Components Of Communication. Essays

Interest has grown in nonverbal components of communication. Over the last three decades this interest has been developed. One contributing factor to this interest may be the assumption that various nonverbal cues, especially the visual ones, are more important than verbal cues in affecting interpersonal judgements. (Patterson et all p.231) The person relaying information to another has greater control over their facial expressions, as opposed to their auditory cues. The person who is receiving the information pays greater attention to the facial expressions of the sender of the message because, that receiver believes that they will learn more valuable information in regards to what the sender of the message is trying t relay. ?The first televised presidential debate, between Nixon and Kennedy in 1960, was one in which the contrasting appearance and style of the candidates were very noticeable.? (Patterson et all p.232) Kennedy, who was an attractive figure, showed confidence and determination in his presentation. Nixon, had the five o'clock shadow going and was perspiring noticeably, and seemed ill at ease. ?Kraus (1962) concluded that the results of the televised debate showed that voters were more interested in how the candidates looked than what they say.? (Patterson et all p.232) In regards to the nineteen eighty four presidential debate, Regan was viewed more favorably than Mondale in the visual modality than in the audio or audiovisual. Regan had a greater advantage in this visual mode due to Mondale's weakness rather than Reagan's strength. Both examples here help us to better understand the way an individuals opinion may be formulated on the auditory and visual cues of another. It looks as simple as this, a more pleasing sight receives more pleasing feed back. The more physically attracting one can be the more winning one can be... This is all very important to the elects when we rely on television to sell themselfs...