Non-verbal Communication (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what non-verbal communication is, its characteristics and types. Also, its elements and some examples.

Non-verbal communication usually accompanies the use of verbal language.

What is non-verbal communication?

Non-verbal communication is one in which language is not used as a means of expression neither spoken nor written. This means that it does not require words, but rather uses gestures, sounds and movements to express ideas, feelings and emotions.

In most cases, however, non-verbal communication accompanies the use of verbal languagein order to emphasize or modify the meaning of words or sentences. So much so that it is possible to non-verbally transmit a message that expresses the opposite of what is said through words.

For example, if a person says “What a great day I had today!” Using an ironic tone and tired gestures, it is likely that the real meaning is exactly the opposite of what is said with the words.

Besides, Animals also use non-verbal communication.since they transmit information through noises, smells, postures, movements and other mechanisms. Only human beings are capable of creating messages using verbal language.

Non-verbal communication or non-oral communication?

Non-verbal communication should not be confused with non-oral communication, that is, communication that does not require voice and speech. Writing and sign language are non-oral forms of communication, but they are verbal, since they use words through different media or representation systems. Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, uses other methods, such as smoke signals, gestures or mimicry.

Characteristics of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication has the following characteristics:

It doesn't have many specific rules.. It does not follow the same basic rules as verbal communication, so it does not have a syntax, that is, a specific order of appearance, as in the case of words.
It is transmitted through non-linguistic elements. Messages are produced with sounds, noises, silences, images, gestures, movements and postures, among others.
It depends more on the context. Although there is a certain margin of conventionality in some of its uses, such as head movements to indicate “yes” or “no”, its meaning is not universal and in each culture it can be interpreted in different ways.
It can occur voluntarily or involuntarily.. It is possible that the sender wants to communicate one thing, but his gestures convey the opposite. This is because there is a certain margin of unconscious communication in the non-verbal.
It is susceptible to misinterpretation. It depends on the ability of the sender and receiver to transmit and interpret the message appropriately, since there is no common or universal code that intervenes.
It is more prone to subjectivity. In this type of communication, non-rational aspects of our mind, such as emotionality and empathy, have a greater predominance.

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Elements of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication complies with the general communication circuit: a sender, a receiver, a message, a channel, a code and a context. However, it also has its own non-verbal elements, such as:

facial expressions. It refers to facial gestures and the way in which interlocutors use their faces when communicating. There is a wide range of facial expressions that suggest the mood or emotional state of each person. For example: raising an eyebrow to denote disbelief or clenching your teeth to express contained anger.
body posture. It refers to the way in which one's body presents itself during communication. For example: where and how the arms are placed, if the posture is hunched or upright or if any limb moves continuously, which can denote impatience.
Physical proximity. Also called proxemics, it refers to the space left between one's own body and that of the interlocutor, which is directly linked to the degree of trust between the two. For example: the closeness of the hug between loved ones or a formal distance when greeting a stranger.
Intonation and volume of the voice. It refers to voice inflections that are not related to any grammatical or linguistic content, that is, they are not part of the language, but are added when communicating to express emotional or subjective content. For example: a tone of doubt when making a statement expresses that you have little conviction about what was said or an increase in the tone of voice can express feelings of anger or indignation.
eye contact. It refers to the way in which the interlocutors hold their gaze or where they focus while they are communicating. For example: a person who lies tends to avoid the other's gaze, while a person in love usually fixes his or her gaze on the loved one.
Clothing and accessories. It refers to the clothes that the interlocutors wear and the accessories they have at their disposal when communicating. For example: a black item of clothing can suggest mourning in certain countries or a traditional costume can mean belonging to a certain ethnic group.

Types of non-verbal communication

There are three types of non-verbal communication: paralinguistic, kinesic and proxemic.

Paralinguistic communication

Paralinguistic communication occurs through the set of sounds that complement verbal language. It is used to express the speaker's state of mind or to accentuate, modify or contradict what is being said.

