NAME : AULIA FAJRIN
REGISTRATION NUMBER : 12320024
CLASS : GPTE
9 Types of Nonverbal Communication
1. Facial Expression
Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication.
Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. The look on a
person's face is often the first thing we see, even before we hear what they have to say.
While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures,
the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar throughout the
world.
References :
Frith C. Role of facial expressions in social interactions. Philos Trans R Soc B Biol
Sci. 2009;364(1535):3453-8. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0142
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
354132836_Nonverbal_Communication_through_Facial_Expression_in_Diverse_Conditi
ons
2. Gesture
Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning
without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and giving a "thumbs up"
sign. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture.
Nonverbal communication via gestures is so powerful and influential that some judges
place limits on which ones are allowed in the courtroom, where they can sway juror
opinions. An attorney might glance at their watch to suggest that the opposing lawyer's
argument is tedious, for instance. Or they may roll their eyes during a witness's
testimony in an attempt to undermine that person's credibility.
For example, in the U.S., putting the index and middle finger in the shape of a "V" with
your palm facing out is often considered to be a sign of peace or victory. Yet, in Britain,
Australia, and other parts of the world, this gesture can be considered an insult.
References :
Goldin-Meadow S. How gesture works to change our minds. Trends Neurosci
Educ. 2014;3(1):4-6. doi:10.1016/j.tine.2014.01.002
https://images.app.goo.gl/sKoosRhtsL1vPknh7
3. Paralinguistics
Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language.5
This form of nonverbal communication includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness,
inflection, and pitch.
For example, consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of
a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret a statement as
approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a hesitant tone can convey
disapproval and a lack of interest.
References :
Guyer JJ, Briñol P, Vaughan-Johnston TI, Fabrigar LR, Moreno L, Petty RE.
Paralinguistic features communicated through voice can affect appraisals of confidence
and evaluative judgments. J Nonverbal Behav. 2021;45(4):479-504. doi:10.1007/s10919-
021-00374-2
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.scientificamerican.com%2Farticle%2Fhow-paralinguistic-cues-can-help-you-
to-
persuade2%2F&psig=AOvVaw15VMxwScuX9Jm3zM9Js3dA&ust=1729841423663000&s
ource=images&opi=89978449
4. Body Language and Posture
Posture and movement can also provide a great deal of information. Research on body
language has grown significantly since the 1970s, with popular media focusing on the
over-interpretation of defensive postures such as arm-crossing and leg-crossing,
especially after the publication of Julius Fast's book Body Language.
While these nonverbal communications can indicate feelings and attitudes, body
language is often subtle and less definitive than previously believed.
References :
Abdulghafor R, Turaev S, Ali MAH. Body language analysis in healthcare: An
overview. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(7):1251. doi:10.3390/healthcare10071251
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com
%2Fpulse%2Fbenefits-body-language-kevin-
britz&psig=AOvVaw2rkHCP7Zs8cbBRGln1TPmH&ust=1729841663071000&source=imag
es&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLCeh6fBpokDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAK
5. Proxemics
People often refer to their need for "personal space." This is known as proxemics and is
another important type of nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need
and the amount of space we perceive as belonging to us are influenced by several
factors. Among them are social norms, cultural expectations, situational factors,
personality characteristics, and level of familiarity.
The amount of personal space needed when having a casual conversation with another
person can vary between 18 inches and four feet. The personal distance needed when
speaking to a crowd of people is usually around 10 to 12 feet.
References :
Mccall C, Singer T. Facing off with unfair others: introducing proxemic imaging as
an implicit measure of approach and avoidance during social interaction. PLoS One.
