Abstract
Research into nonverbal communication’s role (e.g., facial expressions) in the dramatic and performing arts, while necessary, has remained limited. Although scholars anecdotally acknowledge the inherent value of performing, the social scientific evidence supporting its value in vocal performances remains sparse. Consequently, the current two-study exploration examines a facet of nonverbal communication (facial expression production) and its influence on audience impressions in a sub-category of the dramatic and performing arts - vocal performances. Performers in Study 1 were coded utilizing the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) to ascertain the production rate of genuine facial expressions (GFEs) in vocal performers across two emotionally contrasting songs (e.g., happy and sad). Study 1 results indicated an average GFE production rate of 34% in the happy song and 57% in the sad song with individual differences manifesting between and within conditions. Study 2 results indicated that audience impressions were significantly influenced by GFEs and channel availability (e.g., face, audio, or both) with interaction effects occurring across manipulations. Thus, this exploratory research establishes the first baseline for understanding genuine facial expression production rates and their effects on audience impressions in vocal performances.
Presenters
Zachary CarrClinical Assistant Professor/Vocal Director, Department of Communication/Voice Department, University at Buffalo, State University of New York/Matt's Music, Inc., New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
AUDIENCE IMPRESSIONS, PERFORMING, VOCAL PERFORMANCES, NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
Digital Media
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