9 Types of Nonverbal Communication
Scientific research on nonverbal communication and behavior began with the
1872 publication of Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man
and Animals. Since that time, a wealth of research has been devoted to the
types, effects, and expressions of unspoken communication and behavior.
Nonverbal Communication Types
While these signals can be so subtle that we are not consciously aware of
them, research has identified nine types of nonverbal communication. These
nonverbal communication types are:
1. Facial expressions
2. Gestures
3. Paralinguistics (such as loudness or tone of voice)
4. Body language
5. Proxemics or personal space
6. Eye gaze, haptics (touch)
7. Appearance
8. Artifacts (objects and images)
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal
communication.3 Consider how much information can be conveyed with a
smile or a frown. The look on a person's face is often the first thing we see,
even before we hear what they have to say.
While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between
cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are
similar throughout the world.
Gestures
Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate
meaning without words.4 Common gestures include waving, pointing, and
giving a "thumbs up" sign. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to
culture.
For example, in the U.S., putting the index and middle finger in the shape of
a "V" with your palm facing out is often considered to be a sign of peace
or victory. Yet, in Britain, Australia, and other parts of the world, this gesture
can be considered an insult.
Nonverbal communication via gestures is so powerful and influential that
some judges place limits on which ones are allowed in the courtroom, where
they can sway juror opinions. An attorney might glance at their watch to
suggest that the opposing lawyer's argument is tedious, for instance. Or they
may roll their eyes during a witness's testimony in an attempt to undermine
that person's credibility.
Paralinguistics
Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual
language.5 This form of nonverbal communication includes factors such as
tone of voice, loudness, inflection, and pitch.
For example, consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the
meaning of a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might
interpret a statement as approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a
hesitant tone can convey disapproval and a lack of interest.
How to Develop a Strong Speaking Voice
Body Language and Posture
Posture and movement can also provide a great deal of
information.6 Research on body language has grown significantly since the
1970s, with popular media focusing on the over-interpretation of defensive
postures such as arm-crossing and leg-crossing, especially after the
publication of Julius Fast's book Body Language.
While these nonverbal communications can indicate feelings and attitudes,
body language is often subtle and less definitive than previously believed.
Understanding Body Language and Facial Expressions
Proxemics
People often refer to their need for "personal space." This is known as
proxemics and is another important type of nonverbal communication. 7
The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we perceive as
belonging to us are influenced by several factors. Among them are social
norms, cultural expectations, situational factors, personality characteristics,
and level of familiarity.
The amount of personal space needed when having a casual conversation
with another person can vary between 18 inches and four feet. The personal
distance needed when speaking to a crowd of people is usually around 10 to
12 feet.
Eye Gaze
The eyes play a role in nonverbal communication, with such things as
looking, staring, and blinking being important cues. For example, when you
encounter people or things that you like, your rate of blinking increases and
your pupils dilate.
People's eyes can indicate a range of emotions, including hostility, interest,
and attraction. People also often utilize eye gaze cues to gauge a person's
honesty. Normal, steady eye contact is often taken as a sign that a person is
telling the truth and is trustworthy. Shifty eyes and an inability to maintain
eye contact, on the other hand, is frequently seen as an indicator that
someone is lying or being deceptive.
However, some research suggests that eye gaze does not accurately predict
lying behavior.8
How to Overcome Eye Contact Anxiety
Haptics
Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal
communication behavior. Touch can be used to communicate affection,
familiarity, sympathy, and other emotions.
In her book Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters, author Julia
Wood writes that touch is also often used to communicate both status and
power.9 High-status individuals tend to invade other people's personal space
with greater frequency and intensity than lower-status individuals.
Sex differences also play a role in how people utilize touch to communicate
meaning. Women tend to use touch to convey care, concern, and
nurturance. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to use touch to assert
power or control over others.
There has been a substantial amount of research on the importance of touch
in infancy and early childhood. Harry Harlow's classic monkey study, for
example, demonstrated how being deprived of touch impedes development.
