Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as body language (kinesics), but nonverbal communication encompasses much more, such as use of voice (paralanguage), touch (haptics), distance (proxemics), and physical environments/appearance. Typically overlooked in nonverbal communication are proxemics, or the informal space around the body and chronemics: the use of time. Not only considered eye contact, oculesics comprises the actions of looking while talking and listening, frequency of glances, patterns of fixation, pupil dilation, and blink rate. This subject is diverse in meaning, relative to culture and not limited to these definitions specifically. Even speech contains nonverbal elements known as paralanguage, including voice quality, rate, pitch, volume, and speaking style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation, and stress. Likewise, written texts have nonverbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words, or the physical layout of a page. However, much of the study of nonverbal communication has focused on interaction between individuals, where it can be classified into three principal areas: environmental conditions where communication takes place, physical characteristics of the communicators, and behaviors of communicators during interaction. Nonverbal communication involves the processes of encoding and decoding. Encoding is the act of generating the information such as facial expressions, gestures, and postures. Decoding is the interpretation of information from received sensations from previous experiences. Only a small percentage of the brain processes verbal communication. As infants, nonverbal communication is learned from social-emotional communication, making the face rather than words the major organ of communication. As children become verbal communicators, they begin to look at facial expressions, vocal tones, and other nonverbal elements more subconsciously. Culture plays an important role in nonverbal communication, and it is one aspect that helps to influence how learning activities are organized. In many Indigenous American Communities, for example, there is often an emphasis on nonverbal communication, which acts as a valued means by which children learn. In this sense, learning is not dependent on verbal communication; rather, it is nonverbal communication which serves as a primary means of not only organizing interpersonal interactions, but also conveying cultural values, and children learn how to participate in this system from a young age.
Etymology
Nonverbal communication is the process of communication and expression through facial expressions, body movements, eye contact, or any other physical or vocal form of communication. The term nonverbal was first used in the early twentieth century in psychology to refer to all forms of communication that do not involve spoken language.
The etymology of nonverbal can be traced back to the Latin phrase “non verba” which means “not words”. Nonverbal communication has been around since before written records began and is an important part of how we communicate with each other. It is a universal language that allows us to express ourselves without words.
Nonverbal communication consists of gestures, postures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, eye contact and touch. It is often used in combination with verbal communication to convey feelings and emotions more effectively than just words alone. Studies have shown that people rely heavily on nonverbal cues when forming impressions and making decisions about others. For example, if someone looks away while speaking or has a poker face during conversation it can suggest disinterest or lack of trustworthiness.
The power of nonverbal communication has long been recognized by different cultures from around the world who use it for both personal and professional purposes. Nonverbal cues can tell us a great deal about people such as their moods or true intentions without them having to say anything verbally. This type of subtle but powerful sign language allows us to understand one another on an instinctive level which increases the effectiveness of our interactions with each other.
Nonverbal communication also plays an important role in relationships as it helps us to show affection, build trust and support one another emotionally even when we don’t have the words to express what we are feeling inside. From saluting a superior at work or blushing when you get complimented by someone you like to simply smiling at strangers on the street – these small acts go a long way in fostering positive connections between individuals which can ultimately impact society as whole in a positive way.
History
Nonverbal communication has been used for centuries by humans in order to convey a variety of messages and meanings. It is also known as body language, which refers to the physical movements, gestures, and expressions that are used to communicate with others. Nonverbal communication can be observed in everyday life, from a simple smile that conveys happiness to the wave of a hand that expresses goodbye.
The history of nonverbal communication can be traced back thousands of years. Ancient drawings found on cave walls depict people using various forms of nonverbal communication, including gestures and facial expressions. This indicates that nonverbal cues have long been an essential part of human communication.
The Greeks were some of the first to recognize and document nonverbal behavior as a tool for communication. In the 4th century BC, Aristotle wrote about how facial expressions could reveal emotion or intent without words. He also noted that certain postures or gestures could suggest respect or authority. During this time, many cultures developed their own specific codes for expressing themselves through nonverbal means.
Movement was another form of nonverbal communication used during this period. Ancient Greek theaters would use various forms of movement such as dance or gesture to convey emotions or ideas without speaking any words at all. This practice eventually led to the development of modern ballet and other forms of dance theater that rely heavily on body language for expression and understanding between performers and viewers alike.
