NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

What is Nonverbal Communication?

Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words. It includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, and other physical cues.

This form of communication often conveys emotions, attitudes, and intentions more powerfully than words.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

1. Body Language (Posture & Movement)

• Refers to how we sit, stand, walk, and position our bodies.

• Communicates confidence, openness, nervousness, or defensiveness.

Examples:

• Sitting upright - attentiveness and confidence.

• Slouching - disinterest or tiredness.

• Arms crossed - defensiveness or discomfort.

• Leaning forward - interest and engagement.

2. Facial Expressions

• The human face can express more than 7,000 emotions.

• Expressions are often universal (e.g., a smile is understood across cultures).

Examples:

• Smiling - friendliness or happiness.

• Frowning - sadness or disagreement.

• Raised eyebrows - surprise or curiosity.

• Eye-rolling - sarcasm or annoyance.

3. Gestures

• Hand and arm movements that convey meaning.

• Some are culturally specific, while others are universally recognized.

Examples:

• Thumbs up - approval (in most cultures).

• Waving - greeting or saying goodbye.

• Pointing - directing attention.

• Clapping - appreciation or encouragement.

• The “OK” sign  may be positive in some cultures but offensive in others.

4. Tone of Voice (Paralanguage)

• Not what you say, but how you say it — your tone, pitch, volume, and pace.

• Tone can change the meaning of words entirely.

Examples:

• A cheerful tone while saying “Good morning!” shows warmth.

• A sarcastic tone while saying “Nice job!” may mean the opposite.

• Loud tone = anger or urgency.

• Soft tone = calmness, empathy, or secrecy.

Other Forms of Nonverbal Communication

• Eye contact – Shows attention, respect, or honesty. Avoiding eye contact can suggest shyness or dishonesty.

• Appearance – Clothing, hairstyle, and grooming also send social messages.

• Proxemics (Personal space) – How physically close we stand to someone conveys intimacy, authority, or discomfort.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

1. Complement verbal communication (e.g., nodding while saying "yes").

2. Substitute for words (e.g., a thumbs up instead of saying "okay").

3. Contradict verbal messages (e.g., saying “I’m fine” with a sad face).

4. Regulate conversations (e.g., raising a hand to signal someone to wait).

5. Express emotions (e.g., crying, smiling, laughing)