Informing, Coordinating, and Performing: A Perspective on Functions of Sensorimotor Communication

Abstract

Sensorimotor communication is a form of communication instantiated through body movements that are guided by both instrumental, goal-directed intentions and communicative, social intentions. Depending on the social interaction context, sensorimotor communication can serve different functions. This article aims to disentangle three of these functions: (a) an informing function of body movements, to highlight action intentions for an observer; (b) a coordinating function of body movements, to facilitate real-time action prediction in joint action; and (c) a performing function of body movements, to elicit emotional or aesthetic experiences in an audience. We provide examples of research addressing these different functions as well as some influencing factors, relating to individual differences, task characteristics, and situational demands. The article concludes by discussing the benefits of a closer dialog between separate lines of research on sensorimotor communication across different social contexts.

Keywords: action prediction; aesthetics; dance; joint action; music; nonverbal communication; sensorimotor communication; sport.

Figure 1

An illustration of three central functions of sensorimotor communication, indicating the main directionality of information exchange between individuals and potential influencing factors on their communication. The number of involved individuals can vary in each context.