Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication refers to the way information is conveyed using means other than words, meaning without the use of speech or writing. It encompasses all behaviours, postures, and gestures, whether conscious or unconscious, that enable communication between people. Importantly, although hand gestures are considered non-verbal communication, sign language is not – as it represents specific words, replacing speech for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Non-verbal communication – definition

Functions of non-verbal communication

One of the most popular classifications of non-verbal communication functions is Knapp's classification:

• Repetition – the non-verbal message aims to convey the same information as the verbal statement (e.g., nodding while saying “yes, yes”).
• Substitution – a non-verbal signal completely replaces verbal or written information (e.g., shaking one's head side to side instead of saying “no”).
• Regulation – messages designed to regulate and streamline a conversation (e.g., raising an open palm as a “stop” sign, signalling an unwillingness to continue the conversation).
• Accentuation – signals emphasising the meaning of spoken words (e.g., pointing an index finger while saying “what's more…”).
• Masking – behaviour intended to hide true thoughts, feelings, or attitudes towards the interlocutor (e.g., forcing a smile combined with an expressive vocal intonation to conceal sadness).

Types of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication consists of a vast number of signals (non-verbal cues), which can be divided into various categories. The most common division is based on the form of message transmission:

• Facial expressions – lip grimaces, eyebrow movements, furrowed brows, or flared nostrils are elements of non-verbal communication that are very easy to observe. Facial expressions are a significant source of information about the emotions accompanying a person while speaking or conveyed without words.
• Eye movements – rolling eyes, squinting eyelids, blinking frequency, direction of gaze, length of eye contact, or pupil reactions can indicate attitude towards the person seen/interlocutor or mood.
• Gestures – also known as pantomime. This group of non-verbal messages includes movements made with the hands (e.g., stress-induced clenched fists), head (e.g., an affirmative nod), and other body parts (e.g., nervous leg movements while sitting). Pantomimic expression is further divided into:
• emblems – gestures that replace a word or statement, e.g., showing the middle finger or giving a thumbs-up,
• regulators – gestures used to regulate and facilitate conversation, e.g., not reacting to an outstretched hand as a greeting, which indicates an unwillingness to engage in dialogue, or conversely, a friendly handshake,
• illustrators – gestures intended to illustrate a statement, e.g., spreading hands apart to show the size of an object being discussed, or pointing a finger to indicate a direction while giving directions,
• adaptors – gestures that help adapt to a situation or cope with emotions, e.g., rubbing the back of the neck as a sign of frustration or biting a pencil to help focus thoughts.
• Body posture – crossed arms, wide-spread knees while sitting, or slumped shoulders are just some of the many non-verbal messages that can be sent through body positioning while sitting, standing, and lying down. They indicate attitude towards another person, self-confidence, self-acceptance, mood, and current emotions.
• Paralinguistics – also called paralanguage. These are vocal components of speech that reveal emotions during speaking, attitude towards the interlocutor, as well as the level of competence or preparation for a conversation. Paralinguistic non-verbal communication includes:
• intonation – the tone and modulation of the voice,
• articulation – i.e., the way sounds are formed and words are connected,
• speaking tempo,
• rhythm – therefore, the accentuation of words,
• loudness of speech – or individual words,
• non-articulated sounds – such as grunts (mhm…), sighs (ehhh…), or stutters (uhhh…).
• Touch – by touching another person, one can reveal one's attitude towards them, convey information, and show emotions. Examples of haptic non-verbal communication include stroking a cheek, holding hands, or patting someone on the shoulder.
• Physiological state – blushing during a conversation, watery eyes, or increased sweating are some of the interpersonal cues that indicate emotions.
• Distance – proxemic non-verbal communication includes the space maintained between interlocutors. Approaching another person can indicate friendly or romantic intentions, but also, conversely, mean hostility and preparation for a physical attack. Conversely, maintaining a greater distance can signal uncertainty or reluctance.
• Personal factors – scent, make-up, or clothing are also forms of non-verbal communication. Using perfume based on another person's favourite scent can be a signal of romantic intentions, and a business suit worn to a meeting can signal the need to maintain a professional relationship. Physical appearance can also reveal information about a person's disposition, social status, or beliefs.
• Organisation of space – an element composed of many factors, such as the angle of interlocutors' chairs, background music, placing a desk or plexiglass between interlocutors, or choosing a meeting place (e.g., a public place full of other people, a secluded corner in a dimly lit restaurant, a park, a conference room, etc.).