example of non verbal communication essay

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example

Significance of nonverbal communication, features of nonverbal communication, forms of nonverbal communication, samples of nonverbal communication, nonverbal communication concept, nonverbal communication at the workplace, reference list.

Wondering how to write an essay about the importance of non-verbal communication and how it affects workplace relationships? We’ve got your back covered! Check the non-verbal communication essay example below and get some fresh ideas for your writing.

In communication, a reasonable percentage of understanding is derived from non-verbal communication. This kind of communication works always. However, it is not always the case that one speaks before people can derive the thoughts of that person. A lot of these thoughts can simply be derived from gestures, signals, or expressions.

This kind of communication can be very effective if one sends the appropriate signals aimed at the right target (Abramovitch 1977, p. 82). This form of communication can easily be misunderstood if the wrong signals are sent to the recipients. Hands are significant in conveying non-verbal communication as they are used for gesturing. The facial expression and body language also play a big role in this form of communication.

It is possible to know someone’s private feelings simply by looking at that person’s facial expression. For instance if a colleague is not in a good mood, one will simply need to look for the nonverbal communication that that person portrays. For communication to be effective, attention has to be given to that which is communicated non-verbally, good examples being the use of space, gestures and body language.

Non verbal communication may differ according to different cultures and this may be the main cause of misinterpretation. There are cultures that take the nodding of the head vertically as an agreement while others take it as a refusal. There are those who would perceive a minors direct look into the eye as honest while others while perceive it as disrespect.

For one to mask feelings or spontaneous reaction to information, the attention must be paid to the nonverbal behavior. It might be easy for one to control his/her voice or words yet still that person’s body language, facial expression as well as movement can expose his/her real thoughts and feelings.

No matter the position that one holds at the place of work, the ability to interpret non-verbal communication adds to the ability of that individual to share meaning with others. This is because the shared meaning is what constitutes communication (Abramovitch 1977, p. 87).

To understand nonverbal communication, one needs to recognize that different people communicate on different levels. Every gesture usually communicates something and all that is needed is to pay close attention to it. If the verbal and non-verbal communication is not in harmony, it is more likely that the communicator will be lying or is of a different idea from that being communicated. It might therefore be reasonable for the listener not to pay attention to that person’s non-verbal communication.

Non verbal communication might play a significant role during a job interview as the interviewer will be able to deduce the kind of person the candidate is, as well as his/her strengths and weaknesses. During a criminal investigation, the non-verbal signals that are relayed by the person under investigation may be even of greater importance that the verbal statements that that person gives.

It might be easier for the investigators to determine if the person being investigated is lying, is hiding some information or if the person is speaking the truth. This will only be possible if the investigator understands and rightly interprets the non-verbal signals.

When one is issuing a speech the nonverbal communication relayed by the audience might of great importance in helping the speaker know if the audience is paying attention, if the people are bored, exhausted, irritated or when it is time for another speaker to take charge. Listening to them is very important if the speaker needs to be effective. If the nonverbal communication is effectively used while delivering a message for instance through speech, that message will be effective and memorable (Abramovitch 1977, p. 90).

Non-verbal communication is complicated and it may be challenging to understand its signals. This type of communication involves the whole body, the space occupied, the time taken, what is left out and how it is left out. Non-verbal communication flows from one to another and this makes it difficult single out one element and interpret it correctly from the series of other elements. This type of communication is constantly in motion just as human beings are and it does not replicate itself in the same place.

This kind of communication unlike the spoken or written communication is irreversible. For the written communication, the communicator might be in a position to clarify, correct or retract the message that is conveyed. For the oral communication, one is able to give an explanation or restate with the intention of clarifying the point. It is therefore possible to correct oral communication, as much as the original message remains with its impact as well.

It is not possible to separate a single non-verbal action from its context correct it and take it back. In speech, this kind of communication is always occurring and it becomes difficult to tell when a single non verbal message starts or stops and to exactly determine when the next one starts. The communication is only relevant in its context and if it is singled out then it might easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood hence leading to a wrong conclusion being drawn.

One usually expresses himself or herself first through the nonverbal communication always without even consciously thinking about it. This communication portrays ones feelings and thoughts way before the person becomes aware of it.

This kind of communication usually brings out the intentional as well as unintentional messages. It is common for people to concentrate on how someone says something than what that message is really. It is surprising that human beings use more non-verbal communication than the verbal one and in some cases this type of communication may add up or even replace the verbal one (Bull 1987).

Illustrators which are nonverbal gestures are used to communicate the message in an effective way as well as reinforcing the points. This could for instance be a node which confirms acceptance. The response to this may be in the form of an emblem, which may be by using the O.K. sign to signal.

Regulators which are nonverbal messages may also be used for controlling, maintaining or discouraging interaction. One the speaker is irritating the listener could for instance hold up his/her hand and the speaker will interpret it as a request to stop (Benjamin & Craidler 1975, p. 27).Regulators may also be used by the audience listening to a speech. They may for instance look away, make drawings at the book margins or tap their feet, and all these regulators will be representing boredom or disinterest (Kelly 1982).

Adaptors can also be used in the non-verbal communication and they help one to adapt to the environment hence ensuring that the communicator is secure and comfortable. A good example would be the hairstyle or a behavior that is self adaptive. One may also use object-adaptors to convey a message of disinterest for instance.

They may use an object for a different purpose to show disinterest. A good example may be when the audience starts chewing the backside of their pens to signify disinterest. All in all, non-verbal communications are universal. They be used differently by different people in different places or they may take a different form but they will remain to be non-verbal communications.

Nonverbal communication forms a basis for communicating emotional massages as people rarely express their emotions through the spoken word. Most of the time people express their emotions none verbally. This is contributed to by the fact that some emotions might not be expressed well or fully in the verbal form. It is very easier to deduce deception for a speaker by keenly observing the person’s non-verbal communication.

Such a person may for instance avoid eye contact, awkwardly pause during the conversation, and delay while responding to questions, changing body movement and posture frequently. They person might also smile less and reduce the rate of his/her speech. When such behaviors are noticed in the speaker, the listener(s) may be required to be a bit keener. People’s speech patterns speak a lot concerning the truthfulness in the messages being conveyed.

This type of communication is very significant in the relationship that exists between the speaker and the audience. When people meet for the first time, the first conclusions that are made about the different parties are usually derived from the non-verbal messages that are displayed (Scheflen 1964).

This is usually based on the dressing code, the physical characteristics and the posture. Nonverbal communication therefore affects the first impression made, for better or for worse. Assumed expectation is usually derived from the speaker’s maintenance of personal space, the dressing code as well as the physical characteristics right from the time the speaker meets the audience. As much as these expectations may neither be fair nor accurate, they always exist.

Controlling the verbal and nonverbal communication is important in forming a good rapport with the audience (Ekman & Friesen 1969). Maintaining eye contact with them, using space appropriately and being formal enhances this kind of relationship. Nonverbal communication is usually perceived to be part of the message and it has the capability to contribute to or lead to detraction from the overall goal.

It is believed that whatever is not said is just as significant as what is said. Words just form a section of communication. From a facial expression, it is possible to determine whether someone is happy, surprised, fearful, angered, disgusted, interested or sad. Interpreting nonverbal communication needs no special communication.

It may however require extensive training for one to be self aware of portraying nonverbal communication to others. Agreement between the two forms of communication enhances the establishment of a common understanding. A genuine and positive smile could indicate an agreement with an idea or a person.

The attire that is worn also plays a significant role in bringing out a nonverbal message. What someone puts on is what people call a ‘fashion statement.

A formal dressing code could be adapted while speaking in an official meeting. On the contrary, a casual code could be adapted if the message is targeted to people within an informal setting. Eyes have always been perceived to be windows to the soul. Maintaining an eye contact could be a show of interest or attraction, while disgust is indicated by an upward nose wrinkle and raising of the upper lip.

The element of time keeping also falls under nonverbal communication. When a speaker arrives at a meeting on time, and sticks to the stipulated time, it speaks a lot about that person.

It implies seriousness and commitment on the speaker’s side. It also says a lot about the gravity of the topic under discussion (Scheflen 1964). Culture plays a very significant role in any communication. In the case of nonverbal communication, culture determines what is and what is not allowed. Some cultures give room for lateness while others do not (Argyle & Kendon 1967).

Nonverbal communication just like the verbal one is a section of a society’s backbone. This kind of communication is necessary for helping people to coexist and build their own culture. For any communication study to be effective, one needs to grasp the basic concepts of not only the verbal but the nonverbal communication as well.

Most of the time, these two forms of communication occur together. The non verbal communication is usually composed of three major components which include; the one creating the communication, the communication itself and the recipient (Darwin 1872). There has always been a misconception that sign language falls under the nonverbal communication. This is however not the case as sign language is categorized under the visual language-based communication.

