First Impressions on First Dates: A Case Study Exploring Nonverbal Cues and Dating

Sample

Nonverbal communication follows the same sender/receiver orientation as other forms of communication. The receiver of nonverbal messages is evaluating these signals for meaning. Receivers are trying to make accurate judgments about what the messages say about the sender, the situation, and the sender’s relationship with the receiver. For example, DePaulo et al. (1985) analyzed many studies that explored the nonverbal communication from senders who were deceiving the receiver. Many behaviors were examined, and these are commonly known as “tells,” where it becomes apparent to the receiver that the sender is attempting deception. The judgments made by a receiver in these situations will often include a loss of trust in the relationship and negative judgments regarding the sender’s character.