Nonverbal Communication
... of an event, action, object, person, or place that can be used to communicate about the event, action, object, person, or place. Symbols can be used for both receptive and expressive communication. An example of a good use of non-verbal communication is Morse Code. Samuel Morse, inventor of the first electric telegraph, invented a special alphabet of dots and dashes called the Morse Code that is still used today. The most common form of non-verbal communication today is body language. Among humans, body language accounts for a large part of our communication. The way we sit, stand, gesture, or adjust ourselves in a group often helps others make precise judgments about our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Mannerisms such as a clenched jaw, narrowed eyes, or slumped posture can be interpreted as conveying anger, distrust, or disinterest. On the other hand, steady eye contact, a tilted head, and a reassuring smile can demonstrate interest and understanding. Communication occurs long before speech. Babies communicate with their parents through crying, laughter, smiling and pointing. The parent quickly becomes attuned to this "non-speech" communication and understands their child without the use of words. As we develop a greater understanding to body language, we can be more in tune with the thoughts and feelings of others and ourselves. We can also become more certain that the messages we are communicating are the ones we intended to express. Personally I feel that non-verbal communication is a big part of my life. It expresses the way I feel and re-act in certain situations. It is also an incredibly ...