- APA research led by Dr David Matsumoto confirms that basic facial expressions of happiness, sadness, fear, anger and disgust are universal across cultures, appearing even in congenitally blind athletes who never saw them
- Microexpressions can last under half a second
- University career centres such as UCF and FGCU list eye contact, posture, gestures, appearance, personal space and touch among the nonverbal skills that most influence interviews.
Communication of information through body language, such as hand gestures, facial expressions and eye contact, is called non-verbal communication. It gives us insights into the feelings of a person or a group and whether they are approachable. Mastering the techniques of non-verbal communication is a significant skill to leverage in one's career.
Non-verbal communication can be conveyed through several modes, including body language and posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, professional dressing and tone of voice.
What Is Non-Verbal Communication?
Non-verbal communication is the transfer of information without words, using body language such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, touch, appearance and tone of voice. It reveals a person's feelings, confidence and approachability, often communicating more than speech, and remains one of the most valuable skills to leverage in any professional career.
What Are the Main Types of Non-Verbal Communication?
The main types of non-verbal communication are body language and posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch or haptics, personal space or proxemics, professional appearance and tone of voice. University career centres group these into roughly seven to eight categories, and each shapes how listeners interpret and respond to your spoken message.
Facial expressions in non-verbal communication involve the facial muscles, eyebrows and mouth to convey emotion. Making eye contact is a sign of confidence, but the gaze should stay balanced so it does not intimidate. Tight lips or a frown signal a negative reaction and a cue to pause and clarify, while a soft smile and raised eyebrows read as a positive response.
Touch, or haptics, is a mode of non-verbal communication that reflects support. It should always be used to express a positive emotion and never anger or frustration.
Professional dressing is also a form of non-verbal communication. From the colours and fabric of the clothing to a neat hairstyle, subtle accessories, grooming and fragrance, all of it sends a non-verbal message about you.
How Does Body Language Affect Communication?
Body language, including posture and movement, works largely below conscious awareness. Crossing the arms is read as anxiety or defensiveness, while good posture with shoulders back and spine straight signals alertness and involvement. Poor posture may indicate a lack of interest, anger or frustration, so it strongly influences how your message is received.
For example, crossing the arms is often read as a sign of anxiety. Good posture, with the shoulders back and the spine straight, shows that a person is alert and engaged with the ideas being presented, whereas poor posture can suggest a lack of interest, anger or frustration.
Why Do Gestures Vary Across Cultures?
Gestures differ across boundaries, communities, cultures and countries, so a sign that is positive in one place can offend in another. Research shows speech illustrators serve universal functions but differ in form, while emblems like a thumbs-up are culturally specific. Use hand gestures in a balanced way and keep an open palm.
Hand gestures should always be used in a balanced manner. Too many hand gestures may convey that you are highly emotional, while keeping an open palm as you explain is positive non-verbal communication. Because meaning shifts across cultures, learn the local norms before an important meeting abroad.
How Can You Improve Non-Verbal Communication?
Improve non-verbal communication by self-testing your body language during meetings and presentations, and noticing how emotions like anxiety, anger or boredom feel physically. Be intentional: replace negative signals with conscious positive gestures. Mimic the non-verbal cues you respond to well, maintain balanced eye contact, and practise good posture until it becomes natural.
- Self-test your body language by noticing every aspect of it and staying conscious of yourself during meetings, interactions and presentations.
- Take account of how your emotions feel physically, introspecting on how your body reacts to anxiety, anger or boredom, then practise ways to manage the same.
- Be intentional about your body language; if certain actions reflect negative emotions, make positive gestures consciously to keep your non-verbal communication balanced.
- Mimic the non-verbal cues you respond to positively and reuse them in your next presentation, interaction or meeting.
What Are Common Non-Verbal Communication Mistakes?
Common mistakes include ignoring dental and personal hygiene, carrying bad body odour or bad breath from strongly flavoured food before a meeting, and chewing tobacco or gum during a presentation. Others are excessive or aggressive eye contact, crossed arms, constant fidgeting, and slouched posture, all of which undermine an otherwise confident professional impression.
- Ignoring dental and personal hygiene.
- Bad body odour or bad breath from eating strongly flavoured food before a professional meeting.
- Chewing tobacco or gum during a presentation or interaction.
- Excessive or aggressive eye contact, crossed arms, fidgeting or slouched posture.