In the 20th century, researchers began studying how cultural differences affected how people interpreted nonverbal cues from others in different parts of the world. For example, it was discovered that Europeans tended to emphasize laughter when communicating with one another while Asians focused more on facial expressions and eye contact instead. As research continues today into this area, it has become clear just how much nonverbal communication plays a role in human interaction across different cultures throughout the world.
Nonverbal communication continues to be an important element in our lives today as we navigate social situations both online and offline with one another every day. Whether it is through smiles, gestures, posture or simply being aware of our environment around us – understanding nonverbal behavior is essential for effective interaction with others on all levels regardless who we speak with or where we come from.
Safety
Nonverbal safety is a concept that deals with how people interact with each other in a safe and respectful manner. It refers to behaviors and communication strategies that foster respect, understanding, and trust between two or more individuals. These strategies can also help prevent physical harm, emotional trauma, and negative interactions.
Nonverbal safety is an important part of any effective communication strategy since nonverbal cues have been shown to have a greater impact on interpersonal relationships than verbal ones. Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, eye contact, vocal tone, posture, gestures, and other visual cues that can be used to convey thoughts or feelings without speaking.
In order to ensure safe interactions between people it is important to pay attention to nonverbal cues as they can give clues about what someone may be feeling or thinking. Examples of nonverbal cues include: avoiding direct eye contact; exhibiting closed body language (e.g., arms crossed); using a low volume voice; paying attention to facial expressions; displaying open body language (e.g., hands open); maintaining appropriate distances; not interrupting others while they are speaking; being aware of personal space boundaries; listening attentively; speaking clearly; using appropriate humor; avoiding aggressive behavior; respecting differences in opinion and beliefs; expressing appreciation for things done well by others.
Nonverbal safety strategies can also be used within groups or organizations in order to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing their ideas and opinions without fear of criticism or ridicule. This type of environment encourages collaboration and creativity which can lead to more effective problem-solving activities and better outcomes overall.
Finally, nonverbal safety is just one part of a larger effort to create a safe learning environment for everyone involved in any given situation. It is important for people working together in any capacity (such as teachers, parents, students) to remember that respect is key when it comes to fostering a sense of safety in the classroom or home. By being mindful of their own behavior as well as the nonverbal cues they give off when interacting with others they will create an atmosphere of mutual trust where everyone feels accepted and respected regardless of their background or beliefs.
Recent Progress
Nonverbal communication is a form of communication that occurs between two or more individuals without the use of words. It includes facial expressions, gestures, body language, sounds and silences. Nonverbal communication can be used to convey emotions, meaning and intent.
Recent progress in the field of nonverbal communication has focused on how different forms of nonverbal cues can be used to convey information. For example, research has shown that gestures such as pointing, nodding and shaking one’s head are associated with agreement or disagreement. Research has also suggested that facial expressions can be used to communicate emotion more accurately than words alone. In particular, studies have found that subtle changes in the face (such as raising an eyebrow) can indicate happiness, sadness or surprise.
Other recent advances in nonverbal communication include research into the use of tone and intonation when speaking as well as how listeners interpret these cues. Studies have revealed that certain tones and intonations can help convey a message more effectively than words alone. This is especially evident when discussing something complicated or conveying strong emotion. Additionally, research has been conducted on how people respond to certain types of body language, such as a lack of eye contact or overly expressive movements.
Recent developments in technology have also opened up new avenues for studying nonverbal communication. Technologies such as video conferencing allow researchers to observe real-time interactions between people in different places simultaneously and capture subtle movement cues which may not be detectable during an audio conversation alone. Furthermore, artificial intelligence algorithms have been developed which are able to detect specific facial expressions from images taken during conversations and then provide feedback on how they were interpreted by other participants in the conversation.
Overall, research into nonverbal communication is continually progressing with new studies being conducted each year to better understand how it works. As technology continues to advance and become more widely available for researchers across various disciplines, our understanding of this important form of communication will only continue to deepen further over time.
Concepts
Nonverbal communication is the use of physical behavior, expressions, and gestures to convey messages or information without using words. The study of nonverbal communication is known as nonverbal concepts and focuses on how people use their body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, touch, eye contact and physical distance to communicate with each other.
