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Principles of Nonverbal Communication

How nonverbal expression differs from verbal communication

In this book, we define nonverbal communication as the intentional or unintentional transmission of meaning through an individual’s nonspoken physical and behavioral cues (Patterson, 1995). This definition embraces both intentional and unintentional nonverbal behaviors as communication. Sometimes we do things like yawn, sigh, or grimace and mean nothing by them. But others may interpret these behaviors as acts of communication, and this perception may lead others to respond in ways that affect us, our interpersonal communication, and our relationships. A boss who catches you yawning may express concern that you’re “not paying attention,” even though you’re closely attending to your work. At other times, we intentionally craft nonverbal behaviors to communicate information to others. We add frowning emoticons to texts and e-mails to show family members we’re sad, or we look at coworkers to signal we’re ready for meetings. We touch other people to signal sympathy or affection, and move closer or farther away from them to indicate intimacy or emotional distance. We arrange and light our offices and homes to convey power or peacefulness, dress and groom ourselves to communicate casualness or formality, and don artifacts such as jewelry and watches to display status and wealth.

As you might have gathered, nonverbal communication differs greatly from verbal communication. Let’s take a closer look at the key distinctions between nonverbal and verbal forms of expression.