People communicate in both verbal and non-verbal manners. In fact, most communication is non-verbal and can come in a variety of forms. In order to learn to recognize the different forms of non-verbal communication, it may help to study an interaction and ask yourself the following questions:
Spatial proxemics: How does a person use the space around them? Do they sit close/far away from people? Do they gravitate to the center of a room or hang out near a wall?
Interpersonal proxemics: Does a person stand close to other people? Do they maintain a large distance?
Gestures: Do they wave with an open hand? Do they use head nods or bows?
Posture: Does a person slouch in their seat? Stand tall in conversation? Lean to one side toward or away from other people?
Non-verbal voice cues: Does a person speak with a monotone voice? Are they animated? Do they speak loudly or softly? Fast or slow?
Non-verbal sounds: Does a person sigh or grunt? Do they giggle or hum?
Interpersonal touch: Does a person touch other people when they communicate? Do they touch people without words?
Intrapersonal touch: Does a person touch their face or hair when they talk? Do they fidget with their own hands? Do they play with their clothing?
Facial Expressions: Is the person intentionally expressive? Subtly expressive? Do they smile and frown or are they stoic?
Eye contact: Do they maintain too little eye contact? Too much? Do they have trouble looking at or away from people?
Objects: Does a person use objects in communication? Do they hold an object as an extension of themselves (for instance, a phone or a cane)?
Use of body: Does a person clap, snap, or pop their joints? Do they use sound to communicate?
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