Summary What is nonverbal communication and why is it important? Eye Contact and Gaze Technology and Nonverbal Communication Conclusion A big ball of nervousness weighs down your stomach as you anxiously approach the door. You have a date tonight, and as your sweaty fist comes knocking on the door to signal your date that you're there, a series of thoughts run through your head: did you pick the right flowers, did you choose the right restaurant, did you dressed appropriately, you're about to say the right things, etc. While all of these are important, what's probably most important to focus on for the night is nonverbal communication with your partner. Nonverbal communication is crucial in our interactions with others, as it consists of a variety of different things that all play an important role in communication. Nonverbal communication, particularly as it pertains to romantic relationships and dating, plays a huge role in determining how we perceive other people and, in turn, greatly influences our communication with others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay What is nonverbal communication and why is it important? Nonverbal communication, or “the behaviors and characteristics that convey meaning without the use of words” makes up a large part of our communication with others, and research indicates that it makes up nearly 70% of our communication with others. There are so many things in nonverbal communication, ranging from facial expressions, posture, vocal characteristics, eye contact and so much more. It's so important and often gets very overlooked in terms of the importance and overall makeup of what communication is. So when you say, “You look lovely tonight!” on your date, how you say it will probably be much more important than whether you choose to compliment your date. At its essence, nonverbal communication creates so much meaning. This is evident in our common assumptions about reflexes and the emotions present during these reflexes. From childhood, we begin to develop common associations between some emotions and the reflexes that usually accompany them, highlighted by the existence of "a clear association between pleasant feelings and zygomatic activity (smile)... [however] happiness is neither necessary nor enough to smile” (Russell, Bachorowski, & Fernandez-Dols, 337). This demonstrates several important things, one of the most important is that pleasant feelings such as happiness are commonly associated with smiling does not have to be present for one to smile, there is a clear association between certain emotions and expressions. These findings parallel the findings obtained by examining vocal characteristics and different reactions present with different emotions. Similar to facial expressions, the research postulates that “i facial and vocal changes are more closely related to what has been thought of as a component of emotion and therefore only indirectly with emotion” (Russell, Bachorowski, & Fernandez-Dols, 341). While the exact cause of frowning when sad or cracking voice when upset has not yet been found, we as humans tend to associate certain emotions and expressions together, especially as it pertains to our specific cultures. These actions increase when in the presence of other people, which is essential for establishing synergy between you and a potential partner. Our perception of theseactions, whether it's something small like a smile or bigger with a smile, conveys our feelings towards the other person. Eye Contact and Gaze Of course, there are many other very important elements of nonverbal communication, including eye contact and gazing. These two elements act as very important aspects of nonverbal communication, both being often present in intimate interactions between two potential partners. Studies on the topic indicate several things, some of which are that higher levels of gaze indicate greater sexual interest, gaze increases attraction and liking among others, and gaze shows more attention among other things. Gaze and continuous eye contact have positive associations attached to them, and this collection of findings shows not only the power of gaze but also its importance in social contexts. These research findings will differ between different cultures, something that is clearly seen in the stark dichotomy in the meaning of eye contact and gaze found when examining different cultures. Key differences in the meaning and general use of eye contact between two potential partners can be found by exploring North American culture and other cultures such as Asian cultures, where “avoiding eye contact is seen as a sign of respect” in Asian cultures. However, while things may be different in other cultures, gaze and eye contact are important in North American culture, and the presence of both correlates with expressions of intimacy and affection. For this reason, it is important to know and understand the state of affairs between you and your potential partner. While elements of this type may be present with someone you are close friends with, intimate gaze and eye contact with someone you are at a personal distance with can indicate that you and the other person may be more than just normal friends. The importance and presence of nonverbal communication differs drastically regarding the type of relationship two people are in. Although research has indicated that gazing increases sexual interest and attraction which is often related to intimate relationships, this is something that is not necessarily true as nonverbal communication differs between two people who are casually dating versus those who they are more serious. In casual relationships there is a significant deemphasis of several things and nonverbal communication overall seen with “involved daters [who value] nonverbal communication more than casual daters” (McGinty, Knox, & Zusman, para. 5). Furthermore, research has indicated that “being sensitive and concerned about the nuances of nonverbal communication is an extension of being more serious about relationship issues” (McGinty, Knox, & Zusman, para. 5). This research highlights a shift in priorities when moving from casual to more serious relationships; both partners tend to worry about nonverbal elements because the gravity of the relationship is much deeper. McGinty and company's research also firmly demonstrates that casual relationships ultimately mean less commitment, and with that less attention to the key elements present in committed relationships. This does not mean, however, that these elements cannot be present, indeed, the presence of some elements of non-verbal communication (or lack thereof) does not mean that these differences become even more profound when we move from casual relationships to couples who are married seen in “married individuals reported more supportive affectionate communication than the individuals they dated” (Punyanunt-Carter, 1159). This finding helps differentiate how communication changes.