Direct Nonverbal Communication can tell us some very indirect things

1. Michael Diller
COM 325 (NVCx)
Missouri State University

2. Direct Nonverbal
Communication can tell us
some very indirect things
In the world how we present ourselves using clothing and
artifacts (and to a lesser extent environment and
atmosphere) has a great impact on how we are perceived by
others.
For this project I thought “What can we tell about a person
based strictly off their appearance and our prior knowledge?”
For it I collected static images of various people in various
lines of work.
I did not want to merely focus on the shallow and superficial
aspects of their appearance, but instead focus on the
qualities and underlying skills these people most likely have.

3. A bit of
where I’m
coming
from.
• My primary references/inspiration for this
project are from Antonio Centeno founder
of Real Men Real Style who inspired me to
be mindful of the clothes I wear, and how
I present myself and Rebecca Walker
Naylor via her article in MARKETING
LETTERS titled “Nonverbal Cues-Based
First Impressions: Impression Formation
through exposure to Static Images.“
• *It should be noted that the reference
from Antonio Centeno is very loose and
concerns the idea that a uniform helps to
establish a sense of trust. However, a
caveat to that is do not always trust
someone just because they are wearing a
uniform.

4. Naval Officers.
I do not know these ladies.
However, based off their
appearance I can tell that
they have chosen to serve
our country as naval
officers. Which in turn tells
me they are brave leaders,
capable mariners and strong
swimmers who may have to
make difficult decisions
concerning the lives of
others.

5. Doctor
I’ve never met this man in my life. But, based off his
physical appearance ( clothes and artifacts) I’d say he
is forthright, compassionate, empathetic, professional
and respectful. I’ve also deduced he is highly and
specifically educated, makes more money than I do,
and he could quite possibly save my life should that
situation arise. If not he could probably point me in
the right direction

6. To me, Lynne Halbrook looks like a lawyer( she is).
This tells me she has excellent communication,
analytical, research skills and time management
skills. She has specific knowledge of the law that I
may not have. She knows how to effectively argue
under pressure. She probably has a very thick skin,
a lot of patience and is willing to work with people
at their worst. Her services while expensive could
probably get you out of a jam or deliver you a very
nice payday.

7. Unlike David Watts, I’ve never met Queen
Elizabeth of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland. Though, I
know her when I see her. I know that she
has a high degree of referent and
authoritative power that is too numerous
to mention here. I also know that her title
gives her a sort of international clout. I
know she is admired by millions around
the world and that her proud lineage can
be effectively and accurately traced back
to the 16th century

8. Based off this person’s clothing I can
tell that they are willing to put
themselves in harms way to save
others. That they are most likely a
physically capable, confident and
resilient quick thinker and problem
solver who is also a team player who
has possibly had to see some things
that I would rather not see

9. Based off their appearance,
this person has a specialized
skill set. They are willing to
accept criticism. They can
handle high stress
environments. They desire to
learn more. They are very
creative and know how to pay
attention to small details.
They are also very organized
and know how to lead people

10. This person is most
likely in a band. They
most likely have a
very dedicated
fanbase. They are
probably very
organized, know how
to follow unspoken
direction and take a
lead role. They most
likely work well with
others and know how
to entertain
thousands of people

11. • Thank you for your time. I hope that my
project has at least provided you with a type of
insight on what we can gleam from a person’s
appearance. I realize that we cannot fully
understand what a person may be capable of
based just strictly off their outward
appearance. However I believe that we can at
least get an idea of certain qualities they
possess.
• Michael Diller

12. References.
Centeno, A. (2017, June 19). Dress like a man. 7 tips to stop dressing like a boy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/7KXqYhjzjtk
J5 Key Qualities of an Effective Firefighter (2018, July 17). In Provident Fire Plus. Retrieved from
https://www.providentfireplus.com/5-key-qualities-of-an-effective-firefighter/ones, J.
P. (n.d.).
Qualifications of a Naval Officer. In USNA United States Naval Academy. Retrieved from
https://www.usna.edu/StrategicPlan/archives/2011-2020/naval_officer_quals
Ladah, R. (2019, June 17). What Makes a Good Lawyer? Common Traits of Successful
Attorneys Today. In Abraham Lincoln University. Retrieved from
https://www.alu.edu/alublog/what-makes-a-good-lawyer/
Naylor, Rebecca W. "Nonverbal Cues-Based First Impressions: Impression Formation
through exposure to Static Images." Marketing Letters, vol. 8, no. 3, Sept.
2007, pp. 165-79,
doi:https://www.jstor.org/stable/40216712
O'Donnell, M. (n.d.). 8 Vital Traits of the Ideal Physician. In Health Careers. Retrieved from
https://www.healthecareers.com/article/career/8-vital- traits-of-the-ideal-physician