nonverbal expressions of power and dominance

POWER

Dominance

By: Ross Homer-Bouthiette

Nonverbal

Expressions o

f

#1What are nonverbal expressionsof power and dominance?

Nonverbal expressions of power and dominance are*gestures or motions that assert one’s authority over another

{not communicated through talking}

Which Include

. . .

Handshakes

Waving

Smiling

Nodding & Shaking TheHead

PlusEven the colors

you wear affectOthers’ Perceptions

of your authority

In Ancient Rome . . .

PURPLE

Leaders and higher statusmembers of society adornedtheir clothing with

to distinguish themselves asnoble or wealthy.

Presently. . .

People tend to think more highlyand attribute greater authority toothers wearing

RED

#2谁

Who?Chi?

Qui?

誰

Wie?

Wer?

ποιοιだれか

Que

m?

KTO?Quién?

Absolutely

Everyone

Everyone jousts for authorityin everyday speech and conversational patterns

Some people openly andaggressively attempt to

assert their dominancein social contexts

Others subconsciously

employ strategies for

social advancement without realizing

Lastly

Some are given authoritythrough no fault of their,but through the perceptionsof others.

# 3So what’s the point?

Why manipulate social power?

Throughout the entire existence of humans,power struggles have been an ever eminent theme

It is the human conditionto strive for power anddominance in social settings

Being able to effectively usenonverbal expressions will allow forgreater social power and dominance

Simple gestures can provide a basisfor establishing authority

A firmer handshake,

better posture, and

causing slight interruptions in conversation

can raise authority in group situations

#4Criticism

With nonverbal expressions of powerand dominance being an unspoken meansof communication,

many peers view them asa means of manipulationfor self gain.

Placing these gestures and motionsin a cynical category based only onthe possibility that when used withcertain intent the outcome can be

DISASTROUS

#5The gender difference of

nonverbal expressionsof power and

dominance

Men and women view the world differently. . .

And as a result the perceptionof nonverbal expressions are different

ForExample

While interacting with a member ofthe opposite gender, the smallest ofgestures is interpreted with alternatemeaning

Nodding

is one of the most misinterpretednonverbal expressions during cross-gender communication.

Most women interpret a nod, as a signal that what has been saidwas thoroughly listened to and understood.

The opposite is generally true aswell, a nod from a woman duringconversation is meant to indicate understanding of the conversation onbehalf of the woman.

WHILE

Men nod and interpret a nod duringconversation as a confirmation ofagreeing with the concept being discussed

It is small miscommunications

& misinterpretationssuch as nodding that can lead to

Disagreement & Confrontation.

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Dombrowski, Q. (2010). Hi from Bill Clinton. [Web Photo]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/5038168800/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Amadeus, G. (2008). Pedalpalooza 2008. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielamadeus/2461223819/sizes/o/in/photostream/

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Image Credit in order of Appearance