Deck 11: Nonverbal Communication in Social Situations

Question 1

Tell the issues heterosexuals determine attractiveness by.

Answer 1

The factors that determine attractiveness for heterosexual individuals can be complex and multifaceted, often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Here are some of the key issues that heterosexuals might consider when determining attractiveness:

1. Physical Appearance: This includes traits such as facial symmetry, body shape and size, skin health, and other features that are often considered indicators of genetic fitness and health. For example, men might be attracted to women with a waist-to-hip ratio that suggests fertility, while women might be attracted to men with broad shoulders, which can be seen as a sign of strength.

2. Grooming and Style: How a person takes care of themselves, including their personal hygiene, style of dress, and grooming habits, can significantly impact perceived attractiveness. This can signal an individual's attention to detail and personal pride.

3. Confidence and Body Language: Confidence can be a highly attractive trait. The way a person carries themselves, their posture, eye contact, and gestures can convey confidence and be appealing to others.

4. Personality Traits: Qualities such as kindness, humor, intelligence, and charisma can be attractive. People often look for partners who are compatible with their own personality or who exhibit traits they value.

5. Socioeconomic Status: Signs of wealth or the ability to provide can play a role in attraction. This might include indicators like clothing, car, or job status, which can be associated with stability and resources.

6. Similar Interests and Values: Shared interests and values can foster attraction as they suggest compatibility and the potential for shared experiences and understanding.

7. Pheromones and Natural Scent: Although less consciously perceived, the natural scent of a person can influence attraction due to pheromones and other chemical signals that may play a role in biological compatibility.

8. Voice and Speech: The tone, pitch, and manner of speaking can affect attractiveness. A pleasant voice or a way of speaking that resonates with the listener can be appealing.

9. Age: Age can be a factor in attraction, with individuals often seeking partners who are at a similar life stage or who meet cultural norms for age differences in relationships.

10. Cultural and Social Influences: Cultural standards of beauty and attractiveness can shape individual preferences. Media, societal norms, and peer influences can all impact what is considered attractive.

It's important to note that what is attractive to one person may not be to another, as individual preferences vary greatly. Additionally, the importance of these factors can change over time and in different contexts. Attraction is a personal and often subjective experience, influenced by a myriad of factors beyond just physical appearance.

Question 2

Tell the vocal cues that make a person more attractive in relationship situations.

Answer 2

Vocal cues play a significant role in attraction and can influence perceptions of a person in relationship situations. Here are some vocal characteristics that are often considered attractive:

1. **Pitch**: Studies have shown that a deeper voice in men and a slightly higher pitch in women are often perceived as more attractive. This is thought to be linked to evolutionary cues, where a deep male voice might signify strength and a higher female voice might signify femininity.

2. **Variability in Pitch**: A monotone voice can be perceived as boring or unemotional. People who vary their pitch are often seen as more engaging and dynamic, which can be attractive in social and romantic contexts.

3. **Clarity**: Speaking clearly and articulately is attractive because it suggests that the person is confident and intelligent. Mumbling or slurring words can be perceived as a lack of confidence or interest.

4. **Pace**: Speaking too fast can be overwhelming, while speaking too slowly can be perceived as boring or uninterested. A moderate pace that allows for clear articulation and gives the impression of thoughtfulness is generally more attractive.

5. **Volume**: Speaking too loudly can be perceived as aggressive, while speaking too softly can suggest shyness or lack of confidence. A moderate volume that is comfortable for conversation is attractive and suggests self-assuredness.

6. **Tone**: A warm, friendly, and enthusiastic tone can be very attractive. It suggests a positive attitude and emotional openness, which are desirable traits in a partner.

7. **Laughter**: Genuine laughter can be very attractive as it indicates a good sense of humor and a positive disposition. It also helps to create a sense of intimacy and shared enjoyment.

8. **Smoothness**: A fluid voice without too many pauses or fillers (like "um" or "like") suggests intelligence and eloquence, which can be attractive qualities.

9. **Resonance**: A resonant voice that seems to come from the chest can be perceived as more authoritative and attractive. It suggests a strong presence and confidence.

10. **Emotional Expression**: Conveying appropriate emotions through the voice can make a person seem empathetic and responsive, which are important traits in a relationship.

It's important to note that while these vocal cues can be generally attractive, personal preferences vary widely, and what is attractive to one person may not be to another. Additionally, authenticity is key; trying to artificially change one's voice can come across as disingenuous. The most attractive voice is one that reflects genuine emotion and personality.

Question 3

Tell the advantages of going to a public setting for a "first date."

Answer 3

There are several advantages to going to a public setting for a first date. Firstly, it provides a sense of safety and security for both individuals, as there are likely to be other people around. This can help alleviate any concerns about meeting someone new for the first time.

Secondly, a public setting offers a variety of options for activities, such as going to a coffee shop, restaurant, or park. This allows for flexibility in choosing an environment that both individuals are comfortable in and can enjoy.

Additionally, being in a public setting can help to ease any potential awkwardness or tension, as there are distractions and things to talk about, such as the surroundings or other people. This can make the conversation flow more naturally and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Lastly, being in a public setting allows for an easy exit strategy if the date isn't going well. If either person feels uncomfortable or wants to end the date early, they can do so without feeling trapped or isolated.

Overall, choosing a public setting for a first date can help to create a comfortable and safe environment, provide a range of activity options, and alleviate any potential awkwardness or tension.

Question 4

Tell the immediacy behaviors of the courtship process.

Question 5

Tell the things that many male-male friendships seem to center on.

Question 6

Tell the places men meet other men for male-male friendships.

Question 7

Tell the things men try to determine about the other man in initial meetings for male-male friendships.

Question 8

Tell the things males do to build friendly interactions.

Question 9

Tell the factors of the "old male."

Question 10

Tell the factors of the "new male."

Question 11

Tell the findings about encoding and decoding for females and males.

Question 12

Tell the findings about female-female relationships.

Question 13

Tell the nonverbal cues that tend to indicate power in a female-female friendship.

Question 14

Tell the nonverbal cues for subordination in a female-female friendship.

Question 15

Tell the nonverbal indicators that the closeness is diminishing in a female-female friendship.

Question 16

Using an example, discuss how you have found someone to be attractive by his/her vocal cues.

Question 17

Using an example, discuss how you have seen a man or woman use what appear to be the normal proxemic standards for developing a relationship.

Question 18

Using an example, discuss how you have noticed makeup as a part of an initial interaction with a woman.

Question 19

Using an example, discuss the tips to follow when using the courtship process.

Question 20

Using an example, discuss how you have seen a cross-sex friendship either work or not work.

Question 21

Using your own relationship as an example, discuss whether it is a symmetrical relationship or a complementary one, telling how and why it is that one.

Question 22

Discuss how males have a tendency to use time as a part of their male-male friendships.

Question 23

Using an example, discuss how you have seen a male play either the "old male" role or the "new male" role.

Question 24

Using an example, discuss how you have seen a "third party" affect a female-female friendship.

Question 25

Using an example, discuss how you have noticed a friendship between two female friends diminishing.
A. We use nonverbal communication in our family relationships in the home.