There needs to be a complementary relationship between the verbal and the verbal forms of communication. If not, then the result is confusion, disappointment and mistrust. Whatever is said must be complemented by the actions (Benjamin & Creider 1975).

Nonverbal communication is significant in the clarification and making the verbal communication to be well understood. Facial and hand gestures are used to illustrate whatever is communicated. It offers the cues that assist in ensuring that the message is understood.

This type of communication is important as it portrays one’s perceptions, beliefs and the person’s world view. They expose whatever is in a person. If one pulls back when a hug is offered it may signify that the person has an aversion to the physical touch which could be attributed to his/her past experiences (Argyle & Kendon 1967).

The non verbal communication plays a big role in affirming a message. For instance, verbal communication demonstrating how to use online purchasing tools could be affirmed by the speaker taking a computer and demonstrating the same to the audience. It helps in reinforcing the message.

At the workplace, violating ones personal space is a nonverbal communication that might be offensive. Slumping in a chair could be a sign of fatigue or an indication that the person is sad. Boredom at a meeting could be expressed through yawning while anger could be expressed by folding the hands.

Such clues can be used while encouraging someone positively respond when asked to do something. While at the workplace, it is possible to know the feelings of workers just by observing their body languages or facial expressions. This is significant I determining whether the workers are displeased or please either by the working conditions or the rules and regulations that are in place at the workplace.

Abramovitch, R., 1977. Children’s recognition of situational aspects of facial expression’, Child Development, Vol. 48. No. 4, pp. 77-98.

Argyle, M., & Kendon, A., 1967, The experimental analysis of social performance. in L. Berkowitz (ed.). Advances in Experimental Social Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Benjamin, G.R., & Creider, C. A., 1975. Social distinctions in non-verbal behavior.

Semiotica, Vol.14, No. 3, pp. 22-46

Bull, P.E., 1987, Posture and Gesture. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Darwin, C., 1872, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. London: Macmillan Publishers.

Ekman P., & Friesen, W., 1969. The repertoire of nonverbal behavior. Semiotica, Vol. 1, No. 5, pp. 66-80.

Kelly, J. A., 1982, Social Skills Training: A Practical Guide for Interventions. London: Macmillan Publisher London.

Scheflen, A. E., 1964. The significance of posture in communication systems. Psychiatry Vol.27, No. 2, pp. 200-205

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 23). Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example. https://ivypanda.com/essays/non-verbal-communication/

"Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example." IvyPanda , 23 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/non-verbal-communication/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example'. 23 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/non-verbal-communication/.

1. IvyPanda . "Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/non-verbal-communication/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Importance of Non-Verbal Communication | Essay Example." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/non-verbal-communication/.

• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Principles and Cues
• Nonverbal Messages in Everyday Communications
• Spanish Non-Verbal and Verbal Communication
• Non-Verbal Communication: Sender to Receiver Effectiveness
• Non-Verbal Communication in "When They See Us" TV Show
• Nonverbal Cues and Advance Nonverbal Communication Skills
• The Influence of Nonverbal Communication
• Facial Gestures
• The Meaning of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication and Cultural Standards
• Social Effects of Telecommuting
• Interpersonal Relationships
• The Impact of Effective Communication Strategies on Interpersonal Relationships at a Workplace
• Cultural Production, Diasporas, and Mobilization: The Use of Media
• International Management: Cultural Profiling of USA and India

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

5.3: The Roles of Nonverbal Communication in Interpersonal Communication

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 136548

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

We engage in nonverbal communication throughout the entire day. It is part of everything we do and say. It’s important for us to understand how nonverbal communication affects our behavior, perception, interpretations, and understanding. In this section, we will take a look at some of the roles and functions of nonverbal communication in our daily lives.

Persistence of Nonverbal Communication

“You cannot not communicate.” Have you ever heard that expression? Nonverbal communication is always present. We are constantly communicating through our nonverbal communication. Even silence is a form of communication. Have you ever given someone the “silent treatment?” If so, you understand that by remaining silent, you are trying to convey some meaning, such as “You hurt me” or “I’m really upset with you.” When sitting alone in the library, working, your posture may be communicating something to others. If you need to focus and don’t want to invite communication, you may keep your head down and avoid eye contact.

We assign meanings to people’s nonverbal behaviors to interpret what they are really saying. For example, if you are having a conversation with your friend who just broke up with their significant other, your friend’s facial expression, way of standing, rate of speech, tone of voice, and general appearance will indicate to you how you should respond. If they are sobbing, you might try to comfort them. If, on the other hand, they smile and sound happy, you might respond by saying, “You seem relieved. Were things not going well?”

The successful use of nonverbal communication requires an awareness of the value of nonverbal communication and the belief that it is valuable. When you were a child, did an adult ever say to you something like “It wasn’t what you said, it was how you said it”? Or perhaps you tried to cover up having a bad day by saying “I had a terrific day at work,” but your roommate countered with “You said one thing with your words, but your facial expression and tone of voice tell me something different”?

Nonverbal Communication in Initiating Relationships

Nonverbal communication is often the very first way in which we initiate communication. We may make eye contact or connect through touch, scent, hand gestures, physical appearance, and other nonverbal cues. We often use nonverbal communication to relay to others an interest in continuing a conversation or leaving a conversation. For example, you may run into a colleague and strike up a conversation in the hall. The conversation is enjoyable. Your colleague may recognize that they need to get to a meeting and relates this information to you by looking at their watch, beginning to back away, or looking at the door they need to enter. We use nonverbal behaviors to begin, continue, and end our interpersonal interactions.

Nonverbal Communication and “Mixed Messages”

A particularly challenging aspect of nonverbal communication is the fact that it is ambiguous. In the 1970s, nonverbal communication as a topic was trendy. Some were under the impression that we could use nonverbal communication to “read others like a book.” For example, people claimed that crossed arms signaled to others that a person was closed off. It would be wonderful if crossing one’s arms signaled only one meaning, but think about the many meanings of crossing one’s arms. An individual may have crossed arms because the individual is cold, upset, sad, or angry. It is impossible to know unless a conversation is paired with nonverbal behavior.

Another great example of ambiguous nonverbal behavior is flirting! Consider some very stereotypical behavior of flirting (e.g., smiling, laughing, a light touch on the arm, or prolonged eye contact). Each of these behaviors signals interest to others. The question is whether an individual engaging in these behaviors is indicating romantic interest or a desire for platonic friendship. Have you ever walked away from a situation and explained a person’s behavior to another friend to determine whether you were being flirted with? If so, you have undoubtedly experienced the ambiguity of nonverbal communication. It is important to take time to observe before jumping to conclusions. We need to “tolerate ambiguity” and reflect on possible differences in our nonverbal communication due to culture. This idea leads us into our next key role of nonverbal communication, which is how nonverbal communication is influenced by culture.

Nonverbal Communication and Culture

Just as we have discussed that it is beneficial to recognize the value of nonverbal communication, we must also acknowledge that nonverbal communication is culturally based. Raymond Birdwhistell, an American anthropologist who is recognized for his study of kinesics, shared the following observation in his book Kinesics and Context: Essays on Body Motion Communication  (1970):

A body can be bowed in grief, in humility, in laughter, or in readiness for aggression. A "smile" in one society portrays friendliness, in another embarrassment, and, in still another may contain a warning that, unless tension is reduced, hostility and attack will follow.

Successful interactions with individuals from other cultures are partially based on the ability to adapt to or understand the nonverbal behaviors associated with different cultures. There are two aspects to understanding that nonverbal communication is culturally based. The first aspect is recognizing that even if we do not know the appropriate nonverbal communication with someone from another culture, then we must at least acknowledge that we need to be flexible, not react immediately, and ask questions. The second aspect is recognizing that there are specific aspects of nonverbal communication that differ depending on the culture. When entering a new culture, we must learn the rules of the culture.

One of our authors shares this example:

I remember watching an American student at a gathering who, to some of my fellow instructors and me, was engaging in obvious flirting behavior with a student from Thailand. When I was driving some of my students back to the residence hall, I asked my student from Thailand how she felt because of all of the flirting behavior that she had received. She said that she had no idea that the American student had been flirting with her.

As you can see, culture certainly does play a critical role in the use and interpretation of nonverbal communication!

Nonverbal Communication and Trust

Communication scholars agree that the majority of meaning in any interaction is attributable to nonverbal communication. It isn’t necessarily true, but we are taught from a very early age that lack of eye contact is indicative of lying. We have learned through research that this “myth” is not necessarily true, although this myth does tell a story about how our culture views nonverbal communication. That view is simply that nonverbal communication is important and that it has meaning.

