Nonverbal communication, also called manual language, is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words, either spoken or written. Similar to the way that italicizing emphasizes written language, nonverbal behavior may emphasize parts of a verbal message.
The term nonverbal communication was introduced in 1956 by psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch and author Weldon Kees in the book "Nonverbal Communication: Notes on the Visual Perception of Human Relations."
Nonverbal messages have been recognized for centuries as a critical aspect of communication. For instance, in "The Advancement of Learning" (1605), Francis Bacon observed that "the lineaments of the body do disclose the disposition and inclination of the mind in general, but the motions of the countenance and parts do not only so, but do further disclose the present humour and state of the mind and will."
"Judee Burgoon (1994) has identified seven different nonverbal dimensions:"
- Kinesics or body movements including facial expressions and eye contact;
- Vocalics or paralanguage that includes volume, rate, pitch, and timbre;
- Personal appearance;
- Our physical environment and the artifacts or objects that compose it;
- Proxemics or personal space;
- Haptics or touch;
- Chronemics or time.
"Signs or emblems include all of those gestures that supplant words, numbers, and punctuation marks. They may vary from the monosyllabic gesture of a hitchhiker's prominent thumb to such complex systems as the American Sign Language for the deaf where nonverbal signals have a direct verbal translation. However, it should be emphasized that signs and emblems are culture-specific. The thumb and forefinger gesture used to represent 'A-Okay' in the United States assumes a derogatory and offensive interpretation in some Latin American countries." (Wallace V. Schmidt et al., Communicating Globally: Intercultural Communication and International Business. Sage, 2007)
"Psychologists Paul Ekman and Wallace Friesen (1969), in discussing the interdependence that exists between nonverbal and verbal messages, identified six important ways that nonverbal communication directly affects our verbal discourse."
"First, we can use nonverbal signals to emphasize our words. All good speakers know how to do this with forceful gestures, changes in vocal volume or speech rate, deliberate pauses, and so forth. ..."
"Second, our nonverbal behavior can repeat what we say. We can say yes to someone while nodding our head ... ."
"Third, nonverbal signals can substitute for words. Often, there isn't much need to put things in words. A simple gesture can suffice (e.g., shaking your head to say no, using the thumbs-up sign to say 'Nice job,' etc.). ..."
"Fourth, we can use nonverbal signals to regulate speech. Called turn-taking signals, these gestures and vocalizations make it possible for us to alternate the conversational roles of speaking and listening ... ."
"Fifth, nonverbal messages sometimes contradict what we say. A friend tells us she had a great time at the beach, but we're not sure because her voice is flat and her face lacks emotion. ..."
"Finally, we can use nonverbal signals to complement the verbal content of our message... Being upset could mean we feel angry, depressed, disappointed, or just a bit on edge. Nonverbal signals can help to clarify the words we use and reveal the true nature of our feelings." (Martin S. Remland, Nonverbal Communication in Everyday Life, 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin, 2004)
"Traditionally, experts tend to agree that nonverbal communication itself carries the impact of a message. 'The figure most cited to support this claim is the estimate that 93 percent of all meaning in a social situation comes from nonverbal information, while only 7 percent comes from verbal information.' The figure is deceiving, however. It is based on two 1976 studies that compared vocal cues with facial cues. While other studies have not supported the 93 percent, it is agreed that both children and adults rely more on nonverbal cues than on verbal cues in interpreting the messages of others." (Roy M. Berko et al., Communicating: A Social and Career Focus, 10th ed. Houghton Mifflin, 2007)
"Like the rest of us, airport security screeners like to think they can read body language. The Transportation Security Administration has spent some $1 billion training thousands of 'behavior detection officers' to look for facial expressions and other nonverbal clues that would identify terrorists."
"But critics say there’s no evidence that these efforts have stopped a single terrorist or accomplished much beyond inconveniencing tens of thousands of passengers a year. The T.S.A. seems to have fallen for a classic form of self-deception: the belief that you can read liars’ minds by watching their bodies."
