About Body Language & Nonverbal Communication

Not everything is said with words.

Mankind has many ways to communicate, but these boil down to two types: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication is the written, spoken or signed word. Nonverbal communication covers all other forms of communication, and these in turn can be broken down into two main categories: body language and gestures. Nonverbal communication is one of the oldest and most reliable forms of communication available to man.

Voiced Nonverbal Cues

Many times our meanings are not in the words we speak but in how they are spoken. Some nonverbal cues are voiced--tone, inflection, timing, pace and noncommittal noises. Soft tones offer comfort, while clipped tones relate anger. A grunt can communicate frustration or confusion. A groan can tell of discomfort, pain or sadness.

Eye Contact

Eye contact or the lack of it can be very telling. If our gaze is met openly and fully, it instills more confidence in what the other person is saying. An avoidance of our gaze makes us suspicious of the other person. Warm gazes inspire intimacy and trust; cold looks have us keeping our distance and remaining on guard. When people we love are sad or troubled, they often avoid making eye contact.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are an essential element in nonverbal communication because they can portray such a wide variety of emotions and thoughts. Unlike language, facial expressions are universal. Even if an individual is blind and has never seen another person smile, the expression will still surface when he is happy. Tears universally express sadness, grief and joy.

Body Language

Body language and posture often give cues as to how you are feeling or what you are thinking. Every movement offers information, from the way you stand to the position of your arms or eyes. These speak of confidence or fear, interest or boredom, welcome or hostility.

Gestures

Gestures are a large part of nonverbal communication. Signing or signaling gives clues as to your thoughts, whether waving a greeting or a parting, giving a thumbs-up for an affirmation, or a simple nod or shake of the head. Unlike facial expressions, gestures are not universal. You should always look into the meanings of gestures in other lands before traveling abroad to avoid any unpleasant surprises due to mistakes in gesturing.

References

• ThinkQuest: Nonverbal Communication
• Helpguide: Nonverbal Communication Skills
• Mind Tools: Body Language
• Changing Minds: Using Body Language