By: LEENA KHAN
Staff Writer
Based on – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLaslONQAKM&t=600s
Nonverbals are everything we use to communicate, just not words. Architecture, how people sit, and clothes are all nonverbal. We all give up information by simply existing, without talking. We assess each other and convey our values and beliefs through communication. Our behaviors are authentic, and our facial expressions say a lot about us. For instance, babies. We can sometimes tell what babies want based on their expressions. If their forehead is furrowed, something is wrong. If their nose scrunches, they don’t like something and they are going to cry. Moving onto adults, when they are stressed or frightened jaw shifting and covering of the neck is common. This is because we have seen predators take down prey that we immediately cover our necks. Eye contact is another example of nonverbal communication. It is an important tool for connection because it allows you to get on someone else’s level. In the video, he mentions that there is not one single behavior indicative of deception. For instance, you can not assume someone is lying based on their behavior. They can be anxious, stressed, etc. In another instance, there is also the assumption that if you cross your arms you are upset and closing yourself off. This is also deceptive. In order to be empathic towards others, we must understand nonverbal communication. Overall, nonverbal communication can convey meaning more effectively than verbal communication.