You send more messages through nonverbal communication than you do through verbal communication. Verbal communication and nonverbal communication often reinforce each other, but there are clear differences between them. The differences become clear as you relate nonverbal communication to the model of communication and to communication as a transaction. Verbal communication begins when a word is uttered, and it requires a single channel. It is under your control; it is structured; and it is formally taught. Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, is continuous; it is multichanneled; it is mostly habitual and unconscious; it is largely unstructured; and it is learned through imitation.

Nonverbal communication serves important functions. It can complement, regulate, substitute for, or accent a verbal message. Most nonverbal communication takes culturally determined forms. It may conflict with verbal messages. It is sent subtly, perhaps even unconsciously, and it communicates feelings and attitudes.

There are several types of nonverbal communication. They include paralanguage, eye messages, attractiveness, clothing, space/distance, touch, and time. Space and distance relate to relationships in the way they can communicate both intimacy and status.

One way of evaluating your nonverbal communication is to ask some questions about how you use it: How do people react to you? Can you use videotapes to improve your nonverbal communication? How do you use your space? How do you use time? The answers to these questions will indicate areas in which you can improve.