Nonverbal communication plays an important role in our everyday lives. It can help us build relationships and form impressions about people we meet. Through nonverbal cues such as posture, facial expression and gestures, we can express emotions such as happiness, sadness or anger. Nonverbal communication can also be used to show agreement or disagreement with what someone has said.
When it comes to understanding nonverbal concepts there are three main categories; kinesics (body movement), proxemics (space between people) and artifactics (objects used). Kinesics focuses on how people’s body movements are used to communicate emotions and feelings. This includes body language such as hand gestures, head nods and facial expressions which can be used to express agreement or disagreement with someone’s words. Proxemics looks at the way people use space around them when communicating with others. People often stand a certain distance away from another person when talking with them depending on their relationship or level of comfort with one another. Artifactics looks at how objects are used in communication such as clothing or hairstyle which can indicate someone’s culture or beliefs.
Nonverbal communication is an important part of human interaction and helps us understand one another better by conveying moods and attitudes without words being spoken aloud. Although most nonverbal cues tend to be universal across cultures there are some subtle differences in the way different cultures interpret nonverbal behaviors which need to be taken into account when communicating with someone from a different background than you own.
Related Fields & Concepts
Nonverbal communication is a form of communication that does not involve spoken language. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and other forms of physical behavior. Nonverbal communication plays an important role in social interaction and the development of relationships.
Related Fields and Concepts
Psychology: Many aspects of nonverbal communication are studied in psychology research. For example, research focuses on how people perceive and interpret different types of nonverbal behavior, such as facial expressions, gestures, vocal intonation and body language. Psychologists also study how people use nonverbal behavior to influence others’ attitudes and behaviors. In addition, research has explored the effects of culture on nonverbal behaviors.
Sociology: Sociologists are interested in how nonverbal behavior is used to convey meaning in different contexts such as a classroom or workplace setting. They focus on how individuals interact with one another using nonverbal cues and their impact on the formation of relationships between people. Additionally, sociologists look at cultural differences in nonverbal communication styles as well as gender differences in the use and interpretation of nonverbal cues.
Neuroscience: Neuroscientists study the neurological basis for understanding nonverbal behaviors through brain imaging studies such as fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This type of research has helped identify the areas in the brain responsible for processing emotions that can be expressed through facial expressions, gestures or body movements which play an important role in conveying meaning during social interactions.
Biomechanics: Biomechanical researchers study how muscle contraction affects posture or movement when interacting with other people. By analyzing video recordings of various social situations they can observe how subtle changes in movements may indicate certain emotions or intentions during conversations or physical encounters between two people.
Ethology: Ethologists are interested in animal behavior including those involving nonverbal signals like territorial displays or courtship rituals used by some species of animals to attract mates or repel predators from their territory. These forms of communication have much to teach us about our own human behavior since many basic features are common across species even though specific behaviors vary from species to species..
These disciplines all contribute valuable insights into understanding what occurs when we communicate without language – providing us with a better understanding of this powerful form of expression which affects our lives every day whether we realize it or not!
Titles
Titles are a form of nonverbal communication that can convey various meanings and intentions. Titles can be used to denote various kinds of authority, respect, or honor. They can also indicate social status, such as that of a spouse or family member. In some cultures, titles are also given to show appreciation or recognition for one’s achievements.
Titles are formed by combining two or more words with a special meaning. These words may be taken from languages, such as Latin or Greek, which were commonly used in previous centuries. Alternatively, titles may be created using the rules of grammar and syntax of existing languages in order to create new words with unique meanings.
In many societies, titles are bestowed upon individuals in order to recognize their accomplishments and authority within their fields. For example, a doctor may have the title “Doctor”; an engineer may have the title “Engineer”; and a police officer may have the title “Police Sergeant”. Similarly, titles indicating rank or military service are often given to members of the armed forces. In some cases, these titles also signify social standing or privilege—such as having the right to vote—which is conferred through birthright or hereditary succession.
Titles may also be used to indicate marital status in some cultures where they act as a marker of respect for married couples and their families. Examples include terms such as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Miss” which denote various kinds of marital relationships between spouses and their families. Additionally, some family names include certain titles that serve as symbols for their lineages and ancestral origins (i.e., surnames derived from specific occupations).
