Breaking Nonverbal Rules The general objective of this exercise is to become better acquainted with some of the rules of nonverbal communication and to analyze some of the effects of breaking such rules. Much as we learn verbal language (that is, without explicit teaching), we also learn nonverbal language – the rules for interacting non-verbally. These rules, like verbal rules, are culturally defined. Your task is to choose three of the following actions to perform. The goal is for you to break nonverbal expectations. Do not be rude or violate someone’s privacy in the process—and don’t get beat up! After you “break the rule,” you might want to explain to the others involved the reason for your behavior. After you’ve broken three rules, you should write a 2-3 page response explaining the following: (1) the expectations associated with each of the rules you broke, (2) the circumstance in which you broke the rule, (3) the reactions of others, and (4) how you felt in this situation. You should answer these questions for each of the three violations of nonverbal expectations. 1. Upon entering an elevator, make constant eye contact with someone or engage someone in a conversation. The person should be a stranger. 2. When sitting down in a public place—cafeteria, park, etc., sit directly next to someone, even if there is space elsewhere. 3. When sitting next to someone (or in the general area), invade his or her space with your belongings—books, bags, etc.) 4. When sitting directly across from someone, stare at them—making longer than usual eye contact. 5. When strangers are talking, enter their group and introduce yourself. 6. When talking with someone, get closer than usual. In other words, violate the person’s sense of space. 7. When talking in an otherwise occupied area, speak more loudly than you usually would to see if people notice. 8. When talking with someone look at his or her eyes the entire time. 9. When talking with someone, touch the person more than usual. Touch on the arms, hands, etc. 10. When shaking someone’s hand, don’t let go after an appropriate amount of time. In other words, hold the handshake a bit longer than usual. 11. Sit in someone else’s seat in a classroom. 12. Turn and stare at someone while stopped at a traffic light. 13. Hold hands with someone of the same sex while walking in public. 14. While checking out, stare at the clerk in a store. 15. Do not make eye contact when talking with someone you talk with on a regular basis. 16. Walk closer to someone than usually appropriate.
