nonverbals
Unspoken communication cues
Nonverbals are the elements of communication that don't involve words—facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, tone of voice.
The term appears mainly in psychology, business training, and relationship advice: His nonverbals suggested he was lying.
Pay attention to her nonverbals during the negotiation.
The singular nonverbal typically functions as an adjective: nonverbal communication.
Body position, alignment
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- gaitLocomotion pattern
- gesturesExpressive body movements
- eye contactDirect visual connection
facial expressions · kinesics · haptics · microexpressions · fidgeting · mirroring · leaning · crossed arms
Oscillating motion through medium
- nodBrief head tilt
- shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- pointExact location or meaning
- beckonSignal to approach
salute · thumbs-up · high-five · bow · fist-bump · clap · handshake · curtsy
Pleased facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- scowlAngry facial expression
- smirkPleased, superior smile
grin · pout · wink · raised eyebrow · eye roll · sneer · glare · beam
Quality of sound
- pitchFrequency of sound
- volumeAmount of space filled
- inflectionWord form alteration
- pausingStopping briefly mid-action
cadence · sighing · gasping · laughter · groaning · silence · hesitation · stammering
Violent pulls apart
- blushingFacial reddening from embarrassment
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- blanchingBriefly boiling then cooling
goosebumps · sobbing · hyperventilating · gulping · eye watering · flushing · pallor · clenched fists
posture
Body position, alignment
eye contact · facial expressions · kinesics · haptics · microexpressions · fidgeting · mirroring · leaning · crossed arms · open stance
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
beckon · salute · thumbs-up · high-five · bow · fist-bump · clap · handshake · curtsy · finger wag
smile
Pleased facial expression
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
- scowlAngry facial expression
smirk · grin · pout · wink · raised eyebrow · eye roll · sneer · glare · beam · squint
tone
Quality of sound
- pitchFrequency of sound
- volumeAmount of space filled
- inflectionWord form alteration
pausing · cadence · sighing · gasping · laughter · groaning · silence · hesitation · stammering · humming
tears
Violent pulls apart
- blushingFacial reddening from embarrassment
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
blanching · goosebumps · sobbing · hyperventilating · gulping · eye watering · flushing · pallor · clenched fists · shallow breathing
nonverbalsverbals
Verb forms as other parts
speech · verbal communication · spoken language · words · language
- nonverbal cuesUnspoken communication signals
- nonverbal expressionCommunication without words
- nonverbal communicationWordless transmission of meaning
- nonverbal signalsCommunication without speech
- nonverbal autismNeurodevelopmental condition without speech