Finally, honors can also be symbolically represented through titles which recognize certain contributions made to society by an individual (e.g., honorary degrees awarded for lifetime achievement). Such honors usually come with corresponding privileges that underscore the importance of these awards (e.g., voting rights, tax exemptions).
Overall, titles provide important nonverbal cues in many cultures across different contexts – both formal and informal – that help shape our understanding of each other’s roles within society and help us identify our place within it.
Impact
Nonverbal communication is a key component in how we express ourselves, understand others, and interact with the world around us. Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and even eye contact are all essential elements of our everyday exchanges. The impact that nonverbal communication has can be seen in nearly every aspect of life, including relationships between family members and friends, interactions between coworkers and employers, and even success in education.
When it comes to relationships between family members and friends, nonverbal communication has an incredible influence on how people interact with each other. It can be used to show support or encourage someone during difficult times by expressing empathy through facial expressions or gestures like a hug. On the other hand, it can also be used to show disapproval or express anger through scowling or withdrawing physical contact. Regardless of the emotion being expressed, nonverbal communication plays a large role in how people form and maintain relationships with one another.
Nonverbal communication also has a significant effect on interactions between colleagues or employers in the workplace. Facial expressions such as smiles or frowns can indicate agreement or disagreement with what someone is saying; body language such as leaning forward or crossing arms may indicate interest or boredom; and eye contact may signal attentiveness or disinterest. All of these cues have an incredible impact on how well an individual is perceived by their peers and superiors. In turn, this affects the work atmosphere as well as an individual’s performance within their job role.
Finally, nonverbal communication has a strong influence on success in education. From elementary school children to college students taking exams; non verbal cues such as facial expressions can give away feelings of frustration which could lead to lower grades due to lack of focus; fidgeting can reflect anxiety over material that might not be fully understood; while good posture and attentive eye contact could show engagement and understanding of material being discussed . Therefore, using non verbal communication properly is an essential skill for students to learn if they want to achieve academic success throughout their educational journey.
Overall, nonverbal communication has a profound impact on many aspects of life ranging from forming relationships at home to succeeding in higher education settings. It goes beyond just words spoken aloud but rather encompasses all forms of expression including facial expressions, body language and even eye contact which are all powerful tools when effectively used by individuals within social contexts . Ultimately , understanding and recognizing the importance of nonverbal communication is key for anyone wishing to effectively communicate both inside and outside of their personal lives.
Definition
Nonverbal communication is a form of communication that occurs without the use of words. It involves the exchange of information and ideas through facial expressions, body language, gestures, and other visual cues. Nonverbal communication can be both intentional and unintentional, meaning it can be sent with or without conscious awareness.
Nonverbal communication has been described as an unspoken language that conveys messages between people. It involves all aspects of body language, including eye contact, posture, clothing choices and facial expressions. Additionally, nonverbal communication includes physical behaviors such as touching (e.g., hugs or handshakes) and vocalizations like sighs or laughter. According to experts in the field, more than half of all communication is nonverbal; this means that understanding nonverbal cues is essential for effective interactions.
Nonverbal communication plays an important role in social interaction. It can reveal emotions and attitudes without relying on words alone; often these cues are used to add emphasis to verbal messages. For example, when someone says something they deem important they may emphasize this by speaking louder or making direct eye contact with the listener; conversely someone saying something mundane may have a lackadaisical tone of voice or look away while speaking. By understanding nonverbal cues we are better able to interpret what a person really means; this allows us to respond appropriately in any given situation.
Nonverbal communication has many benefits for both individuals and groups alike; it gives people an opportunity to express themselves without using language as well as providing insight into others’ true feelings and intentions, allowing us to interact more effectively with those around us. Additionally, nonverbally communicating can help build relationships by showing support or expressing empathy with others; simple gestures like patting someone’s shoulder or smiling when speaking can make conversations much more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Types
Nonverbal communication is a type of communication that occurs without the use of words. It plays an important role in how people interact, build relationships, and create meaning. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, body language, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, touch, physical distance and environment.
Facial Expressions: Facial expressions can be used to express a wide range of emotions and often convey what someone is feeling before they have time to verbalize it. They can also be used to show agreement or disagreement with someone’s statements or actions. Common facial expressions include smiling for happiness or pleasure, frowning for sadness or displeasure, and raising eyebrows for surprise or interest.
