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Topic: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in USA.
Communication is considered one of the most important soft skills in modern era. Not
only is the bridge connecting the relationships between people, but communication skills are also
the key to success in all areas. Communication is divided 2 types: verbal and nonverbal
communication. Verbal communication is the act of sharing information between individuals by
the use of speech. It is an integral part of daily life. Nonverbal communication is the transmission
of messages or signals through a nonverbal platform such as eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures, posture, and the distance between two individuals. Different countries will have
different ways of communication. And then, this paper will find out about verbal and nonverbal
communication in USA.

Verbal communication in USA is very important so that it is necessary to learn more to
avoid unnecessary mistakes. The most important requirement for verbal communication is the
clarity of the pronunciation, the clarity of content, the accessibility of the presentation of
thoughts. Verbal communication can trigger a positive or negative emotional response. That is
why each individual needs to know and apply exactly the rules, standards and verbal interaction
techniques. For effective communication and success in USA, anyone should master the art of
rhetoric. The first factor of verbal communication is use words. The pronunciation and selection
of words when speaking is also an important factor affecting the communication process. If you
are shy, lacking in confidence, talking too softly or conversely speaking loudly, speaking too
quickly ... it will make it difficult for others to capture the message you want to convey.


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Secondly, it is how to express personal opinions and solve problems in communication.
Americans always value frankness and integrity in communication in particular and the way of
life in general. They do not like meandering, distance, or similes. In general, when Americans
say "yes" it means yes and "no" means no. Americans are not embarrassed to answer "I don't

know" if they don't know what you're interested in, or "I'm not in charge of this" if the issue you
care about is not within their scope of responsibility. . However, Americans are often willing to
tell you who to ask or where to look for the information you need, or who is in charge of the
things you care about. In the USA, lying is a sin and worse than theft, and they also seem to
believe that people who are timid and outspoken in communicating are not credible. Americans
always get straight to the point and in everything they usually do not care about the process but
only the results. In term of "white lie", a harmless lie, Americans use a lot in communication and
are understood as a polite way of saying. Indigenous people who communicate with each other
recognize whether it is a "white lie" or not, and they accept that problem. For example, if your
host invited you to eat something that you didn't think was good, instead of trying to eat it, they
might say "the food is great but I'm on a diet", so no one would say it. The landlord can guess it's
a "white cork". Moreover, in lifestyle and communication, Americans value what belongs to
themselves about their individual abilities, personal identity, their "I" is something that they
always care about and protect, the American way of life is included in two words: free and
independent. In communication, Americans often value their ego and show confidence in
themselves. Besides, saying 'sorry', 'thank you' is also a common saying in American society,
they thank you anytime and anywhere for all the actions that impact their lives, no matter how
small or big, to show constant harmony and joy, they apologize when they touch other people or
even are traffic collisions etc. In the USA, the concept of apology and the behavior towards


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reconciliation in a fun and courageous manner. Furthermore, Americans often introduce
themselves by first and last name or if they do not need to be formal and friendly, they will only
introduce their names. Your usual answer when someone introduced you is ‘Please to meet you.’
Unless that person introduces his / her first and last name (Mr or Ms), you should call them by
first name. Usually in work and society, Americans often call each other by their first names.
They can call your first name after being invited or have an intimate relationship and do not call
your own name unless you are invited to people who are much older than you or have a higher

status, higher rank than you, or for those you want to show respect. For first-time acquaintances
or unknown names such as bakery staff, secretary, driver ... can be called Sir, Mr, Mrs, Miss ...
For children, it is always possible to call their own name. The officer or the police should call the
rank if known or called as officer and followed by them. However, you should always call the
professors in universities by title and surname (for example, Professor Clinton), unless they
allow or ask you to call them by name. Americans often answer by phone by saying "Hello". If
you call for work, the person answering the phone usually starts with the company name and
their name after that. If you meet the person you need right away, just say Hello and your name.
If not, you should politely ask the person answering the phone, "May I speak with Bill Clinton
please?". Most Americans usually have an answering machine at home. At the same time, most
companies often have voice messages for their employees so you can leave a message. Give your
first name clearly and leave your phone number so they can call you back. The messages should
be short and to the point. And an important thing in American communication should not ask the
age, or income of the Americans. Religion, politics, and sex are also sensitive areas in the US. It
is best to avoid these topics unless with close friends. The salutation is "How are you?" And the
answer is "I'm fine, thank you" is enough, do not tell me more about my health. When greeting,


