A nonverbal signal in voices of interview partners effectively predicts communication accommodation and social status perceptions.

Abstract

Derivations from nonverbal communications accommodation theory are tested, and this knowledge is extended both theoretically and methodologically. Fast fourier transform and statistical analysis of a low-frequency nonverbal signal-in voices from 25 dyadic interviews between a talk show host and his guests revealed voice convergence between partners. Correlation coefficients from comparisons of partners' voice spectra and factor analysis of the correlation matrix showed that lower status partners accommodated their voices to higher status partners via the nonverbal signal. Student ratings of the social status of the same talk show host and guests were correlated with factor loadings, thereby providing convergent validity of the nonverbal signal as a predictor of social status perceptions and accommodation.

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