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Essay / Main Factors of Nonverbal Communication - 1183
Burgoon (1994), she states that nonverbal communication plays an important role in the social influence process for several reasons. First, we can use nonverbal behavior to create certain impressions of ourselves. If we can make ourselves seem powerful, authoritative, credible, or attractive, we can also be more persuasive. Second, through the use of nonverbal behaviors, people can establish intimate relationships. In other words, nonverbal cues, such as touch, can be influential in establishing rapport. Third, nonverbal behaviors can enhance or distract from persuasive messages that can reinforce learning. Fourth, through nonverbal cues, a person can be encouraged to imitate a role model's behavior. Fifth, nonverbal cues can be used to signal a person's expectations and elicit behavior consistent with those expectations. Finally, nonverbal behaviors can be used to violate people's expectations in order to distract them.