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.

We learn about nonverbal language, the rules for interacting nonverbally, without explicit teaching. You're probably not even aware you are following nonverbal rules during most of your interactions. There are times, often when a rule is violated, that we become aware of our expectations.

Here are some examples of nonverbal rules:

• When sitting down in a cafeteria tasked a seat that is as far away from the next person as possible.
• When strangers are talking, do not enter their group.
• When talking in an otherwise occupied area, lower your voice so that other people are not disturbed by your conversation.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion.
• Walk on the right side of the sidewalk-- the same as you would if you were driving a car.
• Now that you understand how nonverbal communication is rule guided, find a friend and decide on a nonverbal rule to break. Remember don't do anything that infringes on the rights of others or would get you or me in trouble. Go to a public place with your partner and break the rule.

Each person must break the rule. When you are breaking the rule, think about how you feel. When you aren't breaking the rule, watch your partner and his/her victim. How do your partner and the victim respond to the rule breaking? Then, if you're brave, ask the people you broke the rule in front of what they thought when you were violating the rule. Report briefly on it in the discussion.