Non-Verbal Communication
Written by: Anna Pasternak / Professional Communication / October 12, 2023 / 8 minutes read
Non-verbal communication is a very important part of human interaction. Non- verbal communication including but not limited to body language, facial expressions and eye contact, can be considered the silent language of communication. Of course, we typically communicate with words, but non- verbal communication allows us to communicate on an even deeper and emotional level. When we use non-verbal communication, we are able to share additional information without having to describe things using words. Without non-verbal communication we would have difficulties fully expressing ourselves and understanding each other. Let’s explore non-verbal communication on a deeper level to better understand the importance of it when we are communicating. For more information and learning more about non-verbal communication check our communication wellness course online.
Eye contact is very important during conversation. As we maintain eye contact it shows our attention in the conversation, and it allows us to notice and read the other person's actions, to better understand what they are talking about. When we maintain eye contact we show we are actively listening to what is being said, and that we are interested in what we are hearing. When showing little eye contact we may appear disengaged, uninterested or distracted, which is something that should be avoided if we are genuinely enjoying the conversation being held. Of course, continuous eye contact without breaking eye contact every so often can appear awkward and make others feel uncomfortable. It is important to maintain eye contact but break every so often so that it does not have a negative effect. Also, where we look may give signals to the other person, as when looking down this may signify that we are uncomfortable or uninterested, if looking in a certain direction like the door or clock, it may tell the other person that we want to leave. It is important to keep our gaze in mind and focus on maintaining appropriate eye contact.
We also use our bodies to communicate while speaking. We may use certain gestures as pointing to something or waving, or even raising our hand or finger to signify we want to say something. This has especially become more important when communicating in the virtual setting, as our bodies are not fully visible. Slightly gesturing on camera can notify someone that we have something to say, as this is something that may be more difficult to indicate online. A very common gesture we make is nodding our heads ‘yes’ or ‘no’ which can indicate approval or disapproval during a conversation without having to use any words. Head nodding while listening is also important to show we are following and understanding what our communication partner is saying. The way we move and position our bodies can also communicate how comfortable, confident and open we feel in a conversation. More open body language where we take up more space can signify confidence and feeling relaxed, as opposed to body language that is more closed off which can signify discomfort or shyness in the conversation.
With our face we convey numerous amounts of information when interacting with others. For example, when we smile we show we are accepting and friendly, and when we frown our eyebrows, it can indicate disapproval or confusion. Our face will often show many emotions including, sad, happy, angry, confused, surprised and many other emotions we may be feeling. Facial expressions will communicate our feelings without even having to say anything, if we choose to use them in those moments.
How close or far we stand to the person we are interacting with is also a form of non-verbal communication that we use. The amount of space we leave in between ourselves and our communication partner can indicate how close and comfortable we are with that person. Intimate relationships will typically have a much closer proximity compared to professional relationships. Maintaining an appropriate distance with those we do not know is important as if we stand too close we may be crossing a boundary and making a person feel uncomfortable. Whereas if we stand too far away it may indicate we are more distant or uncomfortable with the interaction.
Non-verbal communication, including body language and gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact can even help us communicate with people of other cultures when we do not share the same language. There are many universal gestures and expressions that are used worldwide. Though non-verbal communication can also vary across cultures, what is appropriate in one culture may not be appropriate in another. When travelling and communicating with people from other cultures, it is important to learn what is appropriate and what isn’t so that we can maintain the respect in our interactions.
The virtual word has also incorporated non-verbal communication through certain gestures, facial expressions, and emotions being conveyed through emojis. We all use emojis while texting or in chat groups, that help us show how we are feeling about a certain situation or comment. Though this is something that also needs to be looked out for, as these emojis that we are using may be interpreted in various ways by different people. This can lead to miscommunications arising, since we cannot use our facial expressions and tone of voice to help with interpretation of the messages we hope to deliver.
As we can see, non- verbal communication plays an essential role in our interactions, and without it we would be lost in those interactions.
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