Another example of nonverbal communication being trusted may be related to a scenario many have experienced. You may have been asked to say, “I’m sorry” to someone. Someone might not have believed your sincerity and told you that “it wasn’t what you said, it was how you said it.”

So now that we have discussed the role and general characteristics of nonverbal communication, let’s jump into a discussion of the six functions on nonverbal communication in our everyday lives.

Nonverbal Communication - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Nonverbal communication encompasses various forms of expression without the use of words, including facial expressions, gestures, and body language. Essays could delve into the importance of nonverbal communication in human interactions, the cultural variations in nonverbal communication, or the study of nonverbal communication in psychology and social sciences. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Nonverbal Communication you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Nonverbal Communication from Bevan and Sole

We discussed the distinction between content and relationship messages and noted that we tend to gather more relationship information from nonverbal communication. This means instead of verbally discussing our relationships, we often rely on nonverbal cues such as touch, personal space, facial expressions, and body movements to help us interpret those relationships. Factors like how comfortable individuals are with each other, and even whether the relationship is formal or informal in nature, can often be discerned through nonverbal signals (Bevan […]

Interpersonal Communication and Cultural Stereotypes

Abstract In recent years interactions between people from different cultures have increased, and this has been primarily due to globalization. Nowadays, many of us are living in a globalized society, and we must be able to understand other cultures better to connect with them. Cultural stereotypes and interactions can be difficult to navigate for the individual who's part of this particular culture and those from a different one. This paper will take an in-depth look at how interpersonal communications help […]

Cultural Relativism in an Age of Globalization

After spending an entire life in the U.S. or the relative shelter of Western Europe, perhaps visiting a country where women cannot show their hair in public, drive or own property could come as a shock. In some places, gender differences continue to create deep power rifts, especially where the divides come from religion (Levine & Robbins, 2017). How would a westerner react to what is (from a western perspective) a clear infringement on gender equality and human rights? Culture […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Communication through Social Media: Bridging the Gap in a Digital World

In the unfolding tapestry of the 21st century, the threads of technology and humanity are inextricably woven together, creating intricate and profound digital interdependence patterns. With every click, swipe, and notification, our world undergoes a transformation, rendering the boundaries between the virtual and the real even more blurred. As we stand on the precipice of an era dominated by algorithms, artificial intelligence, and virtual realities, it becomes imperative to understand and navigate the complexities of our newfound digital symbiosis. Our […]

How Non-verbal Communication Helped me in the Well

The professional situation I have experienced and have chosen to evaluate is dealing with a chronic illness in a school setting. I have a congenital type of hyperinsulimic hypoglycemia, which means that my body cannot store glucose in a normal way; I must eat every few hours. Even if I’m careful with my meals, unforeseen events like stress, physical exertion, interrupted sleep, or minor illness can cause my sugar to crash. My symptoms range from dizziness and disorientation to passing […]

Kinetics is One of the Methods of Non-verbal Communication

The five of the nine types of nonverbal communication that I decided to explore are kinesics, haptics, proxemics, chronemics, and paralanguage. Kinesics is the study of how people communicate through body movements. The face and eyes are the most noticeable parts of the body, and the study of how they communicate is known as oculesics. Posture reveals how people feel about themselves and others. Gestures, like manipulators, can involve fidgeting or one part of the body manipulating another. An example […]

The Next Step to Success in Music Industry

Ever since I attend high school, I have been passionate about a career that will take many steps to accomplish. I have always wonder what made me choose this career; I never had a role model to lead me to this example. Music played a huge role in my life especially during my high school years. What made me start to love music is when I joined a choir and acknowledge that I might have a passion for something that […]

Global Media Project

The Sydney Morning Herald is a daily compact newspaper published by Fairfax Media in Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest newspaper continuously published in Australia and a national online news brand. It is published six days per week and has national coverage except in some Northern Territories. John Fairfax purchased The Sydney Morning Herald in 1841. Several generations of the Fairfax family continued to control the company. Fairfax Media was founded by the Fairfax family as John Fairfax and Sons, […]

Silent Symphony: the Language of Nonverbal Communication

In a tapestry human co-operation tangled, unverbal reigns report, ruler, orchestrating taciturn symphony our public fights. While put on make-up words natural habitat report, she - raffiné advancements movements-gestures, proofs, poser-ce makes a prosperous melody, nuanced down. Unverbal report, language unspoken, has swinging above our terms, conceptions, and understands he. Appear he municipal busy street, abounds with life and energy. Between assemblages people, two strangers divide a passing glance. In this rapid moment, an unspoken exchange ouvre he, overcrowded with […]

What we Say Without Saying: Decoding Nonverbal Communication

Ever think about how much we communicate without ever speaking a word? It's like there's this whole other language going on, all the time, that doesn't need a single word to make itself understood. Nonverbal communication, the stuff of gestures, facial expressions, posture, and even the space we keep between us, is a massive part of how we connect with each other. Take a moment to consider how a warm, unguarded smile can feel like a welcome or how someone's […]

Additional Example Essays

• Social Media Make Us Lonely
• Dogs Are Better Than Cats Essay
• Personal Philosophy of Leadership
• Gender Roles in the Great Gatsby
• Socioautobiography Choices and Experiences Growing up
• Gender Inequality in Education
• PTSD in Veterans
• Cyberbullying on Social Media
• The Yellow Wallpaper Feminism
• Mental Illness and Gun Control
• How Social Media Affects Our Lives
• National Honors Society Leadership

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

What is nonverbal communication? 10 different types (with examples)

Jump to section

What is nonverbal communication?

10 types of nonverbal communication, examples of nonverbal communication, why is nonverbal communication so important, 5 tips for understanding nonverbal communication, how to improve nonverbal communication, enjoy better interactions.

We all rely on nonverbal communication. This is true whether playing a game of charades with your family or trying to show confidence during an important interview .

There’s a reason many of us prefer face-to-face communication over phone calls. Without seeing someone’s facial expressions, posture, and body language , it can be hard to read their feelings. 

Nonverbal cues are just as important as verbalization. Nonverbal actions are key for communicating with and understanding everyone in your life. 

Understanding every type of nonverbal communication can also help your career. You can show your confidence, passion, and expertise through small nonverbal communication cues. This is true whether leading a team meeting or delivering a presentation .  

There are two primary forms of communication: verbal and nonverbal.

Verbal communication uses words to convey a message, whether that’s orally or in writing. 

Posture, facial expressions, and eye contact are examples of nonverbal messages . We all use these cues in daily conversation, even involuntarily. Nonverbal communication also involves the way we present ourselves to others. If you walk into a meeting with your back straight and your head held high, you exude power and confidence. You project nervousness and uncertainty if you’re slumped over with your eyes on the floor.

Experts believe that approximately 70% of all human communication is nonverbal , meaning we only deliver about 30% of our messages with words.  

Austrian-American author and educator Peter Drucker had it right when he said, “ The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said. ” 

We all perform and respond to nonverbal communication — and what we understand that no one says — daily. 

Here are 10 of the most common forms of nonverbal communication:

1. Facial expressions

The look on an individual’s face is often the first thing we see. A smile, frown, or grimace tells a lot about their mood and how the subsequent conversation will go. Expressions of happiness, sadness, anger and fear are universal emotions and key forms of nonverbal communication.

2. Kinesics

Kinesics, or gestures, are conscious body movements like waving, pointing, and giving a thumbs up or down. One's culture typically determines what gestures are socially acceptable and which are rude. 

For example, in Westernized countries, glancing at your watch suggests, “I need to be somewhere.” In contrast, many Middle Eastern populations consider this rude. They are more likely to believe a conversation should continue until it ends naturally.

3. Paralinguistics

Paralinguistic s (or vocalics)  refers to the aspects of verbal communication that aren’t the words themselves . Your tone of voice, loudness, and pitch are common aspects of paralanguage. 

This type of communication is powerful since altering your voice changes the meaning of a sentence. Think about all the ways you can use the phrase “I’m fine.” If you say it quietly, you might be feeling dejected, but if you say it forcefully, someone might detect your defensiveness.

4. Body language and posture

Crossing your legs or arms, a head nod, slouching, or sitting up straight are all examples of true body language. For example, you may have seen crime films focus on body language to further the narrative. It can also hint at what isn’t included in the dialogue.  

However, this type of nonverbal communication is complex and quite subtle. Just because you observe a movement doesn’t guarantee you understand the meaning.

5. Proxemics

Proximity references how near something is. Human beings take personal space seriously. They also interpret physical distances in interactions differently.

Social and cultural expectations, personal preferences, and relationships all determine the suitable proximity. For example, if you’re in a relationship with someone, you’d expect to sit close together on the couch. On the other hand, you likely wouldn’t sit that close to a coworker. 

