Non-verbal communication in human interaction

Nonverbal Communication

Interpersonal communication, which plays a large role in business and personal relationships, refers to the ability to relate to people by using verbal and nonverbal communication. Good communicators are perceived as those who are able to deal with different people in different situations, and make people feel more comfortable with them.

When we think about communication, we usually think about words and the way that people use language. However, most people do not realize the significant role that nonverbal communication plays in delivering and receiving messages. When people talk, they have a tendency to use their bodies, use various poses and postures, make eye contact, and use body language, in addition to speaking. This is nonverbal communication.

One of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication is physical appearance. Physical appearance has a subconscious effect on practically everybody. Most people are judged on their physical appearance, which includes features, race, height, weight, hairstyles and image. In many situations, including dates and job interviews, a good physical appearance is of great importance (Cowley, 1996).

This paper aims to address the effects of nonverbal and verbal communication, including appearance, mannerisms, and body language, on obese and overweight people in their career, employment and social lives.

Nonverbal Communication and Appearances

Nonverbal communication can have both a positive and negative effect on how effectively a person gets their message across. Those who understand the strong influence of nonverbal communication and use it to their advantage are often able to use it to enhance their verbal communications skills.

However, many people who neglect to pay attention to nonverbal communication contradict their verbal and nonverbal messages, sending double meanings and rendering their messages less effective. Also, many people are initially judged by their appearances, which can be damaging to communication.

Nonverbal communication has many functions in the communication process. It regulates relationships and may support or replace verbal communication. Among the many factors contributing to nonverbal communication are sending and receiving ability and accuracy, perception of appropriate social roles, and cognitive desire for interpersonal involvement or assessment (Dunn, 2002)."

Recent studies reveal that body language and appearances are critical in developing business and personal relationships. Studies show that people have less than ten seconds to make a good first impression on those they come in contact with (Hogan, 2002). People are likely to be judged professionally and personally in the first few seconds of meeting someone for the first time, and that first impression is often long-lasting.

One's perceived level of attractiveness by other people is an important aspect of how others view them. In a recent study, college professors who are considered physical attractive by students were considered better teachers on whole than unattractive professors (Hogan, 2002).

Additional research reveals that men will often reject women who have unattractive physical features. Among strangers, individuals who are seen as physically unattractive are generally undesirable for any interpersonal relationship.

Because we live in a society in which overweight people are considered unattractive, this type of nonverbal communication can be detrimental to obese or overweight person's career, social life and employment. A recent study revealed that obese people were viewed as slothful and lazy (Hogan, 2002). As a whole, obese people are generally perceived to have personality characteristics that put them at a disadvantage in social and work-related settings.

In many cases, overweight people can learn how to deal with their imperfect physical features and get ahead. According to Hogan (2002), "Your weight will make or break your verbal message in many different communications. If you are more than 20% over normal weight for your height, you lose credibility in both the corporate and personal world. Begin a program of eating right and activity to reduce your waistline."

The Effects of Nonverbal Communication on Obese and Overweight Individuals

The appearance and body language aspect of nonverbal communication often leads to discrimination against overweight people in social and business settings. There is evidence that overweight people have less of a chance of success than thinner people, who are perceived as more attractive.

According to Borrell (2003), studies suggest that colleges discriminate against overweight people. Obese high school students are less likely to be accepted into a prestigious college than normal weight students of equal intelligence. In addition, overweight people may be discriminated against on the job. In a recent study, employers rated obese employees as less desirable when compared to normal weight employees of equal ability.

Obese job applicants are often perceived as having poorer work habits, higher absences, and more likely to get ill than thinner applicants (Borrell, 2003). After watching videotaped job interviews of several applicants with equal qualifications, people rated obese applicants as: less qualified; less likely to be hired; having poorer work habits; more likely to fake an illness and stay home from work; more likely to have emotional problems; and more likely to have problems with coworkers.

According to Borrell, "44% of employers said they would not hire an obese person under some circumstances; another 16% said they would not hire an obese person under any circumstance."

The nonverbal implications associated with overweight people extend to social settings, as well as business ones. There is a discrimination against overweight people when it comes to finding a suitable husband or wife. Studies show that obese women in their 20's are 20% less likely to be married than normal weight women. Obese men of the same age were 11% less likely to be married. According to Borrell, "college students would rather marry a cocaine user, a shoplifter, and a communist before they would marry an obese person."

Due to the fact that many overweight people suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image, their body language can work against them. Body language can "speak" volumes and potentially lead to miscommunication in both social and business settings. For example, a person who is ashamed of their physical appearance may have poor posture and slouch during a job interview. This may lead potential employers to believe that the person lacks self-confidence.