Often defined as communication without words, nonverbal communication (NVC) refers to all aspects of a message which are not conveyed by the literal meaning of words. This differs from unconscious communication, which may be verbal or non-verbal. Both written and spoken communication can be nonverbal. The main types of NVC are chronemics, kinesics, paralinguistics, proxemics and semiotics. Culture, gender and social status influence nonverbal communication. NVC also includes object communication, haptics or touch, oculesics, and olfactics.

Chronemics refers to how people use and interperet time. Kinesics is the analysis of body language and includes facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact. Paralinguistics is the sound element of nonverbal communication.

Object communication

The most common form of object communication is clothing. The types of clothing that people wear are often used to determine their personality traits, though this is considered a form of stereotyping. Social groups often use a common form of clothing to set themselves apart from other, presumably unaligned social groups. A good example of clothing as object communication is the uniform.

Object communication extends beyond clothing to other body adornments, such as wedding rings or bindis to indicate marital status, tattoos, piercings, and brands. Also included in object communication is anything used as a status symbol.

See also

• Unconscious communication (comprising a large portion of nonverbal communication)
• Head bobble
• Shrug

External links

• The Nonverbal Dictionary of Gestures, Signs, and Body Language Cues, David B. Givens
• The silent language of the gestures: Nonverbal communication on the Philippines
• Body language - The language everybody speaks

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