Proxemics is an important part of interpersonal communication. Noticing when to adjust your closeness for each situation ensures you’re not making people uncomfortable. 

Scientists focused on proximity biases in North America have grouped expected space as follows :

• Intimate space: Close physical contact up to 18 inches of space, typically shared between people in an intimate relationship. 
• Personal space: Between 18 inches to 4 feet depending on whether you’re speaking to a stranger, casual acquaintance, or close friend. 
• Social space: 4 –12 feet of space provided in social settings, like a shared office space or the distance between a presenter and their audience.
• Public space: 12 feet or more, typically observed in shopping malls and airports.

It may sound cliche, but it’s true that “The eyes are the windows to the soul.”  Our eye contact is a massive factor in nonverbal communication because it can give clues to how we feel. 

When we’re scared, our pupils dilate due to a surge in adrenaline. When something excites us, we blink rapidly. Maintaining eye contact generally means that someone is comfortable and telling the truth. In contrast, avoiding eye contact might suggest that they’re nervous or hiding something.

Communication by touch is called haptics. Touch is powerful because our emotions drive it. Our social class, gender, and, of course, our upbringing all determine how we respond to touch. Women generally use touch to convey care and concern, while men are more likely to convey control. 

Psychologist Harry Harlow made a career in studying the impacts of touch on rhesus monkeys. Monkeys who were raised without physical contact from their mothers struggled with social interactions . We share this affect with our ancestors — physical contact at a young age improves our social skills when we're older.

8. Appearance

Your appearance is another thing people notice immediately. Your hairstyle, clothing, tattoos, piercings, and even body shape give off cues. This can encourage snap judgments from other people. There’s a reason your mother always told you to “dress to impress” for a presentation at school or a job interview.

9. Chronemics

Chronemics is the role time plays during communication. How people interpret time can be personal, cultural, or have to do with their power or status. 

Have you ever waited around for a friend to show up for an event? Maybe you felt annoyed or disrespected by their laziness or lack of time management . Now imagine if your boss showed up 15 minutes late to a meeting. You might be more understanding of their busy schedule. 

10. Physiological responses

Your body naturally sends out nonverbal signals that are nearly impossible to control. This includes nervous sweating, blushing, or tearing up.

Here are a few ways to practice your nonverbal communication skills personally and professionally: 

In the workplace

Tone: Use your voice to show excitement, positivity, and contentment with your work. Managers want demonstrably engaged workers. Plus, your positivity will likely rub off on coworkers. 

Distance: Maintain an appropriate distance from coworkers to respect their boundaries . Remember, an office is a professional space. Even if you enjoy comfortable work relationships , you should always respect someone’s physical boundaries . 

Posture: You got the job. You belong here . Your ideas matter. Stand up straight and speak with your head held high. 

In your personal life

Distance: Leaning in when your loved one speaks shows you’re actively listening .

Concentration: Put away distractions like video games or phones when spending time with loved ones. This shows you’re paying attention and offering them quality time. 

Touch: Hugs, hand-holding, and other forms of physical touch foster intimacy between consensual parties.

Here are four reasons why understanding nonverbal messaging matters:

1. Builds trust and clarity

Nonverbal signals are far more subtle than words, but they’re no less important.

Facial expressions, body posture, and eye contact reveal the meaning behind what someone is saying, their true feelings, and if they’re listening to your half of the conversation. Someone may be able to feign interest with their words, but their body language will often reveal if they’re paying attention. 

2. Bridges language gaps

Ever tried to interact with someone that didn’t speak your language? There was probably a lot of gesturing, facial expressions, and posturing — your nonverbal communication skills at work.

Outside of conversational cues, nonverbal behaviors are crucial to bridge language gaps. When two people don’t speak the same language, body language can help foster knowledge and understanding. 

3. Encourages inclusivity

Everybody has different communication abilities. Learning nonverbal communication skills can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. 

For example, people with hearing impairments might struggle to pick up on voice tone or speed. Understanding how to interpret and express nonverbal messages makes these individuals feel included and understood. 

4. Leads to success

Non-verbal communication skills can help your career. For example, teachers with these skills see more success with their students. When talking with your boss, coworkers, and clients, you can use non-verbal communication to gain a competitive edge.

Effective communication requires nonverbal messaging. Understanding the types of nonverbal communication will help you connect with people in every area of your life.

The more you practice reading cues, the better you’ll become. Some things you can do include:

1. Pay attention to inconsistencies

Nonverbal communication can either reinforce or discourage what someone is saying. Do a person’s facial expressions match their words? Their tone of voice? If they do, then great.

They’re most likely being honest about whatever they’re saying. If it’s the opposite, they may be trying to hide how they truly feel. 

2. Look at nonverbal signals as a whole

If you’re only paying attention to someone’s posture, you might miss a whole bunch of other clues. Nonverbal signals work in tandem to generate a complete picture of another human being.

3. Trust your instincts

Go with your gut . Your instincts are there to help guide and protect you about what someone is saying and what they truly mean.

4. Practice emotional awareness

Emotional intelligence is a significant part of navigating relationships. Being emotionally aware h elps you interpret people more accurately.

When you can read other people’s emotions and unspoken messages, you can reciprocate communication by responding in a way that shows you understand and care.

5. Don’t make assumptions

Nonverbal communication is nuanced and involves personal and cultural meaning. Don’t assume a person’s tone or body language is definitively what you think it is.

Someone might avoid eye contact because they’re shy, not deceptive. They may slouch because they’re stressed out , not doubtful of their work. If you can’t read the person’s body language, ask them how they feel.

Nonverbal communication is a necessary factor at home, work, and beyond. Often, these signals occur rapidly. Interpreting or noticing all of them can be challenging during a single conversation.

Fortunately, there's always room to improve upon these skills. To do so, try focusing on the below.

Manage stress

When we’re stressed , we can’t communicate as effectively. How you’re feeling rubs off on others, too. Take some deep breaths to relax and refocus. You’ll feel better, and you’ll be able to read people more accurately.  

Pay attention to your behaviors

To learn to communicate more effectively and develop stronger emotional awareness , you must understand your nonverbal communication habits. Learning your cues will also increase self-awareness . You’ll be more in tune with your feelings and be better able to express yourself.

Think before you act

Do you raise your voice when stressed or avoid eye contact when nervous? A great way to adjust nonverbal behaviors you don’t want is to think before you act. Notice situations that cause problematic behaviors and practice taking a deep breath before reacting. 

Nonverbal communication plays a prominent role in our personal and professional lives. Person-to-person contact will almost always involve some type of nonverbal communication.

Now, you know how to interpret nonverbal cues and express yourself more authentically through them. Congratulations on beginning the journey toward healthier, happier interactions.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

Nonverbal communication in the workplace: The secret to team trust

Learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, 7-38-55 rule of communication: how to use for negotiation, how to read body language and gain deeper emotional awareness, communication is key in the workplace. here's how to improve, why face-to-face communication matters (even with remote work), foster strong communication skills to enjoy professional success, 12 great jobs for communications graduates across different industries, what is asynchronous communication, similar articles, eye contact is important (crucial really) in communication, what’s personal space learn what it means, active listening: what is it & techniques to become an active listener, how to overcome phone anxiety, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Analysis of Non-verbal Communication

20 June, 2020

5 minutes read

Author:  Donna Moores

Communication in whatever form serves a specific purpose of passing information. Nonverbal communication constitutes a large portion of human communication behavior. Nonverbal communication could range from mild hand gesticulations, aggressive body language or even a faint smile. I have had several opportunities to observe people from a distance in a bid to analyze what they were trying to communicate in a nonverbal manner. I have come to realize that the environment plays a significant role in the measure of how well nonverbal communication are used in disseminating information. Places like parks, college libraries, the bus station, restaurants and cafes are notably some of the places where nonverbal communications may be critically observed.

Two days ago, I went to grab a cup of my favorite coffee at the Starbucks café and decided to sit for a while to pen down a few thoughts. I ended up observing a couple just a few rows in front of my table. The observation began at about 8:38 am and ended about 30 minutes later. The café was unusually quiet, probably because the weather was bit chilly or because it was one of those days where everyone seemed to be in a relaxed mood. The couple just a few tables ahead of where I sat were equally quiet but it was obvious they were communicating in what many would deem as nonverbal. The young man, from his boyish grin and strong masculine physique I guessed would be around the age of 24, but his well-tailored suit made him seem older. He was lean with brown eyes and well-trimmed black hair. The lady, on the other hand, was evidently a student. Her college books were stacked on the table and her laptop bag was resting on one of the chairs. She looked young and pretty but seemed very feminine and petite.

Stuck on your assignment? You can buy cheap essay easily at our expert essay writer service.

