9 Types of Nonverbal

Communication
Having strong communication skills is essential for
building both personal and professional relationships.
There are two predominant types of communication:
verbal and nonverbal. While most of us are aware of and
use verbal communication on a regular basis, nonverbal
communication is often not intentional and can offer
considerable information about both people and
situations.
Nonverbal communication is important because it gives
us valuable information about a situation, including how
a person might be feeling, how someone receives
information and how to approach a person or group of
people. Paying attention to and developing the ability to
read nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill
you can leverage at every stage of your career.

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)

1. Body language

Body language is the way someone positions their body depending on

the situation, the environment and how they are feeling.

Example: Someone might cross their arms if they are feeling angry or
nervous or when they are not open to new ideas (close-minded).
2. Movement

The way you move your arms and legs such as walking quickly or
slowly, standing, sitting can all convey different messages to
onlookers.

Example: Sitting still and paying attention in a meeting conveys

respect and attention.

3. Posture

The way you sit or stand can also communicate your comfort level,
professionalism and general disposition towards a person or
conversation.

Example: Someone might slouch their shoulders if they feel tired,

frustrated or disappointed.

4. Gestures

While gestures vary widely across communities, they are generally

used both intentionally and unintentionally to convey information to
others.

Example: Someone might display a “thumbs up” to communicate

confirmation or that they feel positive about something.

Pointing a finger, waving to someone you know, nodding your head ,

shaking your head

5. Space

Creating or closing distance between yourself and the people around

you can also convey messages about your comfort level, the
importance of the conversation, your desire to support or connect with
others and more.

Example: You might stand two to three feet away from a new contact
to respect their boundaries.
6. Paralanguage

Paralanguage includes the non-language elements of speech, such as

your talking speed, pitch, intonation, volume and more.

Example: You might speak quickly if you are excited about something.

7. Facial expressions

One of the most common forms of nonverbal communication is facial

expressions. Using the eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to
convey emotion or information can be very effective.

Example: Someone might raise their eyebrows and open their eyes
widely if they feel surprised.

8. Eye contact

Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye contact) is an extremely

effective way to communicate your attention and interest.

Example: Looking away from someone and at the ground or your

phone may convey disinterest or disrespect.

9. Touch

Some people also use touch as a form of communication. Most

commonly, it is used to communicate support or comfort. This form of
communication should be used sparingly and only when you know the
receiving party is okay with it. It should never be used to convey
anger, frustration or any other negative emotions.

Example: Placing your hand on a friend’s shoulder may convey

support or empathy.

How to read nonverbal cues

Reading nonverbal cues, such as body language, is a difficult skill you
will continue to develop throughout your career. While each person
uses nonverbal communication differently, there are several common
cues to pay attention to that will inform you about a person’s feelings,
intentions and motivations.

When communicating with someone, it’s helpful to be mindful of any

signs of nonverbal communication, while also taking in their verbal
communication. Here are a few cues you might observe:

1. Posture

If a person has their shoulders back and spine straight, this is a sign
that they are engaged, listening and open to the ideas or information
you are presenting. If they are exhibiting poor posture with their
shoulders slouched or raised and spine bent, they might be nervous,
anxious or angry.

2. Use of arms

If a person has their arms down to their side, on the table or arranged
in some other open way, this is a sign that they feel positive and ready
to absorb information. If their arms are crossed or closed, they might
be experiencing some sort of negative emotion.

3. Use of legs

If a person has both feet placed flat on the ground, this is a sign that
they feel open to communication. If their legs are crossed or arranged
in some other closed formation, they might be feeling irritated or
stressed.

4. Use of facial expressions

If you're communicating with someone who is frowning, has a

furrowed brow or tight lips, you might pause to ensure they don’t feel
confused, angry or some other negative emotion. If you are
communicating with someone who has a soft smile, relaxed facial
muscles or gently raised eyebrows, this is a sign that they feel good
about the information you are presenting.
1. Facial expressions. The human face is extremely expressive, able to
convey countless emotions such as happiness, anger, fear, surprise,
sadness, and disgust without saying a word. And unlike some forms of
nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial
expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are
the same across cultures.

Examples of facial expressions:

Smiling, scowling (look angrily at anyone), eye rolling, and
frowning, laughing, crying, eye rolling

2. Body movement and posture. Consider how your perceptions of people

are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. The way
you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the
world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture,
bearing, stance, and the subtle movements you make.

Examples of body movements and posture:

Walking, sitting, crossing of arms, crossing of legs

3. Gestures. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may
wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking
animatedly, often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking.
However, the meaning of some gestures can be very different across
cultures. While the “OK” sign made with the hand, for example, usually
conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it's considered
offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it's
important to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.

4. Eye contact. Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye
contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The
 way you look at someone can communicate many things, including
interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in
maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person's
interest and response.

5. Touch (Haptics). We communicate a great deal through touch. Think

about the very different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm
bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm,
for example.

6. Space (Proxemics)

Proxemics is the amount of space people prefer to have when

engaging in conversation with others. Anthropologist Edward
Hall coined this word in the early 1960s and classified 4 major
proxemic zones: the intimate space, personal space, social space, and
public space.

Types of Space and Distance

Intimate distance → distance of physical involvement, reserved for lovers
and members of family, ranges physical contact to 18 inches.

personal distance → arm’s length away, reserved for friends rather than lovers
and family members, personal space is usually between 1 and 4 feet. This
is the best distance to create rapport and build relationships.
social distance → impersonal business and casual relationships, this
distance is anywhere from 4 to 12 feet. Most strangers start off in this
distance, and it’s often used during formal business and social events.
Many people who you first meet might be in this distance.
public distance → formal and rather detached, an impersonal
interaction, about 12 - 25 feet away
 7. Voice (Vocalics/Paralanguage). It's not just what you say, it's how you
say it. When you speak, other people “read” your voice in addition to
listening to your words. Things they pay attention to include your timing
and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that
convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how your
tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.
8. Time (Chronemics) is the study of the use of time in nonverbal
communication. Time perceptions include punctuality,
willingness to wait, and interactions.

9. Color or chromatics is a powerful and universal communication

tool. It is widely used by brands, traffic signals, and spaces to
convey a non-verbal message. For example, one of the most
universal messages in transport are red “stop” and green “go”.
Red – love, war

Why is nonverbal communication important?

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives us valuable
information about a situation, including how a person might be feeling,
how someone receives information and how to approach a person or
group of people. Paying attention to and developing the ability to read
nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill you can leverage at
every stage of your career.