7.2.1 Nonverbal Communication Uses Multiple Channels

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Nonverbal Communication Uses Multiple Channels

In contrast with verbal communication, which we transmit through a single channel at a time (the human voice when speaking; written text when online), 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.