Because both individuals were so engrossed with the other, it was easy to actually stare at them to observe every gesture that was made. The first thing anyone would have observed was the fact that they maintained eye contact throughout their time together, only looking down at the table for a few seconds probably because the other had looked too hard. The young lady was apparently blushing. I knew this because her face was flushed and her body language exhumed an air of shyness, from the way she crossed her legs and tuck her hands into her thighs, leaning forward and moving randomly from side to side at intervals. Their lips didn’t move much and if it did I was out of earshot. The young man I was fascinated by, because he somewhat kept his composure. He sat up straight at all times, laughed a couple of times and had his boyish grin the rest of the time. At some point in time, he would lean forward, stretch out his hand and tuck the ladies hair behind her ears. It was evident they were a little more than ordinary friends. It seemed so but the young man’s air of confidence and composure didn’t give much away. However, I was able to come to this conclusion when he reached out and took her hand in his.

In the thirty minutes I spent observing the couple, I was able to observe certain nonverbal gestures that communicated affection. First was their facial expressions and constant eye contact coupled with the lady’s flushed cheeks and the looking down at the table at intervals. Secondly was the touching of hands in the most gentle on manners and the tucking of the hair. Lastly, the body language of both individuals seemed the strongest signal of the communication. The man with his upright posture portrayed a level of charisma which I believe was one of the things the lady liked about him, and she with a slouched posture leaning over the table with her hands held together on her thigh depicted a high level of affection for the young man. The young man’s tilting of his head to allow him to look into her eyes and the grin on his face portrayed strong feelings of admiration for the young lady. Overall it was extremely pleasant to watch and observe the couple.

The couple’s time together was enjoyable for them as it was for me. It was clear they appreciated each other’s company. The nonverbal cues and gestures, the lack of personal space, the engrossed hand holding in the most affectionate of manners and locked eye contact was evidence of this notion. I observed on this occasion that nonverbal communication could be just as powerful as any other form of direct communication. However, unless one is compelled to actually observe, many forms of nonverbal communication go unnoticed. I have come to the realization that nonverbal communication might just be the most powerful form of communication there is, as it portrays a totality of what a person might truly be trying to get across, in terms of information which most other communication styles might not be able to truly accomplish.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Essays About Communication: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

Are you writing essays about communication? Check out our top essay examples and writing prompts to help you get started.

Communication is power and is critical to building a well-connected society. Communicating well is vital in working with people and shedding light on problems and solutions. Practical communication skills can help build relationships. 

If you’re writing an essay on communication and are having a hard time choosing a topic to focus on, here is our round-up of the best essay examples to get you started:  

1. The Benefits of Communication and Teamwork by Karenina Loayza

2. it’s time to tune in: why listening is the real key to communication by kate murphy, 3. a love language spoken with hands by ross showalter, 4. the role of body language in communication by ashley tulio, 5. the power of storytelling in marketing by dylan jacob, 1. how-to develop communication skills, 2. how-to write an inspiring speech, 3. should all leaders be good communicators, 4. theories of mass communication, 5. how are schools developing children’s communication skills, 6. communicating face-to-face vs. online , 7. marketing communications: what are they, 8. is communicating on social media effective, 9. is it possible to communicate effectively on virtual workplace platforms, 10. how-to communicate in the workplace.

“In one task, we were blindfolded and had to describe a set of irregular pieces. With varying degrees of English and different experiences of the world, it was like explaining an elephant to an alien.” 

Loayza narrates an exercise in class where they have to describe surrounding objects as accurately as possible to keep others from stumbling on them. The writer said the exercise demonstrated effectively the need for good communication skills for teams to succeed.

“Schools and universities have courses in debate, rhetoric and elocution, but rarely classes that teach listening. You can get a doctorate in speech communication and join Toastmasters International to perfect your speaking skills, but who strives for excellence in listening?”

Murphy muses on a world that glorifies the speakers but leaves no room for the listeners like her. She points out how social media has created a generation that prefers interacting behind the screen and filtering out opinions that do not resonate with theirs. Instead, Murphy emphasizes listening as a foundation for better human relations and offers solutions for how others can develop their listening for successful communication. 

“Will showed me that not everyone makes promises they don’t intend to fulfil. I don’t have to invest in someone who promises an action they’ll never do. Relationships only move forward once the work of communication begins.”

Showalter, a deaf man, laments how non-deaf ex-lovers have promised to learn sign language to better communicate with him – only to see these promises broken. Then, one morning, a remarkable man in his life sends a video message reviving hopes for Showalter and redefines his standard in relationships for the better. 

“Non-verbal communication can affect our words as it can reiterate our message, contradict our words, reinforce our statement, substitute the meaning of what we are trying to say, and complement what we are trying to say. Body language is something that is usually natural and is often done instinctively rather than consciously.”

Tulio, a communications specialist, stresses the importance of using body language for expression. She provides tips on maximizing gestures and body movement to convey emotions in person and through videoconferencing. 

“In marketing, storytelling provides an avenue to connect to consumers unlike any other. Brands are empowered to share and sell their values and personality in a form that feels less like advertising and more like a concerted effort to strengthen relationships with customers.

The author cites the viewpoints of a business school professor who explains how storytelling can shape the world’s perception of a brand. Finally, the author outlines the vital elements that make an exciting story capable of connecting with an audience and effecting action among consumers.

10 Writing Prompts On essays about communication

To further expand your horizon on the subject, you can work around our list of prompts that are interesting and relevant to date:

You can narrow down this essay to target employees, students, aspiring leaders, or those who want to improve their conversation skills. First, list down recommendations such as expanding their vocabulary and listening. Then, explain how they can incorporate this into their daily routine. 

Writing a speech that strikes a chord requires extra work in developing empathy and understanding the audience. Next, you can focus on providing recommendations for your essay, such as putting in a personal touch and linking this story to the broader subject. Make sure you also offer simple writing tips such as using the active voice as much as possible, keeping sentences short, and keeping the tone conversational. 

Cite research studies that detail why effective communication is a critical skill that makes a leader. Then, write about the organizational pitfalls of poor communication. Later, leaders who can speak engagingly and listen attentively to their team members can address these pitfalls. 

Communication theory is the study of processes in sending and receiving information. Discuss the four main theories of mass communication: the Authoritarian Theory, the Libertarian Theory, the Soviet-Communist Theory, and the Social-Responsibility Theory. Explain each one. Explain how each remains relevant in understanding modern communication processes. 

Interview schools within your community and learn about their language curriculum and other efforts to empower children to communicate well. You can also interview child development experts. Find out the biggest challenges in helping children improve how they express their thoughts and ideas. Then, find out what schools and parents are doing to address them. 

While you’d hear many people expressing a preference for face-to-face meetings, there are undoubtedly benefits to online meetings, which some usually dismiss. Weigh in on the pros and cons of in-person and online meetings, especially in the current scenario of an ongoing pandemic. 

What are the new marketing channels marketers are leveraging to reach their audience? Several surveys and studies show where most marketing campaigns allocate their budgets. One example is video content. 

An interesting angle would also involve looking at epic brand fails. Cite two or more cases, find a communication mishap common between them and provide what lessons can today’s brands learn from these epic fails. 

From interacting with loved ones and finding someone to date and love, social media has dramatically changed our ways of communication. It might be great to interview the elders who have experienced communicating through snail mail. Dive into their nostalgia and discover how they compare the experience of letter writing against instant chatting through mobile apps. 

Several apps today aim to transform workplaces to be more connected for interaction and communication. First, list down the top apps most used in the corporate world and discuss why these communication forms are preferred over email. Then, delve into the drawbacks and aspects of the apps that need improvements according to what business users say. 

Recent studies show that employees quit their jobs when they feel unable to talk about their needs in the workplace. Research the communication culture in the top companies in a specific field. How are they engaging with their employees? How are they driving conversations toward critical concerns?

TIP: You don’t have to write an extended essay. Here is a guide to writing a concise and organized five-paragraph essay.

For more help with writing, check out our best essay writing tips for a stress-free writing process. 

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

View all posts

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Nonverbal Communication — Verbal And Nonverbal Communication

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

• Categories: Nonverbal Communication

About this sample

Words: 1463 |

Published: Aug 16, 2019

Words: 1463 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

• Expert in: Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 598 words

4 pages / 1801 words

3 pages / 1449 words

1 pages / 319 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Nonverbal Communication

Howe, N. (2018). How Sibling Imitation Affords Different Developmental Opportunities and Challenges. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(9), 1032-1039.

Communication is not just about the words we speak; it also involves the use of nonverbal cues such as language. language plays a crucial role in conveying our thoughts, feelings, and intentions to others. In fact, research [...]