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do not complain about anything. Express your sense of happiness and a positive outlook that is
more acceptable to Americans. Keep silent: Avoid making noise, talking too loudly in public
places like restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets ... especially in solemn sightseeing
places such as museums, souvenir houses, memorials...
Nonverbal communication is a kind of "language" that is little or not attached to
consciousness, it can be expressed automatically and mechanically that other people may not
have understood. It is the body language, expressed by gestures, facial expressions, eyes
contact ... in the communication process and has its own coding system. So how important is
non-verbal communication? Until now, a lot of research paper on delivery general speaking and
nonverbal communication spoken particularly, it was established to affirm its reach important

and independent type of this communication. A series of papers with approaches and various
research methods, have taken output specific results that show the importance undeniable of
nonverbal communication: Hall claims 60% of the entire delivery reception of nonverbal people.
Mehrabian and Wiener found this 93% of social meaning is associated with nonverbal
communication. Birdwhistell suggested that a person (US), average daily use only words in the
range of 10 to 11 minutes and an average statement of length of time about 2.5 seconds. He also
realized that citadel spoken words in face-to-face conversations only accounting for nearly 35%,
while more than 65% belonged nonverbal elements. In modern society and especially in the
international business environment, it is essential for each of us to become more sophisticated, to
have life skills that are self-aware and self-restraining in body language and practice. Observe
this language through the surrounding images to understand the partner we are communicating
with. In professional communication skills, in addition to paying attention to the gestures and
messages of the opposite person, you must also know how to read the person's gestures and their


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meaning. When you have that experience, you will know the other person, identify yourself and
control yourself and the other person with nonverbal actions. Usually after a courtesy greeting,
the experienced person begins to notice the nonverbal gestures of the other person. He crossed
his limbs while talking? Did he look into his eyes? Does he cover his mouth when asking
questions? Observe and system the gestures, can assess whether the person is really in
conversation, depressed, angry or suspicious. At first, you may not be 100% aware of those
gestures, but at least be able to recognize something that is happening in the opposite person.
When we control our behaviors, our gestures and that of the other person, we will see the
benefits of body language. The language of the body that reflects the true feelings inside should
understand it, you can use them in the most beneficial way when meeting your partner or giving
a presentation in front of a crowd.
Gestures are the first element in nonverbal communication in USA. In the US, shaking
hands is a common greeting. You can shake hands with both men and women at the first meeting

or later. Americans have a habit of shaking hands with both hands rather than fingers (not to
squeeze to hurt other people's hands) to show friendliness and enthusiasm. Loose handshakes can
be considered uncertain, lacking in confidence, and even indifferent in relationships. It is rare for
Americans to use both hands to shake hands. When you shake hands, you should be about a foot
away from the other person, the frontal body is slightly inclined forward, the legs stand straight
up, the right hand out, the four fingers together, the distance between the thumb and index
fingers intersecting, thumb extended, pointing to the handshake. If the handshake facing down
below the palm of his hand shows that this is the person who tends to dominate others very
much, by that handshake he wants to tell others that, when that his position is a step higher. So in
the process of communication you should at least limit this arrogant and tactless handshake,


