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Immediacy Behaviors Perception of Physical or Psychological Closeness (Verbal & Nonverbal)

Immediacy Behaviors
Perception of Physical or Psychological Closeness
(Verbal & Nonverbal)
Verbal
• Previews and Reviews
• Inclusive Language (we, us)
• Messages that Encourage Participation
• Don’t Stereotype
• Use Names
Nonverbal
Appearance
• Formal Dress = competent, organized, prepared, &
knowledgeable
• Casual Dress = friendly, outgoing, receptive, flexible, & fair
• Rule of Thumb: dress formally until credibility has been
established, then dress more casually to project an image of
approachability
Gesture and Movement
• Many Gestures = excited, explaining complex messages
• Few Gestures = bored, unanimated, transmitting simple
Messages
• Adaptors = perceived as boredom or anxiety
Facial Behaviors (by both speaker and audience members)
University Speaking Center, 256-1346, speakingcenter.uncg.edu
Richmond, V.P. (2002) Teacher nonverbal immediacy. In Chesebro, J.L. & McCroskey (Ed.), Communication for
Teachers
• Positive Head Movements/Nods & Pleasing Facial
Expressions = speaker interest in subject matter and his/her
audience
• Smile = more immediate and more open to communication
Vocal Behaviors
• Monotone = projects boredom, and those using one are
perceived as non-caring and non-immediate
• Maintain confidence in voice tone
Less Controllable Environmental Components
1. Space (don’t stand behind a workstation) =
unapproachable, uncaring, unreceptive
2. Time = vary activities, audience members can only
effectively listen for 20 minutes
3. Music = counteracts boredom and establishes a
comfortable environment
4. Lighting = inappropriately lit rooms can cause fatigue,
eye strain, boredom, or hostility
5. Temperature = vary activities based on room
temperature
6. Architecture = more attractive furnishings are taken
better care of; soft, comfortable, rounded furniture
signal welcome and encouragement

University Speaking Center, 256-1346, speakingcenter.uncg.edu
Richmond, V.P. (2002) Teacher nonverbal immediacy. In Chesebro, J.L. & McCroskey (Ed.), Communication for
Teachers