Although the words you choose are important, your nonverbal communication has more impact because it conveys more meaning. Thus, your nonverbal communication is the most important tool in your communication competence toolbox. The starting point for using this tool skillfully is understanding the characteristics that define it.

Nonverbal communication is the transmission of meaning through an individual’s nonspoken physical and behavioral cues (Patterson, 1983, 1995). This includes instances in which you intentionally mean to communicate—such as rolling your eyes to convey annoyance when arguing with your sister—and times when you unintentionally send a message, such as yawning during class. You may just be tired that day, but your teacher could interpret it as a sign that you’re bored by her lecture. In addition to being both intentional and unintentional, nonverbal communication has several distinguishing features: it uses multiple channels, conveys more meaning than verbal communication, blends with verbal communication to create meaning, and is influenced by gender and culture.