We regularly say more than what we think and hear ourselves saying. This is because we constantly speak by means of nonverbal communication. 

Eye Contact: Nonverbal communication is emphasized when people make eye contact. The same is true for not making eye contact, it may speak and imply much more than what is actually said. When two people look into each other’s eyes, they send a message that they are interested in what they are saying to each other, so that a personal connection is made. The truth of this can be seen by two people expressing love for each other; they look deep into each other’s eyes and create am intimate personal connection. It is not only necessary for intimacy, however, as eye contact is an important form of nonverbal communication that reinforces any other interaction. 

Mannerisms: People’s mannerisms say a lot about them and about what is on their minds at any particular time. Experts are able to distinguish between someone telling a lie and an individual who is being honest based on a range of mannerisms which are common to all individuals when they lie. In the same way, someone who is very well known to you, such as a brother or sister, may have mannerisms which communicate things to you that they may not even tell you. For instance, you may be able to tell that your brother is upset due to a certain mannerism, even if he doesn’t express it to you in any other way. 

Folded arms: When people speak to each other, they often use their arms or hands to express a certain feeling. This is a very effective form of nonverbal communication which is often done without much thought, but it says quite a lot. Having your arms relaxed often indicates that you are relaxed and open to a conversation with another individual, while arms folded across the chest tends to indicate fear or infringement of personal space, indicating to the next person that you do not want him or her to come any closer, and even that you don’t want to be anywhere near the other person. Young people tend to fold their arms out of habit, perhaps to make themselves feel comfortable, and this is often misinterpreted because of the underlying meaning just mentioned. It is thus important, especially when interacting with older people or formal individuals, that we are aware of our hands and arms at all times. 

Posture: Nonverbal communication is often emphasized by posture. The way you carry yourself says a lot about you, and it may indicate quite a lot about your present mindset and mood. A slouched, almost crouching posture is commonly indicative of depression or melancholy, while a straight, upright posture indicates that an individual is confident and ready for whatever task is ahead of him or her. 

Facial Expressions: When you are unsure of the truth behind someone’s words, you often turn to his facial expressions to find it. This is because the face is extremely expressive and can communicate for you even when there are no words to describe what you are feeling. From a smile to a grimace to something as intricate as crying in pain, there are countless expressions that are conveyed by our faces.

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