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What is Nonverbal Communication?

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What is nonverbal communication and body language?

Nonverbal communication is communication without using words –simple. Body language is a branch of this communication focusing mainly on the different body gestures and facial expressions.

At the start it doesn’t look like much – how can someone say anything without using words?

Can you say “I love elephants” without verbalizing it?

But apparently, there is much to be said from the unsaid.

All sorts of information can be gathered from:

  • Facial expressions
  • Gestures
  • Posture
  • Touch
  • Tone of voice
  • Rate of speech
  • Volume of voice
  • Physical appearance
  • Stress of voice
  • Personal space
  • Clothes
  • Hairstyle
  • Hygiene
  • Engagement with others (such as how long do you keep eye contact)
two women having a discussion

We interpret and use this nonverbal communication mostly on a subconscious level – I guess you don’t tell yourself – “I’m gonna scratch my nose now” or think about why you do that. You probably won’t even notice when it’s happening.

So how important is each component in our interactions? read here:
What is the real division between verbal and nonverbal communication

The intention of studying body language is to become more aware of this “secret” communication and understand how it works. i.e. how we relate to and perceive different behaviors and respond to them.

Want more background? Read about the origins of body language and nonverbal communication.

Why is Understanding Body Language Important?

It’s about getting control of your communication.

Wouldn’t you like to know how to handle social interactions better? Or to sense the mood and thoughts of others judging by their actions and gestures?
Think of it as an opportunity to evolve and develop your social skills. It’s not about doing makeovers and changing personality.

It’s a chance to understand your social environment and get the’ know-how’ to handle it better.

If you need more convincing, I invite you to check this series of articles with the top reasons why anyone should bother with nonverbal communication and body language:

Why should I bother with body language and How do we know body language truly works?

The Psychology behind Body Language

I guess some of you do want to know how it all works down to the basics.

If you want to understand human nature on a more fundamental and academic level this series is for you:

I want to introduce you to some big principles and ways of thought in psychology that help explain why we act as we do:

  • Neuroscience – An introduction to what neuroscience is all about and how our nervous system works. It’s all about the chemistry of the body. Get to know some Neurotransmitters and Hormones.
  • Behaviorism – A branch of psychology that is all about action and reaction.
  • Operant Conditioning – Operant Conditioning
  • Emotional Psychology – What are emotions, exactly, and how do we express them?

How to Get Started Reading Body Language

Body language can be explained from many different aspects and points of view. For starters, I suggest reading the body language page can be a good start.

After that, I believe the easiest and most logical way is to study it by the different body parts – learn the most common gestures and facial expressions.

Lastly, each section with the topic of Body Language is like a chapter, it will take you to a specific set of related content on that subject.

So if you want to learn about hand gestures, for example, head to the body gestures section and you will find the related articles there.

Feel free to explore and pick topics that interest you or just read them all by order, with time I’ll add more and more content even to existing chapters, so it’s worth checking them from time to time for updates.

group of women having a great conversation in an outdoor cafe

It’s not an Exact Science

Keep in mind that body language is no math – there isn’t one ‘right’ answer to all situations and scenarios in your life. It’s more like doing a calculated guess taking into consideration many factors.

After all, body language is the way humans behave. Not the most predictable thing. So consider the info on this site as general guidelines – things that I’ve learned from MY PERSONAL experience and from many books and articles I read about it.

It also means that you can have some FUN with it. Self-experiment with the things you read. See what works for you and what does not. Let social encounters be your sandbox. You may discover new insights you won’t find here or in any other site or related book.

One Last Thing

I believe I answered the BIG questions for now, especially if it’s the first time you hear about body language and nonverbal communication. If you’re like me – then at this moment you have 10 times more questions about it.

Don’t worry!

While it might be overwhelming right now, look on the bright side – it can also be the best part of your learning experience, it’s all new and exciting. Take your time and explore each topic in your leisure, in time you’ll get it all.

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Stefan Speaks AI
Stefan Speaks AI
Articles: 275

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