What is non-verbal communication and how is it used in our society?

Non-verbal communication is used so often that we actually forget that we are using it. It has been defined as communication without words, including apparent behaviors such as facial expressions, eyes, touching and gestures as well as less obvious messages such as dress, posture and spatial distance between two or more people. It provides us with a means for conveying messages without the use of verbal language and also plays a role in the perception …

…many factors contributing to non-verbal communication are sending and receiving ability and accuracy. Non-verbal cues sometimes may provide clarity or contradiction for a message being sent. Difficulties may arise if communicators are unaware of the types of messages they are sending and how the receiver is interpreting those messages. All parties involved must desire interaction in order for reciprocal communication to occur. Research in non-verbal communication provides awareness and possible solutions to many communication problems.