Nonverbal Communication Uses Multiple Channels

In contrast with verbal communication, our nonverbal messages are expressed through multiple channels simultaneously—such as auditory, visual, and tactile. When you talk with a good friend, for example, you simultaneously listen to your friend’s tone of voice (auditory); watch your friend’s facial expressions, use of eye contact, and hand gestures (visual); and perhaps even touch and receive touch from your friend (tactile). What’s more, you do this while also listening to and making sense of your friend’s verbal communication.