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because it will bring offensive feelings to the opposite person. On the contrary, the palm facing
inward to shake the opponent's hand showed the humility and respect of the handshake. And
when shaking hands, hands perpendicular to each other show that the handshake in this way is a
very natural and respectful equality in communication. The handshake perpendicular to the
opponent's hand is also a relatively common and most stable way of all the above handshakes.
Wearing gloves while shaking hands is an impolite behavior. If you are a man before you shake
your hand, you should remove your gloves and lower your hat. If you are a woman, you may not
need to remove your gloves and hat. Besides, in the US, they often hug, rub their cheeks or kiss
their cheeks when communicating. Sometimes you can see men and women or women and
women greeting each other by hugging, and even rubbing their cheeks or kissing each other. This
form of greeting is usually only for people who are long friends, or at least have known each
other. In addition, Americans rarely touch each other. Americans also use gestures at different
levels of communication to emphasize what they want to say or may just follow natural habits.
Shaking his head from side to side means disagreeing. Nodding means agreeing. Raising your
eyebrows shows surprise. Shrugs appear skeptical or uncertain. In the restaurant when you want
to call the waiter you can raise your hand up and point your index finger to attract their attention.

However, waving or pointing your index finger directly at another person means accusing or
challenging the person. Reaching out with your palm facing forward means stopping. For
Americans raising their middle finger is considered obscene and challenging. Sometimes, you
can see Americans resting one foot on the other and leaning back when talking to guests. These
traits often contradict the tradition of respectful and humble respect of Asians. Saying that
doesn't mean Americans are arrogant or rude. Americans often value efficiency over courtesy.


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One of the indispensable elements of nonverbal communication in the US is facial
expressions. Americans can express themselves or express emotions, express ego through facial
expressions. Different states of facial expression will make them more confident and more
successful in communication. For example, negotiators always know how to hide their true
feelings. They will carefully select words, change the tone, gesture language and facial
expressions carefully. To ordinary people, they appear to be indifferent, neutral or can pretend to
be convinced if they think this will help them achieve certain goals. Expressions on facial
expressions help to emphasize words through visuals and emotions. It can arouse your emotions
and thus make your voice alive. When talking to each other as well as speaking in public, almost
everyone has changes in facial expressions and gestures in some form. Smile is considered a
powerful weapon to bring comfort, joy, openness in communication. However, in many cases,
smile has many other meanings. Always have a warm smile when you walk into the office or
start the presentation. Simple details that will help you "score" in the heart of people from the
first moment. Besides, smiling also makes others think that you are happy, funny even able to
convey that positive emotion around. American smiles tend to show more emotionally than
Russians or Asians. Speaking of important issues, facial expressions must be serious and if
something goes wrong, keep angry. Americans always like to be straightforward and not talk
around. If you're stressed or worried, your face usually looks cold, indifferent to everything.
Therefore, practice facial expressions in the mirror, avoid bad attitude so that people see you are
always active, positive everything. The false facial expressions on the face cannot help us gain

trust from everyone around us. With sharp intuition, the opponent will often perceive an attitude
of dishonesty, thereby gradually losing trust. Sincere advice is not to try to be happy when you


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are feeling really angry and vice versa. Let the facial expressions determine our emotions, our
thoughts, our desires because they are constantly changing, profoundly from time to time.
The last and very important factor in nonverbal communication in the US are eyes
contact. This is the most powerful form of nonverbal communication. It builds an emotional
relationship between the speaker and the listener. According to Eckman “Communication (also
known as eyes contact) is a major channel of nonverbal communication. In which time of
making eye contact is the most important. ” The minimum rule when communicating with
Americans is to look directly into the eyes of the opposite person and keep eye contact
throughout the conversation. In an American perspective, looking straight into another person's
eyes when speaking shows sincerity, confidence, and respect. Americans judge that you do not
look directly into the eyes of the other person but look around or look at the ground as a
dishonest or disrespectful person. In fact, Americans communicate not only with words but also
with expressions of the face and eyes, so the fact that you are afraid to look at the opponent's
eyes or roll your eyes around when talking makes the person talking to you feel Not good about
you. In America, strangers only look at each other's eyes for about half a second. In case you are
not talking to anyone but purposely staring at someone else's face or, worse, parts of their body,
it will definitely be considered vulgar. Looking at the right place and the right time is what you
need to keep in mind when communicating with Americans. There are four basic mistakes when
making eye contact that we often see: avoid eye contact: show your weakness. Blinking too
much: making speech unreliable. The eyes look uncertain indefinitely: to show superficiality,
sometimes with a reflective element. Eyes blank with emotionlessness: showing ignorance and
stupidity. Here are some things to keep in mind when making eye contact in the US. The first
note don't flabby with people of the opposite sex, unless it's just a funny gesture you make for



