CUP Undergraduate Research
Title
A Word-Person Talks Body Language: Nonverbal Communication in Society
Date of Award
Spring 4-1-2012
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
College
College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences
Department
Humanities
Degree Name
English, BA
First Advisor
Ceiridwen Terrill, Ph.D.
Abstract
Research has shown that 97 percent of all communication is nonverbal. Of that 97 percent, 55 is body language in the form of gestures, facial expressions, personal space, and the like; the other 38 percent is made up of voice rhythm, tone, volume, and so on (Millar 2008). This statistic, while revealing, is often ignored among the general population. Research into several different aspects of society, including scientific articles, self-help books, popular magazines, and personal observation, has proven helpful in showing the impact of nonverbal communication. The purpose of these articles is to expose the pervasiveness of nonverbal communication, specifically body language, and its consequences for society today.