What is Nonverbal Communication
(What does it look like?)
Nonverbal communication is used regularly by people of all ages and abilities. There are many forms of nonverbal communication and all are important in conveying thoughts, feelings, wants and needs. Some forms are more subtle than others, such as eye gaze, but all can hold meaning. Both verbal and nonverbal children utilize nonverbal forms of communication. Some common forms include but are not limited to:
Eye gaze/eye contact
Looking at or away from an item, area or person can convey meaning. Specific eye movements such as rolling the eyes can also indicate emotions/feelings.
Gestures
Gestures can include body language (shoulder shrugs, head nods etc.), facial expressions (i.e., frowning) or pointing to an item or area.
Sign Languge
This includes both use of formal manual sign languages (e.g. American Sign Language) and use of functional hand signs (meaningful to the individual).
According to the American Psychology Association Nonverbal Communication (NVC) is... "the act of conveying information without the use of words. Nonverbal communication occurs through facial expressions, gestures, body language, tone of voice, and other physical indications of mood, attitude, [and] approbation..." (APA, 2018)