Non-Verbal Communication Terms

20 Nonverbal Communication Terms with Meanings and Examples

Nonverbal communication is communication that does not involve spoken or written words. It includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other cues. Here are 20 terms related to nonverbal communication:

1. Body language: The use of physical movements and gestures to communicate.
   • Example: Crossed arms can indicate defensiveness.
2. Facial expressions: The use of facial muscles to convey emotions.
   • Example: A smile can indicate happiness.
3. Gestures: Movements of the hands or arms to communicate or emphasize a point.
   • Example: Waving goodbye is a gesture of farewell.
4. Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact with the person you are speaking to.
   • Example: Making eye contact shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
5. Posture: The position of the body.
   • Example: Slouching can indicate boredom or disinterest.
6. Proxemics: The study of the use of space in communication.
   • Example: Standing too close to someone can make them feel uncomfortable.
7. Haptics: The study of touch in communication.
   • Example: A handshake is a common form of haptic communication.
8. Kinesics: The study of body movements and gestures.
   • Example: Crossed arms can indicate defensiveness.
9. Paralanguage: Nonverbal vocal cues such as tone of voice, pitch, and volume.
   • Example: A loud voice can indicate anger or excitement.
10. Silence: The absence of sound.

• Example: Silence can be a powerful form of communication.

11. Facial expressions: The use of facial muscles to convey emotions.

• Example: A smile can indicate happiness.

12. Gestures: Movements of the hands or arms to communicate or emphasize a point.

• Example: Waving goodbye is a gesture of farewell.

13. Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact with the person you are speaking to.

• Example: Making eye contact shows that you are engaged in the conversation.

14. Posture: The position of the body.

• Example: Slouching can indicate boredom or disinterest.

15. Proxemics: The study of the use of space in communication.

• Example: Standing too close to someone can make them feel uncomfortable.

16. Haptics: The study of touch in communication.

• Example: A handshake is a common form of haptic communication.

17. Kinesics: The study of body movements and gestures.

• Example: Crossed arms can indicate defensiveness.

18. Paralanguage: Nonverbal vocal cues such as tone of voice, pitch, and volume.

• Example: A loud voice can indicate anger or excitement.

19. Silence: The absence of sound.

• Example: Silence can be a powerful form of communication.

20. Artifacts: Objects that communicate something about the person using them.

• Example: Wearing a suit and tie can convey professionalism.