Communication Is Continuous

Because communication is nonverbal and visual as well as verbal, we are always sending behavioral
messages from which others draw inferences or meaning. Even silence communicates if another person
infers meaning from it. Why? Because your nonverbal behavior represents reactions to your
environment and to the people around you. If you are cold, you shiver; if you are hot or nervous, you
perspire; if you are bored, happy, or confused, your face or body language probably will show it. Not
only that, we are continuously sending and receiving multiple messages when we communicate with
others. For example, as you talk with your friend about where to go on spring break, both of you are
simultaneously sending and receiving multiple verbal and nonverbal messages to each other. As skilled
communicators, we need to be aware of the explicit and implicit messages we are constantly sending to
others.