Focus on Nonverbal Communication Research

Book excerpt: Often defined as communication without words, non-verbal communication (NVC) refers to all aspects of a message which are not conveyed by the literal meaning of words. 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 non-verbal communication. NVC also includes object communication and haptics or touch. Paralinguistic mechanisms include intonation, stress, rate of speech, and pauses or hesitations; non-linguistic behaviours include gestures, facial expressions, and body language, among others. This book brings forth new and important research in this field.