Kinesic communication

Kinesic communication is that which occurs through movements of the limbs, torso and face. It has an expressive, appellative or communicative meaning, and can accompany verbal language or directly replace it.

Some of the manifestations of kinesic communication are:

Gestures. It is produced through movements of the hands, limbs or head, and can be more or less complex and specific, according to the intention.
facial expressions. They are produced with facial movements and express a whole range of emotions. Human beings can recognize facial expressions from a very early age.
body posture. It occurs depending on how the body is positioned and transmits emotions or sensations. Many animals communicate in this way.
Haptics. It is produced through physical contact established with others for different purposes, such as reinforcing a verbal message or communicating something without having to say it.

Proxemic communication

Non-verbal communication — Proxemics is related to the space between the sender and the receiver.

Proxemic communication is established by managing the space between the sender and the receiver. Through this distance, trust, aggressiveness, respect, among others, can be suggested.

For example, when a person asks a stranger a question on the street, they maintain greater spatial distance than when talking to a friend.

Examples of non-verbal communication

Some examples of non-verbal communication can be:

A Spanish-speaking tourist travels to China and decides to buy street food. Since he doesn't speak the local language, he points out the product he wants to the seller and shows him two outstretched fingers (the index and the middle finger). The seller thus understands that he wants to buy two units.
After winning a game, the players of a soccer team raise their arms and shout in unison. This is how they celebrate and express their joy, without having to say a word.
A person gives a speech with a high tone to show security and confidence in what he or she is saying.

Functions of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication fulfills specific and extremely important functions when it comes to connecting with others. These functions can be summarized in:

Reinforce the verbal message. What is communicated non-verbally can reinforce what was said, accentuate it or give it greater expressive intensity. For example: in the middle of an argument, one person warns the other that they need a moment to calm down. If you do it with an inappropriate tone of voice, it is likely that your interlocutor will not understand that a pause in the debate is urgently needed to avoid turning it into a fight.
Contradict the verbal message. What is communicated non-verbally can contradict what is said, that is, transmit the opposite message to that of the words used. This can occur voluntarily, in irony or humor, or it can be involuntary, that is, accidental. For example: if a person receives a gift and gives thanks reluctantly and in a tone of annoyance, this conveys to the interlocutor the opposite of gratitude and enthusiasm.
Replace the verbal message. What is communicated non-verbally can take the place of words completely, that is, a gesture can be made instead of saying what is thought. For example: in a crowd, a friend warns another friend of his location with a whistle so that he does not get lost.
Nuance the verbal message. What is communicated non-verbally can serve to give nuances to what is said, that is, to tone it down or give it a very specific meaning, which without it would probably be more difficult to grasp. For example: a thank you comment said with a smile expresses that it is a genuine feeling.

Importance of non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication is extremely important. Not only because it complements and enhances the communication that occurs through language, but because it can express different contents that, for social, cultural or immediate context reasons, cannot be said in any other way. Situations such as flirting, negotiation or confrontation often require non-verbal communication.

Difference between non-verbal communication and verbal communication

The essential difference between verbal and non-verbal communication lies in the use or absence of words when communicating something. However, these two types of communication present other distinctive features, which can be summarized as follows:

Verbal communication	Non-verbal communication
It can be produced orally or in writing.	It cannot be produced in writing, although it can be produced orally (without the use of words).
It requires a language, its words and rules of use.	It does not require a language nor does it have many specific rules.
It is much more exact and has greater nuances.	It is much more ambiguous and imprecise.
It is always a voluntary phenomenon.	It can be voluntary or involuntary.
It is exclusive to the human being.	It is shared by humans and animals.

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References

Akre, K. (2024). Nonverbal Communication. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/
Pont, T. (2008). Non-verbal communication. UOC Publishing. https://openaccess.uoc.edu/
Poyatos, F. (1994). Non-verbal communication. Isthmus.