How Smell Sends Nonverbal Communication

It is thought that smells can affect us at very basic levels, such as moods, emotions, mate selection, immune system health, endocrine system responses and overall health. Some researchers believe that much of olfactory feedback is done at an instinctive level and bypasses conscious thought.

Smell is thought to be the sense that triggers memories most effectively. Determining which smells have positive ramifications for most people can affect nonverbal communication.

Fragrance experts have researched which basic smells consistently convey personality traits. Intelligence is signalled by cedar, orange, lime, cinnamon and peppermint. Kindness is indicated by vanilla, jasmine and lemongrass. Pepper, marjoram, basil and tangerine denote humor and playfulness. Safety is conveyed by orange, sandalwood and frankincense.

In the United States, personal odors are masked by fragrances and frequent bathing. In many other cultures, such as European and Arabic, body odors are thought of as natural. In Asian cultures, frequent bathing is important, and Westerners are considered to not bathe enough.

According to Michael Argyle in "Social Interaction," although humans emit signals through perspiration that indicate emotional arousal, Westerners minimize these odors and keep enough social distance away from each other so that these clues are diminished.