What is Nonverbal Communication – Definition and Examples

This is communication that takes place without the use of words. This sort of communication includes all sorts of manual behaviors, body language postures, glance behaviors, distance between us and others – whether intended or not – as well as what we wear.

Nonverbal communication is a type of human behavior in which information is transmitted by sending and receiving messages without using words.

Within this definition there are three important nonverbal factors that communicate: kinesics – facial expressions, gestures, physical movements related to touch or hand movements; haptics – touching, hugging, folding arms across the chest; and paralanguage – tone of voice, rhythm, pitch, inflections.


What is Nonverbal Communication

Why is nonverbal communication important?

It’s important for each person to be able to express themselves without words, so their feelings and thoughts are understood.

I think nonverbal communication is so important because it is a way for someone to express themselves without using words, which makes people feel like they can accurately communicate what they’re thinking or feeling.

It also may not be easy for some people to find the power in words that would best explain how they are feeling.

For example, with nonverbal communication body language (facial expressions too!) can provide information that helps another person understand them better than if they were just communicating by speaking aloud.

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives the person on the receiving end a chance to interpret and understand what is being said without words.

People can also use nonverbal communication as a way to express themselves in cases where they either don’t know how to verbally explain their feelings or when they may not feel comfortable communicating them out loud.

Benefits of effective nonverbal communication

  • You’ll be more confident.
  • You’ll seem more approachable.
  • Others will feel comfortable around you.
  • People will want to talk with you.
  • You’ll feel like an equal instead of feeling intimidated.
  • People will listen to your opinions with interest, (and won’t act disinterested when you speak).
  • You’ll be able to interact more smoothly and easily with people.

Types of nonverbal communication

  • Posture: Body position, often used to express power or dominance
  • Gestures: Involuntary bodily movements that are often performed while talking, these can include hand movements and facial expressions.
  • Facial expression: The muscles in the face that allow for facial expressions. One of the most common facial expressions is the raising of the eyebrows.
  • Eye contact: A direct gaze with another person; can be used to convey intimacy or hostility among other things.

Nonverbal communication skills and examples

Nonverbal communication is a type of communication that does not require verbalization. It can be through gestures, facial expressions, or other body languages.

Nonverbal communication may include anything from wearing clothes that emphasize social status to displaying a symbol for protest.

Nonverbal communication skills are an important thing to have. This is because they allow people to communicate without words.

For example, you could communicate disapproval nonverbally through an expression on your face or a change in posture from crossing your arms to uncrossing them.

Nonverbal communication is often easier and faster than verbal communication because it gets across feelings and thoughts more quickly and more deeply or with less detail than verbalized words or signs.

How to read Body Language

People show their emotions and intent through their posture, facial expressions and gestures. We rely on body language to communicate with one another and often use it to understand what someone is feeling or thinking without saying anything.

Body language can be both conscious and unconscious. For example, if you glance at someone over your shoulder while chit chatting at a party, you might do this unconsciously to see if someone better has entered the room.

This would be classified as an unintentional gesture of interest. There are many gestures like this that we use without even realizing it!

On the other hand, your gestures can also be entirely intentional. When you are angry or upset with someone, you might cross your arms over your chest subconsciously to protect yourself from the person who is making you angry.

This would be considered a conscious gesture of hostility directed at the other person.

How to improve nonverbal communication

You can improve your nonverbal communication skills by:

– Adjusting your body language and posture. Keep your arms uncrossed and looking at the person you’re talking to, stay relaxed and keep smiling.

– Pronouncing complex words slowly. Talk with an even tone of voice, neither too fast nor too slow.

– Answering a question using a complete sentence rather than “yes” or “no.” Be sure to use “I” rather than “you.”

– Using hand signals or gestures to convey meaning – but remember that this is done less often in professional settings to avoid being viewed as unprofessional.

Some other useful tips are to keep your hands visible when you talk, keep eye contact with the person you are talking to, sit straight and don’t slouch, avoid fidgeting while talking to someone etc.

Using nonverbal communication in an interview

Nonverbal communication can be defined as the body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice when speaking.

Nonverbal communication is essential when it comes to hiring people for a job. These are some tips that will help you use nonverbal communication in an interview to get the job.

First, make sure that you are paying attention to your body language throughout the interview.

This includes making eye contact with the interviewer, having a firm handshake, sitting up straight, nodding your head when the interviewer asks questions, using good hygiene (including brushing teeth, washing hands or applying cologne), staying silent until it’s your turn to speak instead of interrupting others to talk, and listening quietly without fidgeting in your chair.

Second, tone of voice and facial expressions are important as well. Employers want to hire people that they can trust and who will be able to work in a team, so your tone of voice and facial expressions should reflect those qualities.

A firm and consistent tone shows employers that you can be trusted with confidential information or projects, while smiling during the interview demonstrates your willingness to work as part of a team.

Third, some gestures can be more helpful than others. Employers look for candidates who are open and honest, so pointing your fingers towards yourself instead of downwards reflects this openness.

However, do not point at the interviewer with one finger (it’s considered rude in most cultures), and do not put your hands in your pocket because it will appear that you are hiding something.

Fourth, a good posture is a sign of respect and interest. If you slouch or lean too far back in your chair while speaking with the interviewer this can be viewed as lack of interest or disinterest in the job itself.

Finally, remember to listen to what is being said. When the employer asks a question about yourself, be sure to speak clearly and directly so they will know you are truly invested in this job. Employers want to hire people who can communicate effectively.

Nonverbal communication is important when it comes to getting hired because employers want to see that you have all of the qualities necessary to do the job. Remembering these tips will help you use nonverbal communication in an interview to get the job.


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