A final function that your nonverbal communication serves is to help define two important interpersonal dynamics in your relationships with others: the level of intimacy that you share, and the power balance—that is, who is dominant and who is submissive (Burgoon & Hoobler, 2002; Kudoh & Matsumoto, 1985). Let’s explore each of these dynamics individually.

Intimacy.The feeling of bonding or union between yourself and others is known as intimacy (Rubin, 1973). Nonverbal communication helps convey and confirm intimacy during interpersonal encounters. Think about how your nonverbal communication differs depending on whether you’re interacting with a romantic partner or a close family member—versus an acquaintance. Chances are, with your intimate relationship partner, you likely share more touch (and more intimate forms of touch), sit closer together, share more gaze, use more relaxed postures, lean in toward each other more, smile more, and (of course) share more time with that person than you do with acquaintances (Floyd & Burgoon, 1999; Floyd & Morman, 1999).

Power Balance.In any encounter, communication partners negotiate the balance of power in two ways. Dominance involves behaviors used to exert power and influence over others (Burgoon & Dunbar, 2000). To nonverbally communicate your dominance, you would use direct gaze and staring, frowning, and scowling; larger-than-normal claiming of space; invasion of others’ space; and indirect body orientation. In contrast, submissiveness is the willingness to allow others to exert power over you. To communicate submissiveness, you would smile more, look down and away, take up as little space as possible, and allow others to invade your space without complaint or protest.

Nonverbal communication of dominance or submissiveness sends messages about how you perceive the power balance between you and others. Displays of dominance are most appropriate when you’re in a position of power (such as group leader, manager, or team captain) and when you’re trying to actively assert your authority to control the behavior of others. Dominance is inappropriate when dealing with people who have power over you or those who are equal to you (e.g., friends, coworkers, and romantic partners). Similarly, be wary of conveying submissiveness to those whom you are supposed to be leading, as it will foster impressions of weakness and incompetence. Submissiveness is most appropriate when faced with others who have authority over you, such as law enforcement officers, military unit leaders, or upper-level managers.