Laura Thorburn, M.S., CCC-SLP
When you’re talking with someone, most of your message isn’t communicated through your words. Rather, it’s communicated through your actions–your facial expressions, body language, and other physical signals. These actions are known as nonverbal communication. Because it’s so powerful, nonverbal communication is an important skill to learn how to use. It has big benefits in all kinds of situations, from work and school to everyday life.
Key takeaways
Nonverbal communication means sending a message without using words.
Examples of nonverbal communication include eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Nonverbal communication is powerful. It can greatly influence the way your listener interprets your message.
Nonverbal communication can look different around the world and in different cultures.
There are strategies to improve your nonverbal communication skills, including working with a speech therapist.
Professional communication skills matter. Communication coaching can boost confidence, improve public speaking, and help you succeed at work.
What is nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication refers to sharing information without the use of words or spoken language. It includes a large variety of signals or cues that we use while talking, such as facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and other physical signals. These cues can be used either consciously or unconsciously.
Why is nonverbal communication important?
There is power in nonverbal communication. Even our pets can analyze our face and understand the basics of our message! Think of how your dog reacts when you give him a stern look and use a serious voice. Now compare that with when you use a big smile and an upbeat tone.
Nonverbal communication can work for you or against you. It can greatly influence the way your listener interprets your message. It can affect your credibility at work and how you develop relationships with other people.
How much of communication is nonverbal? Consider that studies show that people often form impressions based on nonverbal cues before they fully process what you're saying. According to Psychology Today, body language can deeply influence how your message is received—often more than your words do.
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Examples of nonverbal communication
It’s important to understand examples of nonverbal communication and what they might be conveying, so you can make sure you’re communicating what you want to say.
Nonverbal communication occurs in many forms. Here are some types of nonverbal communication:
Eye contact: Maintaining or avoiding eye contact can signal to the listener your interest, comfort, and honesty–or your discomfort or boredom.
Gestures: Hand movements, waving, or pointing can express agreement, disagreement, emphasis, or direction.
Silence: Pauses or moments of silence can convey understanding, anticipation, contemplation, disagreement, or tension.
Facial expression: Smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows, or squinting can show emotions such as happiness, sadness, surprise, or skepticism.
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Posture and body language: Leaning in or away, crossing arms, standing tall, or slouching can communicate interest, openness, confidence, or defensiveness.
Space and proximity: The physical distance between people can communicate intimacy, formality, or personal boundaries.
Tone of voice: Variations in tone, pitch, volume, and emphasis can convey many emotions, such as warmth and support.
Appearance: Personal style, grooming, and clothing can communicate professionalism, cultural affiliations, or individual identity.
Touch: A handshake, a pat on the back, a tap on the arm, or a hug can convey support, congratulations, or interruption.
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Nonverbal communication changes across cultures
It’s important to remember that nonverbal communication skills can look different around the world. What works in one culture might feel rude or strange in another.
For example, the meaning of eye contact varies widely across countries and cultures. For some, it might be considered bold or impolite, especially when communicating with elders or people in authority.
Certain gestures that are common in one culture might have different meanings or even be offensive in another. An example is the “thumbs up” gesture, which shows positivity in some cultures but is rude in others.
Here are some other examples of cultural differences in nonverbal communication:
Silence: In some cultures, silence might show agreement or thoughtfulness. In others, it can be seen as discomfort or disagreement.
Facial expressions: How we understand facial expressions can differ. For example, while a smile might mean happiness, how often or when people smile can vary culturally.
Touch: In some cultures, hugging or kissing on the cheek is common among acquaintances. In other cultures, it might be reserved for close friends or family.
Personal space: Standing close might be normal in some cultures and uncomfortable in others.
Understanding these subtle cultural differences in body language helps you build relationships and connect better with people from all walks of life.
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Find a speech therapistHow to improve your nonverbal communication
Using nonverbal communication well can make your message stronger. It can help others trust you, feel heard, and understand your emotions. But if your nonverbal signals don’t match your words, your message can seem confusing or unclear.
So how do you improve your nonverbal communication skills? It’s helpful to learn to focus on your own cues. This should start with self-awareness. Begin by noticing your habits. Do you cross your arms when nervous? Do you avoid eye contact when unsure? Becoming aware is the first step toward change.
It’s also important to practice active listening. Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating on, understanding, responding to, and remembering what is being said. It’s more than just hearing someone. It’s a way of listening that involves engaging with the speaker on multiple levels. When people practice active listening, they can better understand each other’s cues and the meaning behind their words.
A speech therapist can help you identify the behaviors you use during different types of conversations.
It’s not always easy to improve your awareness and mastery of nonverbal communication. Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, can help people build these skills. A speech therapist can help you identify the behaviors you use during different types of conversations. For example, during interactions that feel intimidating or stressful, such as a job interview or work presentation, you may find yourself using nonverbal cues that don’t occur during simple conversations. Perhaps you have a hard time sitting still, or you cross your arms or furrow your brow. These behaviors can affect your credibility or your ability to persuade the listener.
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During individualized sessions with a speech therapist, you will learn about nonverbal actions that negatively impact your message. Your speech therapist will teach you nonverbal communication techniques, and they’ll provide feedback and guidance on your communication style. They may also guide you in video recording and reviewing your speech. As much as it can feel difficult to watch yourself, recordings help you develop a feeling for the presence of specific cues.
By actively observing, understanding, and practicing nonverbal communication skills, you can become more skilled and confident in using these cues to enhance your interactions–at work, at school, and in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is nonverbal and verbal communication?
Nonverbal communication refers to sharing a message without the use of words or spoken language. Verbal communication means speaking in order to convey information.
What percentage of communication is nonverbal?
When looking at how much of communication is nonverbal, studies have produced different percentages. However, a reliable percentage is likely around 80%. This means that only 20 percent of the impact of our communication is from our spoken words. The rest comes from our nonverbal communication.
What is an example of nonverbal communication?
Examples of nonverbal communication include eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and body language, voice tone and pitch, how close you stand to someone, and how you dress or groom yourself.
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Communication is more than words. It’s how we share how we feel and show who we are. We’re here to help you or your child do just that.
