Janet Beavin Bavelas

Professor Emeritus
Ph.D. 1970 (Stanford) F.R.S.C.
joined Department in 1970

Dr. Bavelas directs a research group interested in understanding communication in face-to-face dialogue. Their research focuses on two dimensions that have no equivalent in written discourse. First, there are precise nonverbal as well as verbal communicative acts (e.g., gestures and facial displays) that should be treated as part of speech. Second, dialogue has social as well as semantic and syntactic requirements; e.g., the listener plays an important role. Current studies emphasize how dialogue is maintained and regulated, both verbally and nonverbally. Other studies include analysis of medical and therapeutic discourse.

Interests

Face-to-face dialogue
Speech-related Nonverbal Acts
Research Methods

Program affiliations

Individualized Programs

Publications

Bavelas, J. B., & Gerwing, J. (2007). Conversational hand gestures and facial displays in face-to-face dialogue. In K. Fiedler (Ed.), Social communication (pp. 283-308). New York: Psychology Press (Frontiers of Social Psychology Series).

Bavelas, J. B., Gerwing, J., Sutton, C., & Prevost, D. (2008). Gesturing on the telephone: Independent effects of dialogue and visibility. Journal of Memory and Language, 58, 495-520.

Del Vento, A., Bavelas, J.B., Healing, S., MacLean, G., & Kirk, P. (2009). An experimental investigation of the dilemma of delivering bad news. Patient Education and Counseling, 77, 443-449.