Sharing a glance with your partner from across the room can convey more than words ever could. Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining relationships by conveying emotions, intentions, and signals [...]

First impressions are a fundamental aspect of human interaction. We form these snap judgments within seconds of meeting someone, often based on appearance, body language, and initial conversations. These impressions can be [...]

Other than being categorized as formal or informal, communication can be classified as either verbal or non-verbal as well. Verbal or oral communication involves the use of speech to pass information. For verbal communication to [...]

Amy Cuddy presents “Power Posing” at a Ted conference in Edin, Scotland. She explains the importance of body language by how others may see them, but how they also see themselves. That by doing power poses can help them portray [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Communication is an instrumental tool which facilitates effective interaction among individuals. Although it is vital in improving interpersonal relationships, most people take it for granted and fail to enhance their communication skills. It can be either verbal or nonverbal, and the type used to exchange information or ideas is influenced by various factors, including the parties involved as well as the environment. Verbal communication involves the conveyance of a message using oral or written words. Conversely, nonverbal communication uses body language to send a particular message. While verbal and nonverbal communications involve transferring and receiving information and are not connected to the brain, they are significantly different in such features as structure, miscommunication, continuousness, and distance and time.

Verbal communication develops differently in various cultures and is structured while nonverbal communication is not. Verbal communication is regulated by grammar rules to ensure that the conveyed message is clear (Wahyuni 80). This aspect of specific pattern of communication is vital since it guarantees a similar understanding of a particular message among the individuals using the same language. Conversely, nonverbal communication lacks a definite array of conveying a message. It has no guiding rules, and one can interpret the sent information according to their wish. Nevertheless, nonverbal communication has an instrumental role in supporting verbal communication to enhance meaning of sent information.

The chances of miscommunication in verbal communications are significantly lower than in nonverbal communication. Notably, every word used in verbal communication has a specific meaning, minimizing the possibility of being misinterpreted. The intended message significance is preserved even when words are translated into other languages. Conversely, there are numerous facial expressions which people can make using muscles in their faces. The lexes depend on how someone responds to a particular stimulus. Additionally, there are types of nonverbal communications whose meaning varies from one culture to another (Wahyuni 82). For instance, avoiding direct eye contact when speaking to an older person is a sign of respect in some cultures, but it can be interpreted as a person being shy. Therefore, the likelihoods of misinterpreting nonverbal communication are high, mainly when cultural background differs.

The chances of miscommunication depending on situations and places are also lower in verbal communication than in nonverbal communication. Whereas one receives immediate feedback when using verbal communication, it is impossible in nonverbal communication because it takes some time to show the emotions (Wahyuni 82). Indeed, an individual has to process the meaning of a message conveyed verbally before responding nonverbally. The tone of verbal communication minimizes the possibility of miscommunication in different situations, even when someone is playacting. However, miscommunication can be inevitable in various places, such as Asia and the United States because of varying cultures. Nevertheless, misunderstanding of nonverbal communication does not occur in all situations. Thus, verbal communication is easily influenced by social as well as cultural factors.

Distance is insignificant in verbal communication, and it takes a short period of time to convey a message, contrary to nonverbal communication. People use different means of sending information such as phone calls, letters, and chats to transmit messages. The distance does not matter even though one has to choose the medium wisely to guarantee effective communication. However, long-distance inhibits nonverbal communication, requiring individuals’ face-to-face interaction to show and receive a particular message. Additionally, it is time consuming compared to verbal communication. One can take time to receive and interpret nonverbal messages before giving appropriate feedback. Therefore, verbal communication is faster, efficient, and convenient regardless of location of involved parties.

Contrary to nonverbal communication, verbal communication has limited continuousness because it is easier for someone to interrupt. It has a starting point when one initiates communication and stops when it is terminated or interrupted. Different factors such as sound and visible movements can interrupt verbal communication. On the other hand, nonverbal communication continues without inference once it is initiated. Nonverbal cues are evident even when individuals have stopped talking. For instance, people smile or laugh after they comment on something good. Therefore, nonverbal communication can endure external elements that interfere with transmission of information.

Despite the differences between nonverbal and verbal communication, their role and usage consistency are similar. Both forms of communication involve sending and receiving messages, regardless of the medium used to transmit information. In most cases, individuals use verbal and nonverbal communication in parallel to guarantee the useful meaning of the anticipated outcomes (Bhat and Kingsley 39). Nonverbal communication has various functions such as reinforcement, regulation, accentuation, and substitution. Moreover, both verbal and nonverbal communication are not inherent because they are learned. People learn how to pronounce words, write well-structured sentences, and use their faces and other parts of the body to convey a meaningful message. Further, they have no direct connection to the brain of individuals. Undeniably, the brain only receives, processes and interprets messages, and generates appropriate feedback. Thus, verbal and nonverbal communications complement each other to enhance the meaning of conveyed messages.

In conclusion, verbal and nonverbal communication differ in structure, miscommunication, continuousness, and distance and time. Verbal communication is regulated by grammar rules, has minimum miscommunication possibilities, is not inhibited by distance, takes a short time, and is quickly interrupted, contrary to nonverbal communication. However, common features associated with verbal and nonverbal communication are that they are not inherent or directly connected to individual’s brain and involve transferring and receiving of information. Additionally, they are used in parallel in most cases, with nonverbal playing the role of reinforcement or accentuation of particular message.

Works Cited

Bhat, B. Vishnu, and Manoj Kumar Kingsley. “Effective Non-Verbal Communication.” Effective Medical Communication , edited by Subhash Chandra Parija and Balachandra V. Adkoli, Springer, 2020, pp. 39–47.

Wahyuni, Akhtim. “The Power of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Learning”. Proceedings of the 1St International Conference on Intellectuals’ Global Responsibility (ICIGR 2017) , vol. 125, 2018, pp. 80-83. Web.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, June 9). Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. https://studycorgi.com/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication/

"Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication." StudyCorgi , 9 June 2022, studycorgi.com/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication'. 9 June.

1. StudyCorgi . "Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication." June 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication." June 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication." June 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/verbal-vs-nonverbal-communication/.

This paper, “Comparison of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 11, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Communication

Sample Essays On Nonverbal Communication

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Communication , Culture , Behavior , Body Language , Body , Emotions , Study , Nonverbal Communication

Words: 1000

Published: 03/10/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

All communication devices are divided into two large groups: verbal and nonverbal. It may seem that nonverbal means are not as important as verbal. In fact, it is not true. Although verbal communication is of central importance for the majority, it is incomplete without nonverbal devices. Even after developing language, people consciously or unconsciously use body movements. Eye contact, facial expressions, head movements, positioning of feet and legs, torso shifts, postures, tone of voice and even space between people during conversation are elements of body language. Professionals in the field of communication studies define these body movements as the forms of the nonverbal communication, which can convey a person’s true emotional and cognitive condition. There are many sciences that study the major types of nonverbal behavior. Kinesics studies facial expressions, eye contact, body postures and movements. Oculesics more specifically analyzes eye contact or its avoidance. Haptics studies touching behavior. Proxemics deals with personal space usage. Chronemics refers to the study of how people use time to communicate. Olfactics is the study of sense of smell. Paralinguistics investigates non-verbal vocal clues, such as loudness, pitch, tone of voice (Esposito, Bratanic, Keller & Marinaro 86). The term “nonverbal communication” was firstly used by G.H. Hewes in 1952 when he wrote his World Distribution of Certain Postural Habits (Calero 2). Nonverbal communication allows obtaining more accurate and complete picture of people’s hidden meanings than verbal communication. Ability to decipher nonverbal behavior accurately can help in any negotiation or other situation involving people. The key to reading nonverbal elements is the ability to feel speakers’ emotional condition while listening to the speech and taking into account the circumstances of the conversation. Alan Pease has introduced the investigation of body language in the late 70th of the last century. He is a recognized expert in the psychology of human communication. Pease claimed that the prominent feature of the nonverbal communication is its dependence on the subconscious impulses. The inability to forge these impulses does not allow people to hide true intentions. According to Pease, only 10 % of the message is expressed through the words, 40 % is transferred through tone of voice, and 50% accounts for gestures and postures (Pease & Pease 4). Nonverbal behavior of people is inextricably linked to their mental condition and serves as a means of expression. Therefore, the inner world of the individual can be revealed on the basis of nonverbal behavior. People pretty quickly adapt their verbal behavior to changing circumstances, but they cannot so easily control their nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal communication includes such forms of expression that do not rely on words and other verbal symbols. Words can convey only factual knowledge, but words alone are not enough to express feelings. Since nonverbal communication usually manifests itself unconsciously and spontaneously, hidden feelings can "leak" through facial expressions, gestures, intonation, and tone of voice. Each of these non-verbal elements of communication can help to verify the truthfulness of the spoken words or put them into question. Body language conveys more truthful message than the language of words. However, most signals of body language are ambiguous. Precise decoding is possible only with the consideration of the following factors: environment, mood, stimuli. For example, crossed arms on chest are perceived as an unconscious attempt to block out possible threat. However, some people may habitually cross their arms. The success of any communication and business negotiations in particular depends on the ability to establish trustful relations with a partner. It depends not so much on what people say, but on how they hold themselves. Spitzberg and Barge claimed “How people hold themselves, stand, sit, and walk communicates strong nonverbal messages. Whether you intend to send a message or not, every move you make potentially communicates something about you to others (Tussy & Gustafson 255).” Business people are inclined to trust the information transmitted nonverbally. They can catch hidden meaning focusing on intonation, facial expressions, gestures, body postures. If the meaning of the verbal message is contrary to the meaning of nonverbal message, it is more obliviously that the interlocutor lies. Communication studies show the impact of culture on nonverbal behavior and reveal the similarities and differences in nonverbal communication across cultures. Various cultures may use the same gestures, movements and facial expressions. However, these gestures can have completely different meanings. Understanding the American’s behavior may not help to decode the hidden meaning behind the Frenchman’s gestures. For example, a sign “OK” formed with thumb and forefinger means that all is well in the United States. The same gesture means zero or worthless thing in France. Forms of emotional expression are also different. For example, in some Eastern cultures, people learn to restrain emotions, and representatives of other cultures, on the contrary, try to be more expressive during conversation. Representatives of the Western cultures consider direct eye contact as a live interest in partner and conversation. Chinese, Indonesians and Mexicans try to avoid long eye contact since it is a sign of bad manners for them (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel 40). Nonverbal communication more accurately reveals the position of the interlocutor because it expresses hidden feelings. As a result, it proves the sincerity of spoken words or shows that the interlocutor is trying to withhold certain information. Moreover, nonverbal communication enables a person to transmit information when other methods are impossible. The only problem that may occur while decoding the nonverbal signs is a confusion caused by cultural peculiarities of different nationalities.

