Types of Nonverbal

Communication
1. Personal Space / Proxemics - This refers to how the space or distance between the
sender and thereceiver aûects their communication. This includes intimate distance (less
than 6inches to 18 inches), for embracing, touching, or whispering; personal distance
(1.5to 4 feet), which is for interacting with good friends or family; social distance (4 to
12feet), which is for interacting with acquaintances, and public distance (12 to 25 feetor
more), which is used for public speaking.

Examples: standing on a platform or stage while giving a speech

sitting right next to a close friend

2. Time / Chronemics - This refers to the role of time in the communication process.
Since various cultures may have different perceptions of time when it comes to
punctuality or in interactions, chronemics may greatly affect communication.

Examples: showing up early to work each day-

being on time to a get-together with friends

3. Body movements/ Kinesics - This refers to the use of body language in

communication. This includes gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.

Examples: nodding at an acquaintance while passing by him or her on the

street

raising one eyebrow while listening to someone’s story

4. Touch/Haptics - This refers to the use of touch to convey meaning in a

conversation. This is often dependent on culture. In some countries, friendly
touching is encouraged, but in others, it is considered an invasion of one’s personal
space.
Examples:
- stroking the hand of someone sick
- patting someone on the back
5. Paralanguage - involves verbal and nonverbal aspects of speech that influence
meaning, including tone, intensity, pausing, and even silence.
 Ex. - sighing while doing chores
- gasping as one opens a gift

Sighing while doing chores may indicate tiredness or exhaustion, while

gasping as one opens a gift may indicate surprise or shock.

6. Artifacts - Artifacts are forms of decorative ornamentation that are chosen to

represent self-concept. They can include rings and tattoos, but may also
include brand names and logos. From clothes to cars, watches, briefcases,
purses, and even eyeglasses, what we choose to surround ourselves with
communicates something about our sense of self.

Example: You might select an avatar to represent your identity and to

communicate information about who you are and the things you like.

7. 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.