Body Language: Body language includes posture, gestures, and movement which suggest certain attitudes and moods. It can be used to indicate attentiveness (leaning forward), disinterest (crossed arms), anger (clenched fists), or submission (slumped shoulders).
Gestures: Gestures are motions made with the hands such as pointing or waving. They are often used to add emphasis to statements or requests when speaking. Common examples include a thumbs up for approval and shaking one’s head for disapproval.
Eye Contact: Eye contact is an important part of nonverbal communication as it helps build trust between two people by suggesting openness and honesty. It can also reflect an individual’s level of interest in the conversation as well as their confidence in themselves.
Tone of Voice: The tone of one’s voice conveys more than just the literal words being spoken; it communicates feelings such as excitement, enthusiasm, joy, sadness, boredom and anger. Speech volume can also be indicative of one’s mood; yelling may signify frustration while whispering could signal secrecy.
Touch: Touch has many uses in communication including expressing affection (hugging), comforting someone who is upset (patting them on the back) or establishing dominance (pushing). In some cultures such as China touching is rarely seen outside close relationships while in other cultures such as Latin America it is more common even among strangers.
Physical Distance: Physical distance between two people can indicate closeness or lack thereof; standing close together may signal a desire to have a deep conversation while standing farther away might suggest that one wants to keep their distance from the other person due perhaps to lack of trust or interest . This concept is sometimes referred to as “proxemics” which focuses on how individuals use space when interacting with each other.
Environment: The environment around us can have an impact on nonverbal communication depending on factors like noise levels and lighting conditions; a loud room may make conversation difficult while dim lighting could make facial expressions hard to decipher accurately . Environmental factors should always be taken into consideration when attempting to understand nonverbal cues from another person .
Forms
Nonverbal forms are body language and other nonverbal cues used to communicate information without the use of words. While verbal communication relies solely on spoken language, nonverbal communication can convey a variety of messages through facial expressions, gestures, postures, and more. Nonverbal forms can be used both intentionally and unintentionally to communicate feelings, thoughts, or beliefs.
In general, nonverbal forms are used in a variety of contexts to supplement or express what is said verbally. For example, smiling can indicate happiness or friendliness while frowning may indicate sadness or disapproval. Similarly, nodding often indicates agreement while shaking one’s head from side to side may indicate disagreement. Furthermore, each culture has its own set of accepted nonverbal forms with their own meanings and interpretations. As such it is important to be aware of the context when interpreting any given gesture or facial expression.
Posture is another form of nonverbal communication that conveys a variety of messages depending on the situation at hand. Slouching with crossed arms may indicate boredom or disinterest while sitting upright may signal attentiveness and alertness. Eye contact is another powerful form of nonverbal communication which can be used to show interest in someone or something while avoiding eye contact may indicate discomfort or shyness in some cases.
Touch is yet another way people communicate without words. Examples include shaking hands as a sign of respect and greeting, patting someone on the back as an act of comfort and reassurance, and giving hugs when seeking emotional support from friends and family members. Research suggests that touch can have positive psychological effects such as stress reduction and increased trust between two people involved in physical interactions like hugging or holding hands whereas lack of physical contact can lead to various negative outcomes such as depression and anxiety.
Overall, nonverbal forms play an important role in everyday communication by enabling us to express our emotions without saying anything aloud. While verbal communication allows us to exchange facts and ideas with one another, nonverbal cues provide us with additional layers of meaning which help us better understand one another’s thoughts and feelings within any given situation
Ethics
Nonverbal Ethics is a broad area of study that examines ethical issues relating to communication without words, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language. It is also known as non-linguistic ethics or nonverbal communication ethics. Nonverbal ethics explores many topics including interpretation, implications, accuracy, respect, and unintended consequences when communicating with others through nonverbal cues.
The term “ethics” refers to the set of moral values that are used to guide our behavior and decisions. Nonverbal ethics evaluates how these values pertain to interactions using nonverbal communication. It seeks to understand how concepts like trustworthiness and respect can be conveyed through body language and facial expressions without the use of words. This field also investigates how different cultures interpret nonverbal cues differently and how globalization has impacted the way we communicate ethically in the modern world.