Works Cited

Calero, H. Power of nonverbal communication: what you do is more important than what you say (1st ed.). California: Silver Lake Publishing, 2005. Esposito, A., Bratanic, M., Keller, E. & Marinaro, M. Fundementals of verbal and nonverbal communication and the biometric issue. Netherlands: IOS Press, 2007. Pease, A. & Pease, B. The definitive book of body language. Australia: Pease International, 2004. Samovar, L., Porter, R. & McDaniel, E. Communication between cultures (7th ed.). Massachusetts: Cengage Learning, 2010.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1079

This paper is created by writer with

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

History literature reviews, nerve argumentative essays, ingredient argumentative essays, slump argumentative essays, alarm argumentative essays, album argumentative essays, genius argumentative essays, jet argumentative essays, salad argumentative essays, yin argumentative essays, oligopsony essays, empathizing essays, exacerbate essays, safeway essays, conus essays, foodborne essays, example of essay on musical therapy, itm course essay examples, healthy eating dieting health prevention wellness research proposal, managing organizational change essay example, essay on rene descartes friedrich nietzsches philosophy of the formation of the self, relation diagrams essay example, essay on what is a system analyst and why they are important, understanding caribbean history through modern caribbean literature discussing argumentative essay sample, manufacturing process of electro discharge machines edm course work example, example of critical thinking on basic challenges of organizational design, good essay about global warming, free research paper on criminal law final assessment, a trip to spain creative writing examples, good research paper on omnibus bill, course work on law, example of essay on interview with a tourist, the botany of desire globalization and food shortages essay examples, free evacuation of tall buildings analysis article review sample, open innovation opportunities essay, good critical thinking on the problem of induction, community issue essays examples, batman leadership style essays examples, example of essay on electricity and its uses, causes of the civil war essay example, free marketing in the 21st century essay example.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

60 Nonverbal Communication Examples

Nonverbal communication is the process of communicating without using words. It involves body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and tone of voice. 

Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool to express emotions, beliefs, opinions, and ideas without needing to utter a word. It can be employed in any setting – from daily life all the way up to professional contexts.

For example, in a professional context, nonverbal communication can be used to show respect and interest. Eye contact, posture, and facial expressions are all indicators of how someone feels and their attitude. 

In daily life, nonverbal communication can be used to express agreement, disagreement, or reaction. For example, a smile or a nod can show that someone is interested or happy with what is being said.

Definition of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the process of communicating without words, using body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other nonverbal cues to convey emotions and feelings (Jiang , 2021) . 

According to Matsumoto and colleagues (2013), nonverbal communication is:

“…the transfer and exchange of messages in any and all modalities that do not involve words” (p. 4). 

Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool for expressing emotions and conveying messages without words.

Manusov (2016) states that the “nonverbal communication system comprises facial expressions, body movements, vocalic or paralinguistic cues, personal and environmental space, objects, time, physical appearance, and smell/odor” (p. 1).

For example, a person might smile to show happiness or cross their arms to signify disagreement. Nonverbal communication incorporates multiple cues that help convey messages effectively without using words. 

In simple words, nonverbal communication is an exchange of emotions and thoughts without the need for words. It’s a way to convey meaning through gestures and expressions instead of speaking.

Related Article: Best Toys for Nonverbal Autism

Nonverbal Communication Examples

• Smiling : Smiling can express happiness, joy, and approval. If a person is smiling, it can indicate that they are happy or agree with something.
• Making eye contact : Eye contact is used to show interest in a conversation. It is also a sign of respect and can show agreement or understanding. Conversely, if someone is avoiding eye contact, it may indicate confusion or disagreement. (Note cultural differences : e.g. in Aboriginal Australian culture, eye contact can be a sign of defiance).
• Finger pointing : Finger pointing is often used to draw attention to something or give directions. It can also be used aggressively, such as when someone is angry or frustrated. 
• Gestures : Gestures are movements of the hands and arms that can convey various meanings. For example, a thumbs-up gesture is often used to indicate approval or agreement. If a person is rubbing their chin, they can think deeply or consider a situation.
• Sign language : Sign language is an incredible form of communication that utilizes hand gestures and body movements to convey particular messages. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with those who are deaf or hard of hearing, granting them full participation in meaningful conversations they may have otherwise been unable to partake in.
• Posture : Posture can convey various messages, such as interest in a conversation or being open to an idea. It can also be used to show dominance or confidence. So, if a person is leaning in or standing tall, it can be interpreted as them being interested or assertive.
• Appropriate touch : Appropriate touch can be used to show support or affection, such as a hug or pat on the back. If used in the wrong context, however, it can be seen as intrusive or threatening. For example, if somebody is avoiding or pulling away, it’s a sign that they do not want to be touched.
• Facial expressions : Facial expressions can convey various emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or anger. They can also be used to show agreement or disagreement with something. So, if a person is frowning, they may not agree with what is being said.
• Environment al design : Through the environment, one can communicate a distinct message. For instance, by decorating with costly furniture and accessories that exude luxury and sophistication in the home or office, an individual conveys their success to those who visit them.
• Silence : Silence also can be used to show disapproval or disagreement with something. So, if someone is silent after a statement, it may be interpreted as them not agreeing with what has been said. 

List of Additional Examples

• Written communication
• Tone of voice
• Orientation
• Head movements
• Hand movements
• Body language
• Closing eyes
• Raising eyebrows
• Crossed arms
• Foot tapping
• Hand gestures
• Pupil dilation
• Lip pressing
• Tilting head
• Covering mouth
• Tension in the body
• Opening eyes wide
• Gesturing with hands
• Nervous movements
• Steepling fingers
• Nail biting
• Covering face
• Shaking head
• Drumming fingers
• Rolling eyes
• Jerking movements

Nonverbal Communication vs. Verbal Communication

While nonverbal communication is used to express thoughts without using words, verbal communication is used to speak and exchange ideas using audible language (Key, 1980). 

Nonverbal communication is instantaneous and powerful, conveying far more information than words alone. Utilizing gestures and facial expressions allows people to express various emotions quickly and effectively without speaking.

Alternatively, verbal communication is much more versatile since it allows for conveying complex ideas through speech.

Moreover, interpreting spoken words is simpler than nonverbal cues, and any misunderstandings can be quickly resolved using language (Key, 1980).

Nonverbal communication is universal since it does not require the use of a language. However, it is often challenging to interpret accurately because the meaning of gestures and expressions can vary from culture to culture. 

Verbal communication is easier to understand in most cases, as it relies on language that is familiar to both parties. However, misunderstandings can arise due to accents and regional variations in language (Catania, 1986). 

See also: Visual Communication Examples

Origins of Nonverbal Communication 

In 1872, Charles Darwin revolutionized the science of nonverbal communication and behavior with his renowned publication, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (Darwin, 2018).

