The following is some video footage from one of our first date studies.  The general theme for this study was signs of attraction. Watch the video and let us know what you think? Is she attracted to him? Is he attracted to her? Why or why not? What nonverbal signs do you spot?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Academic Background

Individuals interested in conducting any sort of professional research should have at least a graduate degree in psychology or a closely related social science. Academic research can be quite complex and is often misinterpreted. A solid background in statistics and research methodology is required in order to fully comprehend this research. Only after understanding existing studies can you conduct your own independent research.

Extensive Review of the Literature

To consult in a specific area, it is vital that you are aware of all of the available research on that topic. It is equally as important to keep yourself familiarized with all new research.  In other words, you must perform a comprehensive review of literature.  There are thousands of studies on nonverbal communication available; reviewing all of these is an extensive task that may take years.

Independent Research

Academic research is often conducted in highly controlled environments rather than real-world settings. In reviewing these studies, I became skeptical of this assumed experimental design. I decided to use my own, independent field research as a method for challenging these assertions. I have learned volumes about nonverbal communication through conducting my own research. By breaking down video footage of couples on dates and observing others in naturalistic settings, I have not only coded various expressions of nonverbal communication, but gained insight into the reasons behind them.

Natural Inclination

Every individual has the ability to improve his or her nonverbal skills. However, some are more aware and better at observing these changes in others.  Any nonverbal communication consultant should posess a natural inclination toward reading body language, along with the necessary research, training, and academics to strengthen those abilities. The consultant should be able to assess an individual’s nonverbal skills across a wide range of social situations and then be able to effectively modify them.

One of the most frequently quoted statistics on nonverbal communication is that 93% of all daily communication is nonverbal. Popular science magazines, students and media outlets frequently quote this specific number.

So where does the number come from? Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, conducted several studies on nonverbal communication. He found that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc).  Subtracting the 7% for actual vocal content leaves one with the 93% statistic.

However, studying human behavior is a challenging task. The inherent flaws of social scientific research methodology combined with the incredible dynamic nature of human behavior make this specific quantification close to impossible.

The fact of the matter is that the exact number is irrelevant. Knowing that communication is specifically 75% nonverbal or 90% nonverbal holds no practical applications. The important part is that most communication is nonverbal. In fact, nonverbal behavior is the most crucial aspect of communication.

Based on my own research, I would state that the amount of communication that is nonverbal varies between 60 and 90% on a daily basis.  This number depends on both the situation and the individual.

The resesarch blah blah blah

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In winter 2009, we set up a study in downtown Manhattan that proved to be incredibly interesting and telling. We rented out a restaurant and rigged it with several cameras and audio equipment. Then we posted an ad on Craig’s List and played matchmaker, setting up 10 mock first dates. We created a scenario in which two people who had never before interacted had a 35-minute conversation. We then took the footage and broke it down, while coding for nonverbal signs of attraction, interest, boredom, offense, and more. After studying the verbal interactions, we mapped out the conversations, determining which topics were most engaging and which ones less so.

In spring 2010, we rented a space at the W Hotel and set up a series of videotaped interviews. Our participants thought that they were simply answering questions about their first date experiences. However, our goal was two-fold. After asking them a wide range of questions as well as recording their first date stories and preferences, we coded the interviews for nonverbal behavior. In the end, we broke down each piece of footage for nonverbal cues of deception, discomfort, interest, and boredom.

While a lot of our research is conducted through recording and analyzing video footage, we also gained substantial insight by watching and taking notes on human interaction. Our observations are ongoing, and we try to observe at least one situation every month. We usually ask men and women where and when they are going on a previously set-up first date. Then we follow and observe them without their partner’s knowledge. These observations are highly informative and answer a lot of questions that cannot be answered by more traditional methods.

Detecting deception is without a doubt one of the more difficult subjects to study nonverbally. In summer 2011, we will be conducting four independent studies, as well as testing one of our methods for deception detection. Research in this topic often requires a level of deception in itself that many academic institutions find difficult for board approval. Fortunately, we are self-funded and managed, allowing The Nonverbal Group to conduct a wide range of studies throughout New York City. Our studies will take a close look at how eye movement, blink rate, heartbeat, and “figity” behavior can be used to detect deception. If you are interested in becoming a participant, please contact us.