In the experiments, baby monkeys raised by wire mothers experienced
permanent deficits in behavior and social interaction.
Appearance
Our choice of clothing, hairstyle, and other appearance factors are also
considered a means of nonverbal communication. 10 Research on color
psychology has demonstrated that different colors can evoke different
moods. Appearance can also alter physiological reactions, judgments, and
interpretations.
Just think of all the subtle judgments you quickly make about someone based
on their appearance. These first impressions are important, which is why
experts suggest that job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with
potential employers.
Researchers have found that appearance can even play a role in how much
people earn. Attractive people tend to earn more and receive other fringe
benefits, including higher-quality jobs.11
Culture is an important influence on how appearances are judged. While
thinness tends to be valued in Western cultures, some African cultures relate
full-figured bodies to better health, wealth, and social status.
Artifacts
Objects and images are also tools that can be used to communicate
nonverbally. On an online forum, for example, you might select an avatar to
represent your identity and to communicate information about who you are
and the things you like.
People often spend a great deal of time developing a particular image and
surrounding themselves with objects designed to convey information about
the things that are important to them. Uniforms, for example, can be used to
transmit a tremendous amount of information about a person.
A soldier will don fatigues, a police officer will wear a specific uniform, and a
doctor will wear a white lab coat. At a mere glance, these outfits tell others
what that person does for a living. That makes them a powerful form of
nonverbal communication.
Why Nonverbal Communication Is
Important
Nonverbal communication serves an important role in conveying meaning.
Some benefits it provides include:
Strengthening relationships: Nonverbal communication fosters
closeness and intimacy in interpersonal relationships.
Substituting for spoken words: Signaling information that a person
might not be able to say aloud. This can be helpful in situations where
a person might not be heard (such as a noisy workplace) or in therapy
situations where a mental health professional can look at nonverbal
behaviors to learn more about how a client might be feeling.
Reinforcing meaning: Matching nonverbal communication to spoken
words can help add clarity and reinforce important points.
Regulating conversation: Nonverbal signals can also help regulate
the flow of conversation and indicate both the start and end of a
message or topic.
Nonverbal communication is important because it can provide valuable
information, reinforce the meaning of spoken words, help convey trust, and
add clarity to your message.
How to Improve Your Nonverbal
Communication Skills
If you want to develop more confident body language or improve your ability
to read other people's nonverbal communication behaviors, these tips can
help:
Pay attention to your own behaviors: Notice the gestures you use
when you're happy versus when you're upset. Think about how you
change the tone of your voice depending on the emotions you are
feeling. Being aware of your own nonverbal communication tendencies
is the first step to changing the ones you want to change. It can also
give you insight into how you're feeling if you're having trouble putting
it into words.
Become a student of others: It can also be helpful to consider how
others around you communicate nonverbally. What do their facial
expressions say? What type of gestures do they use? Becoming
familiar with their nonverbal communication patterns helps you
recognize when they might be feeling a certain way quicker because
you're actively watching for these cues. It can also help you recognize
nonverbal behaviors you may want to adopt yourself (such as standing
tall when talking to others to display self-confidence).
Look for incongruent nonverbal cues: Do you say that you're fine,
then slam cupboard doors to show that you're upset? This can give
those around you mixed messages. Or maybe when someone is
speaking with you, they are saying yes while shaking their head no.
This is another example of incongruent behavior. Both can be signs of
feeling a certain way but not yet being ready to admit or discuss it.
Think before you act: If your middle finger seems to automatically
fly up when a car cuts you off—even if your young child is in the back
seat, causing you to regret it as soon as it happens—you can work to
stop this reaction. Train yourself to stop and think before you act. This
can help you eliminate or replace nonverbal behaviors that you've
been wanting to change.
Ask before you assume: Certain types of nonverbal communication
can mean different things in different cultures. They can also vary
based on someone's personality. Before assuming that a person's body
language or tone means something definitively, ask. "I notice that you
won't look me in the eye when we speak. Are you upset with me?" Give
them the opportunity to explain how they are feeling so you know for
sure.