Nonverbal ethics has become an increasingly important field of study due to advances in technology, which have changed the way people communicate with each other around the globe. With virtual meetings becoming more popular, it is important for us to be conscious of how we communicate with others through body language as this could potentially impact relationships or even business deals. The ability to accurately interpret facial expressions and gestures can be beneficial in a variety of settings including business negotiations, therapeutic sessions, legal proceedings, job interviews, and so on.
In order for effective communication to take place among two individuals engaging in a dialogue through nonverbal channels such as facial expression and body language, both parties must possess a basic understanding of ethical concepts that are relevant to the interaction at hand. Being aware of common misunderstandings when interpreting nonverbals can help prevent potential conflicts arising from miscommunication or misinterpretation due to cultural differences in body language understanding. Showing respect through these channels can also be beneficial in building trust between individuals from different backgrounds or cultures who may not share a common language but still wish to communicate effectively with one another through nonverbals alone.
Nonverbal etiquette is another important aspect of this field which deals with learning proper ways to express oneself properly while interacting with other people regardless of their cultural background or native language proficiency level. It focuses on teaching people appropriate manners such as avoiding offensive hand gestures or maintaining eye contact while speaking in order to foster healthy relationships between all individuals involved in any given interaction regardless of culture or age group differences. By fostering better understanding among all members within a group setting by learning proper etiquette shall lead towards developing more harmonious social environments between people from different backgrounds or walks life where everybody acts respectfully towards one another.
Roles
Nonverbal roles are an important part of communication. They can be used to express emotion, establish relationships, and even influence social interaction. Nonverbal roles involve the use of gestures, postures, facial expressions, eye contact, and other body language to convey meaning.
Nonverbal roles can be divided into two categories: active and passive. Active nonverbal roles involve the use of body language to actively communicate with others. Examples include making direct eye contact, gesturing while speaking, and using an expressive tone of voice. Passive nonverbal roles occur when people communicate without using any visible action or sound. Examples include a neutral facial expression or body posture that conveys little or no emotion.
In addition to being used as a form of communication between two people, nonverbal roles also play an important role in group dynamics. They can be used to establish relationships between group members and create a sense of unity and cohesion among them. For example, people may synchronize their movements when walking together or stand close together in order to demonstrate a connection between them. Similarly, people may stand further apart from one another in order to show a lack of connectedness or trust between them.
Nonverbal roles are also important for expressing emotion in social situations. Facial expressions such as smiling or frowning can quickly convey feelings such as happiness and sadness without the need for words. Similarly, changes in body posture can indicate someone’s emotional state; for example, slumped shoulders may suggest sadness while upright posture might suggest confidence or alertness.
Overall, nonverbal roles are an integral part of communication that is often overlooked by many people when interacting with one another. It is important to pay attention to both active and passive nonverbal cues when communicating with others in order to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings as well as create a sense of connection between fellow communicators.
Category
Nonverbal communication is a type of communication that occurs without the use of words. It includes body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, posture and proximity. Nonverbal communication can also include written symbols such as images or symbols used in sign language. It is an important part of daily interaction and plays a role in conveying emotion, expressing ideas and conveying information.
Body language is one form of nonverbal communication that includes posture, facial expressions, movements and gestures. Posture can communicate feelings such as confidence or insecurity; for example someone might stand up straight with their shoulders back to demonstrate assurance and power. Facial expressions are powerful tools which humans use to communicate emotions such as happiness, anger or fear. Eye contact is also a significant form of nonverbal communication; avoiding eye contact can mean disinterest or discomfort while making direct eye contact communicates interest and engagement in conversation.
Gestures are movements that accompany speech intended to add emphasis or meaning to the spoken words. For example pointing your finger when you make a statement could be interpreted as aggressive whereas spreading your hands out could be seen as an open invitation for discussion. Proxemics is another form of nonverbal communication involving the distance between people while they interact with each other; in some cultures people may stand at closer distances than others which could lead to misinterpretation if not taken into consideration during social interactions.
In many cases nonverbal communication carries more weight than verbal communication because it conveys more emotion and helps emphasize certain points being made in conversations. It has been argued that over 80% of all meaningful messages are communicated through some form of nonverbal expression rather than verbal expression alone; it is therefore important for individuals to become aware of the different forms of nonverbal communication and how they may impact their interactions with others both positively and negatively.