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fun. Next, whether talking to an older or younger person, don't look at their blemishes. Although
you do not intentionally, but sometimes your eyes evoke negative thoughts on their heads.
Additionally, when asking someone, while waiting for them to make a decision, should not stare
at them. Inadvertently your eyes put pressure on them to agree to help you. When eating, don't
look at other people picking food because you will confuse them. Finally, avoid letting the other
person see you cry, because you will make them very awkward, whether they are the people
making you cry or not.
Nowadays, the communication behaviors are gradually globalized, but the characteristics
of communication styles in each country are still very interesting. Let's look at the interesting
differences in communication between Vietnamese and Americans. The first difference is
greeting and getting acquainted. In the United States, people often greet each other with very
close gestures such as hugging or kissing their cheeks depending on the intimacy or the
handshakes are always the most polite and civilized way of greeting. While in Vietnam, an Asian
country, places a high value on social hierarchy, their greetings become more complicated
according to their relationship. Starting new relationships, being open minded and having fun is
what people are most impressed with when getting to know an American. As for Vietnamese
nowadays, thanks to the introduction of foreign culture, they are more free and stronger to get
acquainted but in general, they still have a more shy and confused attitude than the transient in
communication of the Americans. The second difference is to ask about enemy income. In
Vietnam, this issue is quite comfortable. Often in friends' meetings or family gatherings, income
is an issue often mentioned as a gesture of caring for the other's life. However, this issue in US is
listed as sensitive even taboo. Discussing income is also viewed as a rather offensive act.
Another difference is calling them shows respect. Vietnamese people do not call each other by


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their surname. This is due to the fact that the surname in Vietnam is not rich, duplication of
surname is extremely obvious and common. In the West, however, they are a difficult element to
duplicate, almost unlike anyone. Therefore, when communicating in Canada, you should address
them with your partner. This shows respect for the opposite person. By name, it means the
relationship has become intimate. Next, it is how to shake hands. Americans often shake hands
more tightly than Vietnamese people and Vietnamese people often hold hands with their partners
longer. Vietnamese people often shake hands more often. When reaching out to catch, the fingers
of the person Viet usually camber posture more, longer American fingers are straight more.
When holding hands, Americans often fret arms farther away from body, while Vietnamese the
arms are closer to the body. When shaking hands solemnly, Vietnamese people often stooped
back and slightly bowed and the US often has a straight back and a slight bow. When shaking
hands solemnly, Vietnamese people often look down and Americans often looking directly at the
communication partner.

In summary, American’s are known as people who say what they think, but Americans do
value “small talk” or chatting before talking about important things. Swear words and insults to
another person’s race, religion, or gender are not acceptable in American conversations.
Americans like to look each other in the eye when they are talking. Men shake hands when they
met, though men may kiss women’s cheeks and women may hug each other or offer handshakes.
Most people don’t like it when other people stand too close. A “thumbs up” is a sign that
something is good in America. Therefore, we should learn about how Americans communicate to
avoid making unnecessary mistakes when talking to them.


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Works cited
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/>A. Mehrabian, M. Wiener, Non Immediacy between Communication and Object of
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Birdwhistell,

Kenesics

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Journal of Consulting Psychology 30 (1966) 225.

Context,


University

of Pennsylvania

Press,

1970.

/>Weiten, W., Dunn, D, & Hammer, E, Psychology Applied to Modern Life (2009) .Belmont, CA:
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