Importance of non-verbal communication 

The act of conveying a thought, feeling, or idea through physical gestures, posture, and facial expressions is known as nonverbal communication. Studies show that the majority of communication is nonverbal, with 7% of messages relayed through words, 38% through vocal elements such as tone, and 55% through nonverbal elements such as postures and gestures.

Nonverbal communication is important in our lives because it improves a person’s ability to relate, engage, and establish meaningful interactions. People who have a better understanding of this type of communication may be able to form stronger relationships with others. Nonverbal communication, also known as body language, can take many forms and be interpreted differently by different people, especially across cultures. Even the absence of such nonverbal cues can be significant and, in and of itself, a form of nonverbal communication.

Each movement or combination of movements of the body, such as changes in posture, eye direction, limb gestures, and facial expressions, sends signals to others. These cues can be subtle or obvious, and they can be contradictory: a person may say one thing while his or her body language conveys a completely different message. This is especially true when someone is not telling the truth. Nonverbal communication is more indicative of a person’s true feelings because it is often instinctive and difficult to fake.

Types of nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication can provide extensive insight into a person’s thoughts and/or feelings in a variety of ways. Nonverbal communication can be classified in order to better understand its role in everyday interactions:

Gestures are movements of the head or limbs.

Posture refers to the position of the body both alone and in relation to other people.

Any motion of the body can be considered a body movement.

The direction and focus of a person’s eyes are determined by eye contact and movements.

The tone of voice refers to the range of pitch in the voice that can convey information other than the words being spoken. Sarcasm, for example, can completely change the meaning of a person’s words.

Any movement or change in the facial composition is referred to as a facial expression.

Nonverbal communication is frequently used in conjunction with verbal communication to repeat, emphasise, support, or contradict a verbal message, or to serve in its place.

In relationships 

A close friend, partner, or family member may be able to read another person’s nonverbal cues more easily. This deeper understanding on a nonverbal level may facilitate greater closeness and strengthen bonds in close relationships, especially when it complements what is actually said by a friend or one partner in a relationship.

When something doesn’t feel right, however, it may be more difficult for people to hide things from those close to them, and attempts to do so may result in miscommunication or conflict in the relationship. Because nonverbal communication is frequently unconscious, the manner in which individuals communicate nonverbally may provide the first indication of an underlying issue in the relationship that is not readily apparent.

In therapy 

Because nonverbal communication is so important in navigating social situations and interacting with others and the environment, it stands to reason that nonverbal communication can be a powerful source of insight in therapy. A counsellor who is sensitive to a person’s nonverbal expressions, as well as the words actually spoken by the person, may be better able to identify when a person’s body language and speech do not match. Alternatively, the counsellor may learn more from a person’s gestures than from their words. These cues may assist the counsellor and the person in therapy in identifying and accessing deeper emotional issues of which the person may not be consciously aware.

Bringing attention to a person’s nonverbal forms of communication and pointing out potential contradictions between the person’s expressed words and what is communicated without words can also help a person become more aware of how nonverbal communication is used in personal interactions.

A type of therapy, called Somatic experiencing is used to treat the effects of trauma, takes into account the person in treatment’s body language and physical responses as the therapist introduces a small amount of traumatic material. The therapist assesses the individual’s reaction by reading nonverbal cues.

The therapist in body-mind psychotherapy measures an individual’s breath, sounds, and movements in order to identify counterproductive behaviours and assist the individual in developing new ones that have a more positive effect.

It’s important to understand and be aware of nonverbal communication that varies from culture to culture to stay safe. 

Curling your index finger toward you with your palm face upward is a common gesture meant to beckon someone to come towards you. In the Philippines, you can even be arrested for using it.

Crossed fingers in Vietnam is considered a very vulgar gesture.

The thumb gesture, however, is considered offensive in other countries such as Italy, Greece, Iran, and Iraq, however, this is an insulting gesture. While the sign in France, represents “zero” or “worthless”, in Venezuela, Brazil, and Turkey the gesture is actually offensive, especially to LGBT+ people

The V sign, when the palm is facing toward the person giving the sign, has long been an insulting gesture in the United Kingdom, and later in Ireland, Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan and New Zealand. It is frequently used to signify defiance (especially to authority), contempt, or derision.

Another aspect of nonverbal communication that varies by culture is eye contact. Direct eye contact is generally regarded as a sign of trustworthiness and interest in an individual’s words in the United States. A prolonged gaze, on the other hand, maybe interpreted by some as a sign of sexual interest or attraction in Latin America. Direct eye contact is generally avoided in countries such as Japan, as it may be considered disrespectful. In Arabic cultures, however, the opposite is true: eye contact is thought to demonstrate interest and honesty.

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