5.4: The Six Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication in Interaction
Research into nonverbal communication resulted in the discovery of multiple utilitarian functions of nonverbal communication. Consider the following six functions of nonverbal communication, which we adapted from "Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Interaction" (Wrench, et al., 2020):
Complementing
Complementing is defined as nonverbal behavior that is used in combination with the verbal portion of the message to emphasize the meaning of the entire message. An example of complementing behavior is when a child exclaims, “I’m so excited” while jumping up and down. The child’s body is emphasizing the meaning of “I’m so excited.”
Contradicting
At times, a person’s nonverbal communication contradicts verbal communication. This is referred to as a “double bind.” Imagine a situation where a friend says, “The concert was amazing,” but their voice is monotone. Communication scholars refer to this as “contradicting” verbal and nonverbal behavior. When the verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent, we tend to believe the nonverbal communication over verbal communication.
Accenting
Accenting is a form of nonverbal communication that emphasizes a word or a part of a message. The word or part of the message accented might change the meaning of the message. Gestures paired with a word can provide emphasis, such as when an individual says, “no (slams hand on table), you don’t understand me.” By slamming the hand on a table while saying “no,” the source draws attention to the word. Words or phrases can also be emphasized via pauses. Speakers will often pause before saying something important. Your professors likely pause just before relaying information that is important to the course content (and could very well appear on the next test!).
Repeating
Nonverbal communication that repeats the meaning of verbal communication assists the receiver by reinforcing the words of the sender. Nonverbal communication that repeats verbal communication may stand alone, but when paired with verbal communication, it serves to repeat the message. For example, nodding one’s head while saying “yes” serves to reinforce the meaning of the word “yes,” and the word “yes” reinforces the head nod.
Regulating
Regulating the flow of communication is often accomplished through nonverbal behavior communication. You may notice your friends nodding their heads when you are speaking. Nodding one’s head is a primary means of regulating communication. Other behaviors that regulate conversational flow are eye contact, moving or leaning forward, changing posture and eyebrow raises, to name a few. You may have noticed several nonverbal behaviors people engage in when trying to exit a conversation. These behaviors include stepping away from the speaker, checking one’s watch/phone, or packing up belongings. These are referred to as leave-taking behaviors.
Substituting
At times, nonverbal behavior replaces verbal communication altogether. For example, a friend may ask you what time it is, and you may shrug your shoulders to indicate you don’t know. At other times, your friend may ask whether you want pizza or sushi for dinner, and you may shrug your shoulders to indicate you don’t care or have no preference. “Emblems” are a specific type of substituting nonverbal behavior that have direct verbal translation. Emblems may generally be understood outside of the context in which they are used. Some highly recognizable emblems in US culture are the peace sign and the OK sign.
What are some of the possible messages being communicated nonverbally by the person in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)? What functions of nonverbal communication are being displayed by this person’s facial expression?