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, Positive Psychology 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.

About Lisa’s guests: 

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.

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.

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