The Power of Voice through Non-Verbal Expression

It’s not always what you say, but how you physically express what you feel, that conveys what you are thinking. A great deal of a person’s communication lies in body language and nonverbal communication. Sometimes cultural norms of body language in one culture are misinterpreted as disinterest, disrespect or an invasion of another’s personal space. But in another culture, those same physical stances are regarded as standards. Some languages are based solely on nonverbal expression. For example, ASL (American Sign Language) is a complete, unique language, rich in visual-spatial expression. Increasingly, new parents are using signing gestures with their babies to help bridge communications. Gestures, posture, touch and eye contact all send strong messages. What can we learn from ASL to help us become better communicators? How do your expressions, movements and nonverbal actions influence the way you are seen and heard? How do people’s expressive natures communicate who they are as individuals, as a group and as a culture? How can we mitigate bias and discrimination resulting from the nonverbal voice?

Panel Moderator:  Wafaa Kaf, MSU College of Health and Human Services

Panel Producer:  Amanda Brodeur, MSU College of Health and Human Services; Public Affairs Faculty Fellow & Conference Chair

• Live closed captioning is provided.      
• An ASL Interpreter is available on this session.