Contribution
Effect of asymmetric noise on interpersonal communication dynamics
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Research on non-verbal communication has shown that leader-follower dynamics arise when individuals engage in tasks with unequal difficulty, where the individual with the more difficult task assumes the leadership role, while the individual with the easier task adapts. Leaders adjust their signalling strategies—such as movement trajectory or speed—to enhance predictability, while followers rely on these cues to anticipate the leader’s actions. This adaptation between leaders and followers is crucial for communication success. However, it is unclear whether similar dynamics emerge in verbal communication, e.g., when participants have asymmetric hearing abilities. Given that verbal exchanges are rarely free from noise, such disruptions could influence implicit negotiations and the establishment of leader-follower roles. To explore this, the current study introduces speech-shaped noise to one participant during dyadic unstructured conversations, while simultaneously recording bodily signals (heart rates, head and hand movements). We hypothesise that the participant without degraded audio will implicitly adopt the follower role, adapting their speech and non-verbal cues for comprehension; while the leader will increase their signalling frequency, making their movements more predictable. These adjustments are anticipated to reveal a strategic shift in communication dynamics, thereby enhancing our understanding of how noise-induced perturbations influence interpersonal coordination.