Self Report of Immediacy Behaviors (SRIB)

This is a short form of the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale. The other-report form is presented here. This can be converted to a self-report from by changing directions and modifying the items to reference the self. The long form is more valid and reliable. However, if length of scale is important, this form can be substituted.

Instructions: Below are a series of statements that describe the ways some people behave while talking with or to others. You are asked to indicate how well each statement applies to your supervisor's communication with her/his subordinates. For each statement, choose the number that most closely describes your supervisor's behavior. Write that number in the space before the number of the statement.

1 = Never; 2 = Rarely; 3 = Occasionally; 4 = Often; 5 = Very Often

_____ 1.Uses hands and arms to gesture while talking to people.

_____ 2. Use a monotone or dull voice while talking to people.

_____ 3.Looks at people while talking to them.

_____ 4.Frowns while talking to people.

_____ 5. Has a very tense body position while talking to people.

_____ 6.Moves away from people while talking to them.

_____ 7.Uses a variety of vocal expressions while talking to people.

_____ 8. Touches people on the shoulder or arm while talking to them.

_____ 9. Smiles while talking to people.

_____10.Looks away from people while talking to them.

_____11. Has a relaxed body position while talking to people.

_____12.Is "stiff" while talking to people.

_____13. Avoids touching people while talking to them.

_____14. Moves closer to people while talking to them.

_____15. Is animated while talking to people.

_____16.Looks bland or neutral when talking to people.

Scoring:

Step 1. Add the scores for items 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, and 16.

Step 2. Add the scores for items 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, and 15.

Total score: Start with the number 48, the add total from Step 2, then subtract the score from Step 1.

Source:

Richmond, V. P., & McCroskey, J. C.  (1998).  Nonverbal communication in interpersonal relationships 3^rd Edition. Boston, MA:  Allyn and Bacon.