More than Words: Interpersonal Communication and Well-Being

Original Air Date Wednesday, April 27, 2022

As we begin to emerge from the pandemic-induced lockdown, many people are starved for human connection. Online social gatherings may not have been enough to regulate our emotions the way that pure, screen-free human touch does. It may feel uncomfortable to be in close proximity to others, shake hands, or embrace friends and family. And, when we do reach out, what do we say to those who are grieving the loss of social connection or the loss of a loved one?

To delve deeper into how we can be better communicators, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen, speaks with two professors whose work revolves around the many aspects of human communication and social well-being.

Kory Floyd studies interpersonal communication and its effects on mental and physical health. He describes the impacts of the COVID pandemic and the loneliness pandemic on our mental state and how we can create connection through communication.

Valerie Manusov studies how behavior is interpreted and the meaning we give to other nonverbal communication cues. She reveals the insights about conflict resolution, the effective communication attributes of trustworthy leaders, and the importance of listening.

Tune in:

Lisa Cypers Kamen · More than Words: Interpersonal Communication and Well-Being

Meet Our Guests:

More than Words: Interpersonal Communication and Well-Being with Kory Floyd Ph.D. & Valerie Manusov Ph.D.

Kory Floyd Ph.D. is a professor of communication and a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on the communication of affection in close relationships and how it helps individuals manage their mental, physical, and relational health.

Book: Global Unitive Healing: Integral Skills for Personal and Collective Transformation

Kory describes the fundamental need for connection. {1:42}
The importance of touch for regulating emotions. {4:00}
People benefit not only from the affection they receive but also from the affection they give. {6:55}
Re-emerging after the pandemic can be confusing and exhausting when it comes to touching our tribe. {9:40}
Kory explains the difference between feeling alone and being lonely. {16:37}
How loneliness impacts mental and physical health. {20:45}
What to do and what not to do to create connection and support for someone who is grieving. {25:43}

Follow Kory Floyd:

Valerie Manusov Ph.D. is a professor in the Dept. of Communication at the University of Washington. She has studied interpersonal communication generally, and nonverbal communication specifically, for almost 40 years. She is the co-editor of The Sage Handbook of Nonverbal Communication.

Valerie Manusov — More than Words:

How to build and maintain connection through interpersonal communication styles. {30:29}
Valerie describes the subtle back channels of communication that are as important as words. {32:38}
Interpreting the behavior of others is more about context than body language. {38:49}
In the face of differences, it is important to remember that our humanity is what binds us all together. {43:41}
Valerie describes how President Zelensky of Ukraine is a model of trustworthy leadership in the face of challenge. {47:49}
Conflict resolution helps retain important relationships but is a skill that should be practiced. {52:57}

Shareables:

“When you are really, truly entrenched in loneliness, it can be very easy to believe that things are never going to get better.” — Kory Floyd on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “When you are really, truly entrenched in loneliness, it can be very easy to believe that things are never going to get better.” — Kory Floyd on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “When a person is in the primary role of listener their behaviors are really important.” — Valerie Manusov on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Would you want to be treated the way you treat other people?” — Valerie Manusov on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

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Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.