Did you know email has paralanguage?

I never thought about it, but I guess my email does have elements of paralanguage. I can think of a number of times when I responded back to someone quickly to show my excitement; conversely, I've taken my time writing back when I'm not so thrilled with the person. Isn't it kind of scary to think that we're communicating something all the time. Every moment of my conscious day is filled with communication. Exhausting. Paralanguage in electronic email is a just a glance at a study that elaborates more on the topic.

Take two paralanguage pills and call me in the morning.

I've had a number of crazy sinus issues for the last three years. In total, I'd guess I've seen over eight doctors regarding the issue. I can think of one in particular who didn't listen to a word I said. It was our first visit, my first visit with an ENT, and I had been referred to him. He interrupted me; he didn't pay attention to my history, and he told me I needed my tonsils out. Needless to say, I got a second opinion and my tonsils are still hanging in there (get it?). I wondered if doctors had to take a class in communication during medical school on how to communicate with patients. Specifically, Paralinguistics: It's Clinical Application explains the importance of listening to a patient.

I'm not the only paralanguage blogger!

Here are some other bloggers that have taken an interest in paralanguage. Take a look and see how other people in the world feel about paralanguage.

Semantic, Paralanguage and Kinesic Behavior
Do I really need to communicate?

Study up before you travel.

Like language itself, paralanguage differs according to culture. The hidden aspects of communication often confuse travelers. That's why travel agents often encourage a little language research on the culture before you go. I would also encourage research on nonverbal elements such as dress, facial expression, and paralanguage. The link above is an interesting place to start.

How to say more than words.

Would that angel face ever lie to you? My dad could usually tell when I was lying. I know you're shocked that I would ever lie, but I did in my younger years. My father was a police officer for 16 years. When I came across this article on Interpreting Paralanguage I came to realize how he always knew. Written by an individual with law enforcement experience, it highlights what paralanguage says about a person. I'm sure I wasn't a very good liar, at least when I was young. I did get an undergraduate degree in advanced lying, but I would never use it on you fine folks. Or, would I?

Hearing Paralanguage

Can you hear paralanguage? Here is another test to see how well you interpret paralanguage. I'll be frank: the quiz is easy, but it is also very amusing. The individual who did it didn't seem to understand paralanguage all that well, because he doesn't commit to the sound completely. I can hear a bit of sarcasm in his voice on a few of the sounds. The true challenge comes in discovering which sounds he's not committed to. Can you tell which ones he's unsure of?

Paralanguage and Work

Did you ever think that Poor paralanguage could cost you your job? Well think about it while the link loads. (It's a slow one, but wait for it. It'll come.) In the workplace, poor communication of any type may result in the loss of a job. Today, we hear that emails, IM's, and blogs can send people to the classified ads looking for employment. While technology is certainty finding its place in the work world, phone interviews followed by a face-to-face interview are still common place. In such situations, it is imperative to know what messages you are sending and receiving.

Do you hear what I hear?

Although paralanguage falls under the nonverbal heading within the study of communication, it is in fact verbal. These audio clips give specific examples of a variety of different kinds of paralanguage that you might hear everyday. It is funny to think that our communication is compiled of much more than words. After you listen to a few of these examples, ask yourself what element of paralanguage you use the most. I'm big into sighing. Some paralanguage studies suggest that means I'm never satisfied and that I've always got something on my mind. I'd agree. What does your paralanguage say about you?

Paralanguage Quiz

Too often in life, I think I know something inside and out, because I once read it in a book somewhere. I've been interested in paralanguage for the last three years. My fascination with it most likely comes from my theater background, where I analyzed dialogue thoroughly for an number of years. Do you think you know a lot about paralanguage and nonverbal communication? Test your nonverbal deciphering skills here. I always think that I can read people's paralanguage well, because I've studied it a lot, but I find that I'm frequently surprised about how wrong I am. I was extremely right on this quiz, however. I got a 100%. Did you?

Defining paralanguage

Do you ever listen between the words? If you're wondering what I mean by that, you're not alone. Commonly known as how you say what you say, paralanguage provides a window into the mind of the communicator. Knowing the definition and elements of paralanguage is just a start in understanding the bigger idea of listening between the words. Click on the links to discover more.