"Most people think liars give themselves away by averting their eyes or making nervous gestures, and many law-enforcement officers have been trained to look for specific tics, like gazing upward in a certain manner. But in scientific experiments, people do a lousy job of spotting liars. Law-enforcement officers and other presumed experts are not consistently better at it than ordinary people even though they’re more confident in their abilities." (John Tierney, "At Airports, a Misplaced Faith in Body Language." The New York Times, March 23, 2014)
Nonverbal communication refers to gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact (or lack thereof), body language, posture, and other ways people can communicate without using language.
When you’re interviewing for a job or participating in a meeting, your nonverbal communication is almost as important as your verbal responses. Anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell's study of kinesics found that over 65% of communication is nonverbal.
Why is important? Your nonverbal communication skills can create a positive (or a negative) impression. Crossed arms can seem defensive. Poor posture may appear unprofessional. A downward gaze or avoiding eye contact can detract from you being seen as confident.
Employers will evaluate what you do as well as what you say, and you can use your nonverbal communication skills to make the best impression. If your skills aren't top-notch, you can practice them so you make a positive impression on everyone you meet in the workplace and beyond.
Most candidates carefully prepare what they will say during interviews and networking meetings.
However, knowing what you will say is only part of the picture. Just as important is having an understanding of how to convey your messages through your body language. Your interviewing and networking success will be largely determined by the impression people get of you, and how they respond to what you say.
Want to brush up on your skills? Review this list of nonverbal skills and work on any areas where you think you could improve.
- Avoid slouching. Sit with your back straight up against the chair or lean slightly forward to convey engagement.
- Steer clear of smiles or laughter when messages are serious.
- Display some animation with your hands and facial expressions to project a dynamic presence. (But avoid talking with your hands excessively, which can appear unprofessional and unpolished.)
- Don’t bring your phone, a drink, or anything else that could distract you during an interview or meeting.
- Eliminate fidgeting and shaking of limbs.
- Establish frequent but not continuous or piercing eye contact with interviewers.
- Focus on the conversation.
- In a group interview, shift eye contact to the various speakers.
- Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Be sure that your palms are dry.
- Keep your hands away from your face and hair.
- Listen carefully, and do not interrupt.
- Maintain open arms—folded arms can convey defensiveness.
- Modulate your vocal tone to express excitement and punctuate key points.
- Nod to demonstrate understanding.
- Observe the reaction of others to your statements.
- Read the nonverbal signals of others. Provide clarification if they look confused, and wrap up if they have heard enough.
- Refrain from forced laughter in response to humor.
- Avoid looking at the clock, your phone, or displaying any other signs of disinterest.
- Respect the amount of personal space preferred by your communication partners.
- Rotate eye contact with various speakers in group interviewing or networking situations.
- Shake hands firmly without excessive force.
- Show that you’re interested in what the interviewer is telling you.
- Smile to indicate that you are amused or pleased with the conversation.
- Stay calm even when you’re nervous.
- Steer clear of monotone delivery.
- Wait until the person is done talking to respond.
Your nonverbal communications during a job interview can either support the tone of your conversation or leave the interviewer wondering whether you’re all talk and no substance. Displaying nonverbal behaviors that are a match for your messages can help you to convince employers that you are genuinely interested in the job and suited for the work.
Another hiring factor is the subject’s apparent ability to relate effectively with clients, co-workers, and other stakeholders.
For example, subtly mirroring interviewers' body language can make you appear more trustworthy to them. In the same vein, lack of eye contact is a sign of low confidence and an inability to truly engage with others.
In general, what’s most important is to be positive and engaging. If you feel confident about your ability to do the job and know you’ll be an asset to the employer, you can show that by your actions as well as your words.
Practicing your delivery of messages through role-playing with counselors and friends can help you to hone your nonverbal communication skills. Try recording your practice sessions so you can analyze some of the nuances of your style. Here are some tips to practice interviewing.
Spending some time practicing will ensure your skills are up to par. You’ll also feel more comfortable when you’re interviewing or networking if you’ve spent time getting ready. The less nervous you are, the better you’ll be able to communicate—both verbally and nonverbally.
When you're attending career networking events, your nonverbal communication skills matter. If you come across as awkward or flustered, you'll be less likely to make connections who can help with your job search or career. Practicing how you'll introduce yourself can make the entire process go more smoothly so you can make the best impression.
In many occupations, establishing credibility and trust is a significant success factor. Using nonverbal behavior (like eye contact, for instance) can further demonstrate your sincerity and engaging personality.