Body language is the use of physical behaviour, expressions, and mannerisms to communicate non-verbally. Non-verbal behaviours can allow people to be at ease, build trust and connections with others. However, they can also confuse others, generate tension, and even create an uncomfortable environment. Being able to understand a person’s body language has always been interesting. Despite what a person says, their body language often communicates something different or vice versa. Non-verbal communication can affect our words as it can reiterate our message or contradict our words. It can also reinforce our statement, substitute the meaning, or complement what we are trying to say. Body language is something that is usually natural and is often done instinctively rather than consciously.
A substantial portion of our communication is nonverbal. In fact, some researchers suggest that the percentage of nonverbal communication is four times that of verbal communication. 80% of what we communicate involves our actions and gestures versus only 20% being conveyed with the use of words.
Every day, we respond to thousands of nonverbal cues and behaviours. This includes postures, facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles, our nonverbal communication reveals who we are and impacts how we relate to other people.
9 Types of Nonverbal Communication
Scientific research on nonverbal communication and behaviour began with the 1872 publication of Charles Darwin’s “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals”. Since that time, abundant research has been conducted regarding the types, effects, and expressions of unspoken communication and behaviour.
While these signals can be so subtle that we are not consciously aware of them, research has identified nine types of nonverbal communication. These nonverbal communication types are facial expressions, gestures, paralinguistics (such as loudness or tone of voice), body language, proxemics or personal space, eye gaze, haptics (touch), appearance, and artifacts.
Nonverbal communication plays an important role in how we convey meaning and information to others, as well as how we interpret the actions of those around us.
The important thing to remember when looking at nonverbal behaviours is to consider the actions in groups. Consider what a person says verbally, combined with their expressions, appearance, and tone of voice. It can tell you a great deal about what that person is really trying to say.