Nonverbal Communication Codes

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In this section, we examine nonverbal codes, symbols we use to send messages without, or in addition to, words. Although we divide these codes into categories for simplicity and clarity, nonverbal behaviors seldom communicate meaning in isolation. Usually, clusters of nonverbal behaviors convey a message—for example, raising your eyebrows and gasping show surprise or shock, with or without any words. The codes we examine here are gestures and body movements, facial expressions, eye behavior, voice, physical appearance, space and environment, touch, and time.