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02/23/2026
ECA 2026 Nonverbal Communication Interest Group Programming
We are excited to share the Nonverbal Communication Interest Group programming for ECA 2026. We hope to see you there!
Friday April 10, 2026
8:30 AM to 9:45 AM
Brighton 3
AI Emergence in Nonverbal Communication Research
Sponsor: Nonverbal Communication
Chair: Madison Neurohr, University of Buffalo (SUNY)
"Automated Emotion and Deception Detection in Applied Contexts" Mark G. Frank, University at Buffalo, SUNY
"Is Using AI a Form of Deception in Academia?" Madison Neurohr, University of Buffalo (SUNY)
"The Nonverbal Dynamics of AI Instruction and Artificial General Intelligence" Zachary Carr, University at Buffalo (SUNY)
"Trust and Individual Differences in AI Usage" Zachary R. Glowacki, University at Buffalo
This panel explores how artificial intelligence is transforming nonverbal communication research across theoretical, ethical, and applied domains. Topics include the rise of AI instructors and the relational implications of machine-led learning, students' perceptions of AI use as deception and the behavioral factors shaping disclosure, how personality and trust influence human responses to AI, and advances in automated emotion and deception detection through machine learning. Together, these perspectives examine AI's emergence within nonverbal communication research.
Saturday April 11, 2026
8:30 AM to 9:45 AM
Waterfront Room
Nonverbal Communication Business Meeting
Sponsor: Nonverbal Communication
Chair: Madison Neurohr, University of Buffalo (SUNY)
The Nonverbal Communication Interest Group Business Meeting is open to all ECA members and individuals with an interest in nonverbal communication. The meeting will provide a collaborative space for members to reflect on the past year's activities, share insights, and plan for future initiatives. The agenda includes officer reports, highlighting key accomplishments and updates from the past year, and a review of old business. Members will also discuss new business and upcoming opportunities. This meeting aims to foster community and strategic planning, ensuring the Interest Group continues to advance scholarly and practical contributions to the field.
Saturday April 11, 2026
11:30 AM to 12:45 PM
Brighton 3
Emerging Strategies for Teaching Nonverbal Communication
Sponsor: Nonverbal Communication
Chair: Nicole Blau, Ohio University Lancaster
"Let’s Revise our Nonverbal Toolkit: New Ways to Teach Nonverbal Communication in an Online World" Nicole Blau, Ohio University Lancaster
"Modeling the Message: Nonverbal Pedagogy from Artistic Swimming to the Communication Classroom" Mariia Kriuchkova, University of the Incarnate Word; Trey Guinn, University of the Incarnate Word
"Teaching Ethical Leadership through Nonverbal Communication" Melissa Rizzo, Ohio University
As we consider communication as an ever-evolving process, we must pause to consider the ways in which nonverbal communication has also changed. Moreover, we must consider adapting teaching strategies to help students learn to communicate nonverbally effectively in a time when much of our communication takes place online. This panel will explore innovative, inclusive, and adaptive teaching strategies that respond to these changes.
Reminders:
- The convention has full technology available, plus Wi-Fi. We encourage you to use the convention themed slides available here. Presenters will need to bring their own laptop.
- Register for the convention - Early Bird registration discount ends February 28th!
- Attend the Welcome Reception, Convention-wide Keynote & Awards, Pub Trivia, the General Business Meeting, and the President’s Reception.
- Book ECA discount room at the Sheraton Station Square - Booking deadline is March 10th and rooms are going quickly!
- ECA 2026 Shirts & Zip Hoodies are available for pre-order at this link. Orders will be available for pickup at convention registration. All proceeds will support our students! Order deadline is March 9th.
- This year's program feature's our first ECA Book Club! The selected book is Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by linguist Amanda Montell. The book Club will meet Friday from 4:30-5:45 PM in Elwood I. Be sure to have read the book to participate.
Thank you to the reviewers of the Nonverbal Communication Interest Group, Tahleen Lattimer, University of Michigan, and Yi Yin Leong, University at Buffalo (SUNY)!
For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website https://ecacomm.org/.
All questions or concerns related to the Nonverbal Communication Interest Group can be directed to: Madison Neurohr: mneurohr@buffalo.edu
