Perceptions of Nonverbal Communication: Implications for Beginning Conductor Training
Kimberly Van Weelden · 2002
In the broadest sense, nonverbal commu- The whole of the human body is a embedded in our daily lives that we read nication encompasses physical appear- means by which to express what and respond to the nonverbal messages ance, use of space, touch, time, smell, happens in a man's inner being. without being aware of them. When we nonverbal vocal behaviors, aspects of the The way he walks, he stands or form an opinion of what someone is like, environment, face and eye behaviors, and slouches, how his eye shines or is the opinion is probably based, in part, gestures and movements.1 These forms of dull, every facial expression, every upon a complex analysis of nonverbal in communication, which can be categorized sound of his throat, every move- formation.6 into four general areas of movements, no ment of his mouth-everything in One's walk and tell a great movements, facial expressions, and head and on him is a continuous, ever- deal about one's frame of mind. Con orientations, are the essence of nonverbal changing projection of his inner ductors have often used the phrases sit communication. In reference to conduct- feelings in respect to the outside well and stand with good posture to ing, Demaree and Moses define nonver- world.4 emphasize, among other things, that those bal communication as the act of who look like musicians will be perceived