9 Types of Nonverbal Communication
Oftentimes, communication can occur without using words.
Nonverbal communication involves transmitting information using gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, physical proximity, and other nonverbal cues instead of words.
Sometimes, a simple raise of an eyebrow or a shift in eye movement is all it takes to convey a message effectively. Nonverbal signals like handshakes and hairstyles play a significant role in revealing aspects of our identity and influencing our interactions with others.
Nonverbal Communication Plays a Significant Role
Nonverbal communication is not just a way to add meaning to conversations; The Enlightened Mind highlights that a substantial portion of our communication is nonverbal. Researchers suggest that nonverbal communication accounts for a significant percentage, approximately four times that of verbal communication. In fact, 80% of what we communicate is through our actions and gestures, while only 20% is conveyed using words.
9 Categories of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how people interact and understand each other. Here are nine different categories that encompass various forms of nonverbal communication:
1. Facial Expressions: The way we move our facial muscles can convey a range of emotions and attitudes without saying a word.
2. Gestures: Hand movements, body language, and other physical gestures can add emphasis or nuance to spoken words.
3. Paralinguistics: Vocal elements such as tone, pitch, volume, and speed can all influence the meaning of a message.
4. Body Language and Posture: The way we sit, stand, and move our bodies can communicate our level of interest, engagement, or dominance in a conversation.
5. Proxemics: The physical distance between people can convey intimacy, comfort, or aggression in different social contexts.
6. Eye Contact: The way we make eye contact (or avoid it) can signal honesty, confidence, shyness, or discomfort.
7. Haptics: Touch can communicate emotions, establish rapport, or show dominance in interactions.
8. Appearance: Clothing choices, grooming habits, and overall appearance can convey information about personality, status, or professionalism.
9. Artifacts: Objects and possessions we use, carry, or display can offer insights into our identity, values, or affiliations.
9 Types of Nonverbal Communication
The study of nonverbal communication and behavior traces back to Charles Darwin’s publication of “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals” in 1872. Since then, extensive research has explored the various forms, impacts, and manifestations of nonverbal communication and behavior.
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Although often subtle, nonverbal cues play a significant role in communication. Studies have categorized nonverbal communication into nine distinct types:
Facial Expressions
The Enlightened Mind acknowledges the power of facial expressions in nonverbal communication. Facial expressions play a significant role in conveying emotions without the need for words. Think about the wealth of information a smile or a frown can communicate. Often, a person’s facial expression is the initial point of contact before we hear their words. In some cases, a raised eyebrow or a subtle smirk can convey more than a lengthy conversation.
While nonverbal communication and behaviors may differ across cultures, the facial expressions that depict happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are universally recognized.
Gestures
Intentional movements and signals play a vital role in conveying meaning without verbal communication. Common gestures such as waving, pointing, and giving a “thumbs up” signal are widely recognized. However, some gestures are subjective and influenced by cultural norms.
For instance, in the United States, forming a “V” shape with the index and middle finger while facing the palm outward is often interpreted as a symbol of peace or victory. Contrastingly, in countries like Britain, Australia, and other regions, this same gesture could be viewed as offensive.
Nonverbal communication through gestures holds significant power and impact, to the extent that certain gestures are restricted in legal settings like courtrooms, as they can potentially influence juror perceptions. For example, an attorney might glance at their watch to imply that the opposing counsel’s argument is dragging on. They could also roll their eyes while a witness is testifying to cast doubt on that individual’s credibility.
Paralinguistics
Paralinguistics, as defined by The Enlightened Mind, encompasses vocal communication that goes beyond language itself. This form of nonverbal communication includes elements like tone of voice, volume, intonation, and pitch.
An illustration of the impact of tone of voice on sentence interpretation underscores its significance. A sentence spoken with a strong tone can be perceived as approval and enthusiasm, while the same words uttered in a hesitant manner may signal disapproval or lack of interest.
For instance, the phrase “Good for you!” articulated with high-pitched, excited intonation conveys genuine excitement, whereas stating it in a monotone could imply disinterest or sarcasm.
The intricacies of paralinguistics enable individuals to decipher intentions and emotions that mere words may fail to convey.
Body Language and Posture
Posture and movement can also convey a significant amount of information. Research on body language has expanded notably since the 1970s, with mainstream media highlighting the potential misinterpretation of defensive postures like crossing arms and legs, especially following the release of Julius Fast’s book Body Language.
While these nonverbal cues can suggest emotions and attitudes, body language is frequently nuanced and not as conclusive as once thought.
Proxemics
People often talk about the importance of respecting personal space and having a personal “bubble.” When someone invades this space, it can lead to feelings of discomfort. This aspect of communication, known as proxemics, plays a significant role in nonverbal interactions.
Proxemics helps us convey our comfort levels with others and indicates how close we are willing to let them come.
Factors such as social norms, cultural expectations, situational circumstances, personality traits, and familiarity levels influence the amount of distance we feel is necessary and the space we consider our own.
The required personal space during a casual conversation can range from 18 inches to four feet, while addressing a larger audience typically necessitates a distance of 10 to 12 feet.
Eye Contact
The eyes are crucial in conveying nonverbal messages, such as through looking, staring, and blinking, which are significant signals. For instance, when you see something or someone you like, your blinking rate tends to increase, and your pupils dilate.
