Nonverbal Communication Observation at an Airport
This paper presents a firsthand observational study of nonverbal communication behaviors recorded at a busy airport. Drawing on established theory, the author examines four key dimensions of nonverbal behavior: the use and defense of physical space (proxemics), reactions to unexpected noise, relationship dynamics conveyed through body language and facial expressions, and environmental familiarity signaled through movement and posture. The observations are interpreted through frameworks including spatial invasion theory and perceptual sensitization, illustrating how nonverbal cues reveal emotion, social relationships, and situational awareness without a word being spoken. The exercise demonstrates that real-world settings offer a uniquely rich context for applying nonverbal communication theory.
- Introduction to Nonverbal Communication: Defines nonverbal communication and justifies observational approach
- Physical Space and Proxemics: Observed behaviors around guarding and invading personal space
- Reactions to Noise and Perceptual Sensitization: How airport visitors responded to sudden unexpected sounds
- Nonverbal Cues in Interpersonal Relationships: Body language revealing relationship types among strangers
- Environmental Familiarity and Stranger Behavior: Movement and posture distinguishing locals from newcomers
- Conclusion: Reflects on value of real-world nonverbal observation
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper consistently bridges theoretical definitions with concrete, vividly described observations, making abstract concepts like proxemics and perceptual sensitization tangible and accessible.
- Multiple distinct anecdotes within each thematic section add breadth and prevent over-reliance on a single example, strengthening the inductive reasoning.
- The author maintains an objective, observational tone throughout, letting the behaviors speak for themselves before offering theoretical interpretation.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper exemplifies applied observation as a research method: the author selects a natural setting, identifies recurring behavioral patterns, and systematically maps those patterns onto established theoretical frameworks (Collier & DiCarlo's spatial invasion model; Mortensen & Sereno's perceptual sensitization). This technique demonstrates how theory can be validated and enriched through careful real-world observation rather than controlled experimentation.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with a theoretical introduction that defines nonverbal communication and justifies the observational method. Four thematic body sections follow — physical space, noise reactions, interpersonal relationships, and environmental familiarity — each organized around a cluster of specific observations. A brief conclusion synthesizes the value of the exercise. The structure is essentially a series of themed field notes framed by theory, moving from spatial behavior to social and environmental cues in logical progression.
Introduction to Nonverbal Communication
The importance of nonverbal communication is evident in the fact that it constitutes the bulk of human communication. Nonverbal communication is more important than any other form of communication because of the emotional information it conveys — information that is otherwise usually controlled or concealed. Human beings base their feelings and emotional responses not so much on what another person says, but on what another person does. It is estimated that the impact of nonverbal communication on a message's meaning can be as high as 93%. Learning to interpret nonverbal communication is therefore critical in order to effectively decode meaning and underlying motivations in messages.
Before proceeding, it is necessary to define the concept itself: "Non-verbal communication is a process whereby people, through intentional or unintentional manipulation of normative actions and expectations, express experiences, feelings, and attitudes in order to relate to and control themselves, others, and their environments" (Harris, p. 124). Though there is a great deal of literature available on nonverbal communication theory, learning to interpret nonverbal communication is perhaps best done through personal experience or through the impersonal observation of strangers in places like airports. Indeed, the latter exercise was undertaken by the author of this paper in order to apply nonverbal behavioral theory to real life. The time spent at the airport resulted in a host of observations of nonverbal communication behavior. For the purposes of this paper, the discussion has been limited to behavior related to physical space, noise factors, relationships, and environment.
Physical Space and Proxemics
Among the most noticeable nonverbal behavioral patterns at the airport was the staking out of physical space. The fact that it was a particularly busy time contributed a great deal to people zealously guarding whatever physical space they had managed to secure. One of the most popular methods of guarding space was placing a handbag or shopping bag on neighboring seats. Logically, such behavior could be understood if the person were saving the space for a companion. However, this did not seem to be the case with quite a few individuals who appeared to be traveling alone — a conclusion reached after keeping a close watch on such people throughout the time they fiercely protected their space.
Observing people protecting their physical space brought to life the theory of proxemics and spatial invasion: "People's reaction to spatial invasion depends on who invades, why the invasion occurs, and where and how long the invasion takes place. High density is tolerated (and is frequently expected) under certain conditions, such as crowded buses — particularly if the intruder apologizes and takes up as little space as possible" (Collier & DiCarlo, p. 115–116).
It was quite amusing to watch textbook descriptions of proxemics being enacted in real life. One woman unsmilingly removed her bag from the next seat after being asked if it was vacant, then angled her body away from her new neighbor so that her back was facing him. Another woman, who had not placed any luggage on the adjacent seats, nevertheless reacted to her space being invaded by positioning her handbag like a barrier between the two seats when someone sat down beside her. A third individual — a gentleman — simply got up and walked away when a woman with an infant sat down next to him (Collier & DiCarlo, p. 116).
Reactions to Noise and Perceptual Sensitization
It was also interesting to observe various reactions to the noise levels in such a busy airport, especially since numerous different sounds were all contributing to the general chaos. One woman with a harried expression was struggling with an overactive toddler while trying to coax a recalcitrant luggage trolley in the right direction. She was so focused on her immediate goal that she seemed oblivious to her surroundings, including a group of raucous tourists rapidly gaining on her. When she suddenly heard their loud singing and laughter, she was so startled that her body jerked and she let go of her already precariously tottering luggage trolley.
Similarly, in a quieter section of the airport, a man appeared fast asleep in a chair with his legs stretched out. Opposite him sat a family with three children. When the youngest suddenly started crying loudly, the man woke with a start and looked wildly around as if expecting to see some disaster. In a third instance, a man who appeared to be a business traveler was engrossed in reading an official-looking file when a woman with two children occupied the seats beside him. The children began running around playing tag and making considerable noise. The man looked up at the children and then made eye contact with the woman. Her face flushed, and she promptly summoned her children, handed them some money, and spoke to them quietly. With just a couple of glances, her neighbor had conveyed his annoyance, and the woman had responded by distracting her children.
Interestingly, in all three cases there were no visible reactions to the constant background noise of a busy airport. All three individuals reacted only to a sudden, unexpected noise. This was indicative of perceptual sensitization, which is the only plausible explanation for the rapidity and immediacy of the reactions witnessed when unexpected sounds intruded (Mortensen & Sereno, p. 143).
Conclusion
Undertaking the exercise of observing nonverbal communication at the airport was highly valuable, as it helped raise one's consciousness of the world of expression inherent in people's body language and facial expressions. The observations confirmed that nonverbal behavior is a rich and continuous stream of information about emotion, relationships, and situational awareness — one that operates largely beneath the level of conscious awareness for both sender and receiver.
Works Cited
Collier, G. & DiCarlo, D. Emotional Expression. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1985.
Dunn, L.J. "Nonverbal Communication: Information Conveyed Through the Use of Body Language." Missouri Western State College. Accessed Apr. 29, 2004: http://clearinghouse.mwsc.edu/manuscripts/70.asp
Harris, T.E. Applied Organizational Communication: Perspectives, Principles, and Pragmatics. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1993.
Mortensen, C.D. & Sereno, K.K. Foundations of Communication Theory. New York: Harper & Row, 1970.
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