This influential book inspired a new wave of research on how humans interact without words. By studying the behavior of animals and humans, he developed a theory that explained why people communicate nonverbally (Darwin, 2018).

Darwin (2018) theorized that human emotions evolved from the same primitive responses found in animals. He argued that facial expressions, postures, and gestures were all used for communication before language was developed.

In the 1960s, an array of psychologists and researchers took a keen interest in nonverbal communication, with Michael Argyle and Janet Dean among them.

Specifically, they focused their research on exploring the link between eye contact and conversational distance. Their findings revolutionized the study of nonverbal communication and opened the door to further research and understanding (Argyle & Dean, 1965). 

Types of Nonverbal Communication

In 1994 Judee Burgoon identified seven subcategories of nonverbal communication: kinesics or body language, paralanguage, proxemics, clothing and appearance, chronemics , artifacts, and haptics (Burgoon et al., 2016) .

Here is a brief overview of each type: 

• Kinesics or body language – posture, body movements, and gestures.
• Paralanguage – vocal cues such as tone, pitch, and volume.
• Proxemics – the physical distance between people when speaking.
• Clothing and appearance – personal style, hairstyle, grooming, and jewelry.
• Chronemics – punctuality or waiting time. 
• Artifacts – objects, and possessions used to represent a person, such as jewelry and tattoos.
• Haptics – physical contact between two people.

According to Burgoon, to communicate effectively, one must be able to decode and interpret the nonverbal signals of others as well as produce appropriate nonverbal responses (Burgoon et al., 2016). 

So, by understanding both verbal and nonverbal communication, people can create a more meaningful and productive dialogue with their peers. 

Nonverbal Miscommunication

Nonverbal miscommunication is when two people send and receive conflicting information due to their misunderstanding of nonverbal cues. 

For example, if a speaker uses a lot of hand gestures to emphasize their points, but the listener fails to understand the meaning of their hand motions, this could lead to a breakdown in communication (Matsumoto et al., 2013).

Various factors, such as cultural differences, personal habits, and body language, can cause nonverbal miscommunication. 

In some cultures, eye contact is considered a sign of respect, while in others, it can be perceived as threatening. Similarly, hand gestures and body language can also have different meanings in various cultures (Manusov, 2016). 

Personal habits, such as mannerisms and speech patterns, can cause miscommunication if the listener cannot interpret them. Also, body language, such as crossed arms or slumped shoulders, can send mixed, easily misunderstood signals. 

Overall, it is important to be aware of the different signals people may send out to understand each other better. 

Importance of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is an important part of everyday life. It can influence how people perceive one another and help to build relationships through shared understanding.

Here are some of the key benefits of nonverbal communication:

• Establishes rapport and trust – Nonverbal actions, such as eye contact and a warm smile, can make others feel welcome and build a sense of trust.
• Promotes understanding – Nonverbal cues can help people better understand what another person is saying.
• Enhances verbal communication – Body language and facial expressions can add context to words and help people better understand one another. 
• Encourages collaboration – Nonverbal communication can facilitate team building and help people work together more effectively.

The importance of nonverbal communication is further highlighted by the growing interest in neuroscience and its implications for communication. 

As more research is conducted, it will become clearer how nonverbal cues can be used to build relationships and create meaningful connections. 

By being aware of the subtle signals one sends out through body language, facial expressions, and vocal cues, people can communicate more effectively and create a deeper understanding with their peers. 

Nonverbal communication is a key component of effective communication and building relationships. It can be used to express one’s feelings, emotions, and attitudes more effectively than verbal communication. 

One can better decode the messages being sent and received by understanding the different types of nonverbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, tone, pitch, artifacts, and touch. 

Nonverbal miscommunication can also arise due to cultural differences or personal habits, so it is important to be aware of any potential misunderstandings. 

Through nonverbal communication, people can better express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, leading to more meaningful dialogue and collaboration. 

Argyle, M., & Dean, J. (1965). Eye-contact, distance and affiliation.  Sociometry ,  28 (3), 289. https://doi.org/10.2307/2786027

Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2016).  Nonverbal communication . Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Catania, A. C. (1986). On the difference between verbal and nonverbal behavior.  The Analysis of Verbal Behavior ,  4 (1), 2–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03392809

Darwin, C. (2018).  The expression of the emotions in man and animals . Dover Publications, Inc. (Original work published 1872)

Jiang, X. (2021).  Types of nonverbal communication . Intechopen.

Key, M. R. (1980).  The relationship of verbal and nonverbal communication . Mouton.

Manusov, V. (2016). Nonverbal communication.  The International Encyclopedia of Communication Theory and Philosophy , 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118766804.wbiect096

Matsumoto, D. R., Frank, M. G., & Hwang, H. S. (2013).  Nonverbal communication: Science and applications . Sage.

Viktoriya Sus (MA)

Viktoriya Sus is an academic writer specializing mainly in economics and business from Ukraine. She holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Lviv National University and has more than 6 years of experience writing for different clients. Viktoriya is passionate about researching the latest trends in economics and business. However, she also loves to explore different topics such as psychology, philosophy, and more.

• Viktoriya Sus (MA) #molongui-disabled-link 15 Free Enterprise Examples
• Viktoriya Sus (MA) #molongui-disabled-link 21 Sunk Costs Examples (The Fallacy Explained)
• Viktoriya Sus (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Price Floor: 15 Examples & Definition
• Viktoriya Sus (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Linguistic Relativity: 10 Examples and Definition

Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Positive Punishment Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Dissociation Examples (Psychology)
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 15 Zone of Proximal Development Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link Perception Checking: 15 Examples and Definition

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Environment
• Information Science
• Social Issues
• Argumentative
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Compare and Contrast
• Descriptive
• Exemplification
• Informative
• Controversial
• Exploratory
• What Is an Essay
• Length of an Essay
• Generate Ideas
• Types of Essays
• Structuring an Essay
• Outline For Essay
• Essay Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Body of an Essay
• Writing a Conclusion
• Essay Writing Tips
• Drafting an Essay
• Revision Process
• Fix a Broken Essay
• Format of an Essay
• Essay Examples
• Essay Checklist
• Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Write My Essay
• Custom Essay Writing Service
• Admission Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Essay
• Academic Ghostwriting
• Write My Book Report
• Case Study Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Coursework Writing Service
• Lab Report Writing Service
• Do My Assignment
• Buy College Papers
• Capstone Project Writing Service
• Buy Research Paper
• Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

• Free Essay Samples
• Communication

Nonverbal communication

Updated 21 February 2022

Subject Communication

Downloads 60

Category Psychology ,  Sociology

Topic Individual ,  Nonverbal Communication ,  Society

Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal contact includes the use of facial expressions, gestures, body language and posture, as well as the actual physical space between people that communicate. According to (Bevan & Sole, 2014), one of the most important functions of non-verbal communication includes regulating the flow of experiences. Individuals appear to rely heavily on non-verbal ways to manage their discourse. Mainly, the pitch is used to inform others of the purpose of the conversation. It may also be used to signal the conclusion or start of a talk session. Furthermore, non-verbal expressions such as hand gestures and eye contact can efficiently suggest that it is someone else's turn to speak hence limiting unnecessary interruptions (Hargie, 2011). Furthermore, a broad range of nonverbal cues and signals can be employed to extend the length of speech without verbal communication (Guerrero & Floyd, 2006).

Non-verbal Communication in a Classroom Setting

One of the most relevant hypothetical approaches showing the significance of non-verbal communication is the classroom setting (Comadena, Hunt, & Simonds, 2007). A teacher speaking to students may use a broad range of body expressions and pitch to direct the conversation. For example, the introduction may involve a high pitch while the ending of the class is marked by a low pitch. Other gestures may also be applied to shift from one speaker to another without verbal communication. An example is pointing at a student to respond to a question or pausing and through eye contact, create a chance for students to ask questions or contribute.

Bevan, J. L., & Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication. Bridgepoint Education.

Comadena, M. E., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, C. J. (2007). The Effects of Teacher Clarity, Nonverbal Immediacy, and Caring on Student Motivation, Affective and Cognitive Learning. Communication Research Reports.

Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2006). Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationships. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Hargie, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice, 5th ed. London: Routledge.

Mann, S., Vrij, A., Leal, S., Granhag, P., & Warmelink, L. (2012). Dave Forester Windows to the Soul? Deliberate Eye Contact as a Cue to Deceit. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 36 (3), 205-215.

Deadline is approaching?

Wait no more. Let us write you an essay from scratch

Related Essays

Related topics.

Find Out the Cost of Your Paper

Type your email

By clicking “Submit”, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy policy. Sometimes you will receive account related emails.