2015;10(2):e0117532. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117532
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F
%2Femiliarohmah.wordpress.com%2F2018%2F11%2F06%2Fproksemik-jarak-sosial-dan-
jarak-publik-dan-hubungan-bahasa-dengan-kebudayaan
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Go6&ust=1729841861744000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRx
qFwoTCJDz7YPCpokDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
6. Eye Gaze
The eyes play a role in nonverbal communication, with such things as looking, staring,
and blinking being important cues. For example, when you encounter people or things
that you like, your rate of blinking increases and your pupils dilate. People's eyes can
indicate a range of emotions, including hostility, interest, and attraction. People also
often utilize eye gaze cues to gauge a person's honesty. Normal, steady eye contact is
often taken as a sign that a person is telling the truth and is trustworthy. Shifty eyes and
an inability to maintain eye contact, on the other hand, is frequently seen as an
indicator that someone is lying or being deceptive.
However, some research suggests that eye gaze does not accurately predict lying
behavior.
References :
Wiseman R, Watt C, ten Brinke L, Porter S, Couper SL, Rankin C. The eyes don't
have it: lie detection and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e40259.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040259
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.javatpoint.com
%2Fadvantages-and-disadvantages-of-non-verbal-
communication&psig=AOvVaw1SIksvQZqJbtij4m9tJwcJ&ust=1729842223871000&sourc
e=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCOCF2rDDpokDFQAAAAAdAAA
AABAE
7. Haptics
Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal communication
behavior. Touch can be used to communicate affection, familiarity, sympathy, and other
emotions.
In her book Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters, author Julia Wood
writes that touch is also often used to communicate both status and power.9 High-
status individuals tend to invade other people's personal space with greater frequency
and intensity than lower-status individuals.
Sex differences also play a role in how people utilize touch to communicate meaning.
Women tend to use touch to convey care, concern, and nurturance. Men, on the other
hand, are more likely to use touch to assert power or control over others.
References :
Sekerdej M, Simão C, Waldzus S, Brito R. Keeping in touch with context: Non-
verbal behavior as a manifestation of communality and dominance. J Nonverbal Behav.
2018;42(3):311-326. doi:10.1007/s10919-018-0279-2
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.javatpoint.com
%2Fadvantages-and-disadvantages-of-non-verbal-
communication&psig=AOvVaw1YY7YGl6erCDnaVy6haxen&ust=1729842394392000&so
urce=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCOje64bEpokDFQAAAAAdA
AAAABAI
8. Appearance
Our choice of clothing, hairstyle, and other appearance factors are also considered a
means of nonverbal communication.10 Research on color psychology has demonstrated
that different colors can evoke different moods. Appearance can also alter physiological
reactions, judgments, and interpretations.
Just think of all the subtle judgments you quickly make about someone based on their
appearance. These first impressions are important, which is why experts suggest that
job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with potential employers.
Researchers have found that appearance can even play a role in how much people earn.
Attractive people tend to earn more and receive other fringe benefits, including higher-
quality jobs.
Culture is an important influence on how appearances are judged. While thinness tends
to be valued in Western cultures, some African cultures relate full-figured bodies to
better health, wealth, and social status.
References :
Dilmaghani M. Beauty perks: Physical appearance, earnings, and fringe benefits.
Economics & Human Biology. 2020;38:100889. doi:10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100889
Bambaeeroo F, Shokrpour N. The impact of the teachers' non-verbal
communication on success in teaching. J Adv Med Educ Prof. 2017;5(2):51-59.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slideteam.net
%2Fnonverbal-communication-training-module-on-business-communication-edu-
ppt.html%3Flang%3DFrench&psig=AOvVaw3G4-
c7ATOmhPzrH00VaGQr&ust=1729842668184000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=899784
49&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCNDWoILFpokDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO
9. Artifacts
Objects and images are also tools that can be used to communicate nonverbally. On an
online forum, for example, you might select an avatar to represent your identity and to
communicate information about who you are and the things you like.
People often spend a great deal of time developing a particular image and surrounding
themselves with objects designed to convey information about the things that are
important to them. Uniforms, for example, can be used to transmit a tremendous
amount of information about a person.
A soldier will don fatigues, a police officer will wear a specific uniform, and a doctor will
wear a white lab coat. At a mere glance, these outfits tell others what that person does
for a living. That makes them a powerful form of nonverbal communication.
References :
https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397