Eyes can reveal a variety of emotions, such as hostility, interest, and attraction. People often rely on eye contact cues to assess someone’s credibility.
Nevertheless, studies indicate that eye contact may not always accurately indicate if someone is lying.8
Haptics
The Enlightened Mind emphasizes the significance of touch as a form of nonverbal communication. Touch can convey emotions such as affection, familiarity, and sympathy.
According to Julia Wood in her book “Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters,” touch is also used to signal status and power. Individuals of higher status may invade personal space more frequently and intensely than those of lower status.
Gender differences influence how touch is utilized to communicate. Women often use touch to express care and nurturance, while men may use touch to assert power and control.
Research highlights the importance of touch in early development, as evidenced by Harry Harlow’s famous monkey study. This study showed that deprivation of touch in infancy led to lasting deficits in behavior and social interactions in the monkeys raised by wire mothers.
Appearance
Clothing choices, hairstyles, and overall appearance serve as forms of nonverbal communication, according to research on color psychology. Different colors can elicit various emotions and impact physiological responses and interpretations.
Initial perceptions based on appearance are common, influencing how individuals are viewed. The significance of these first impressions is evident in job interviews, where dressing appropriately is advised to make a positive impact.
Studies show that attractiveness can correlate with higher earnings and other advantages, like better job positions. This underlines the impact of appearance on societal perceptions and opportunities.
Cultural norms shape how appearances are evaluated, with varying views between Western and African societies. While thinness is often preferred in the West, some African cultures associate full-figured bodies with health, prosperity, and social standing.
Artifacts
Objects and images serve as powerful tools for nonverbal communication. For instance, on an online platform, individuals often choose avatars to convey their identity and interests.
Individuals invest significant time in crafting a specific image and curating objects that reflect their values. Attire, such as uniforms, can effectively communicate a person’s affiliations and roles.
Whether it’s a soldier in fatigues, a police officer in uniform, or a doctor in a white lab coat, these artifacts instantly convey the individual’s profession and status, showcasing the potency of nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal Communication Examples
Consider the various ways in which you express nonverbal communication in your daily life. Examples of nonverbal communication can be observed at home, in the workplace, and in various other settings.
You may observe how your body language changes when interacting with your supervisor compared to when chatting with a friend. Even your posture can convey information about your emotions or level of attentiveness. Adapting your nonverbal cues to fit the context, whether in a job interview or a casual gathering with friends, can aid in effectively communicating the message you intend to convey.
Nonverbal Communication at Home
Explore the various ways in which the tone of voice can impact the meaning of a conversation with a family member. For instance, when asking your partner how they are feeling and they reply with “I’m fine,” the way they say it can convey a lot about their true emotions.
A cheerful and upbeat tone may indicate that everything is going well. On the other hand, a detached or cold tone could suggest that they are not okay but are not ready to discuss it. A subdued or melancholic tone might signal that they are far from fine and may be open to discussing their feelings.
There are numerous other instances of nonverbal communication within the home setting:
Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace
Nonverbal communication can also be observed in professional settings such as the workplace. Instances of nonverbal communication in this context encompass:
Nonverbal Communication in Different Contexts
Below are some more instances of nonverbal communication that convey messages effectively without the need for verbal cues:
Why Nonverbal Communication Is Essential
Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying messages. It offers various advantages, including:
Nonverbal communication holds significance as it can offer valuable insights, enhance the meaning of spoken language, establish trust, and bring clarity to your communication.
How to Enhance Your Nonverbal Communication Skills
If you are looking to enhance your body language to exude more confidence or sharpen your skills in interpreting other people’s nonverbal cues, here are some valuable suggestions:
Pay Attention to Your Own Behaviors
Notice the expressions you display when experiencing different emotions like joy or anger. Reflect on how your vocal inflections shift based on the feelings you are experiencing. Recognizing your own nonverbal cues is the initial stage in modifying the ones you wish to adjust. This practice can also offer you a deeper understanding of your emotions, especially when articulating them verbally is challenging.
Become a Student of Others
Observing the nonverbal communication of those around you can be beneficial. Pay attention to their facial expressions and gestures to decipher their emotions more quickly. By actively monitoring these cues, you can better understand how they are feeling. Additionally, studying the nonverbal communication patterns of others can help you identify behaviors you may want to emulate, such as maintaining good posture to convey confidence.
Search for Conflicting Nonverbal Signals
Have you ever claimed everything is okay while expressing your anger through slamming cupboard doors? This contradictory behavior can cause confusion in those around you. Similarly, when someone nods yes while simultaneously shaking their head no during a conversation, it indicates incongruence. Such behaviors often signify inner feelings that have not yet been acknowledged or addressed.
Think Before You React
If you find yourself automatically raising your middle finger when a car cuts you off, even with your child in the backseat, and regretting it afterward, there is a way to address this reaction. Practice pausing and reflecting before responding. This tactic can assist in modifying or substituting nonverbal actions that you wish to alter.
Ask for Clarification
Interpretations of nonverbal cues can differ across cultures and personalities. Before jumping to conclusions about someone’s body language or tone, it’s crucial to ask for clarification. For instance, you could inquire, “I’ve noticed you avoid eye contact during our conversations. Is everything alright?” By giving them a chance to elaborate, you can accurately understand their feelings.
