In a brief essay, discuss the role that physical attractiveness plays in nonverbal communication.

What will be an ideal response?


- In our culture, physical appearance plays a significant role in communication and relationships. Segments of our society have become obsessed with physical appearance and general health, and spend billions of dollars each year to modify, preserve, and decorate their bodies. We might say "beauty is only skin deep," but we are likely to respond positively to those who are attractive and negatively to those who are unattractive.
- Physical attractiveness is an extremely powerful influence on everyday communication. It appears that both males and females are strongly influenced by attractiveness, though males seem to be more responsive to appearance than are females.
- Overall, an appealing physical appearance is perceived as a positive characteristic that influences interpersonal attraction and interpersonal preferences.
- Numerous research studies have indicated that attractive people are perceived to be more popular, successful, sociable, persuasive, sensual, and happy than unattractive ones. Attractiveness affects credibility and a person's ability to persuade others, to get a job, and to gain a higher salary. Handsome men are likely to be viewed as more masculine, and beautiful women as more feminine, in comparison with those perceived as less attractive.

Communication & Mass Media

You might also like to view...

Viral marketing proved to be an effective tactic ________

A) following the SARS outbreak in Canada in 2003 B) with the introduction of the personal computer in 1977 C) that led to the election of Bill Clinton as U.S. president in 1992 D) with the introduction of Microsoft's Vista operating system in 2005 E) that helped the Allies counter Nazi propaganda in World War II

Communication & Mass Media

Research has shown that babies in dysfunctional families are touched less often and less affectionately than babies in healthy families. This type of nonverbal behavior is referred to as __________

a. kinesics b. haptics c. olfactics d. proxemics e. artifacts

Communication & Mass Media

Nonverbal communication is often more powerful than verbal language at communicating the ____________________ level of meaning

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Communication & Mass Media

In general, studies show that it is better to give only one side of the story

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media