Verbal and Nonverbal Aggression: It's Your Words and More that Might Hurt You

Abstract

A great deal of communication takes place when people see the world differently, when they disagree with each other on important issues, or when they espouse different positions on important issues. When conflict and disagreement are managed constructively they can lead to productive and satisfying relationships. When dealt with destructively, conflict and disagreement can lead to damaged and strained relationships, and possibly even relationship termination. Understanding the role of aggressive communication in conflict provides valuable insights into communication behaviors people exhibit when disagreement exists. In this chapter we will first define aggressive communication, distinguish constructive from destructive aggressive communication, describe the communication traits of argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness, and explore the consequences of destructive aggressive verbal and nonverbal communication in a work-related relationship. We will present a case study of how engaging in destructive verbal and nonverbal aggressive communication can work against a person’s upward mobility in the organization.