Non-verbal

Relating to or involving communication without the use of words. This encompasses a wide range of cues including body language, facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice (prosody), eye contact, and even physical space (proxemics). non-verbal communication can convey emotions, attitudes, intentions, and personality traits, often complementing or even contradicting verbal messages. It is crucial in interpersonal interactions, often carrying more impact than the spoken word, and playing a critical role in conveying feelings and establishing relationships.

Non-verbal meaning with examples

• During the interview, her crossed arms and averted gaze provided non-verbal cues suggesting she was uncomfortable or defensive. The hiring manager noted these signals, adjusting the line of questioning. The candidate’s hesitations, coupled with those non-verbal indicators, ultimately influenced the final hiring decision, revealing potential challenges in teamwork and communication.
• The therapist meticulously observed the patient's non-verbal behaviors, such as fidgeting and changes in posture, to understand their underlying anxieties. Through analyzing these cues, the therapist could tailor her approach to address the patient's unarticulated fears. This form of observational communication often provided more insight than what the patient consciously shared verbally during therapy sessions.
• In a crowded marketplace, the merchant used non-verbal communication, including hand gestures and facial expressions, to attract customers. Without speaking, the merchant emphasized quality and value by a confident posture and enthusiastic smiles. This effective non-verbal selling technique enabled him to successfully engage a diverse clientele, regardless of spoken languages or varying levels of literacy.
• The conductor used non-verbal cues, like precise hand movements and dynamic facial expressions, to guide the orchestra during the performance. These actions were essential to conveying tempo, volume, and mood. Musicians would watch closely, ensuring the accuracy of each note played during the musical piece, emphasizing the importance of the conductor's communication methods.