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The Power of gestures, expressions and emotions: How non-verbal communication shapes our interactions

The art of communicating through self-image dates back to antiquity. In the Greco-Roman tradition, rhetoric is the art of convincing a popular assembly or the senate. The speaker learns to present himself in his best light to persuade the audience. It is as important as knowledge of the law, general culture, memory and diction to make a lawyer, a general, a magistrate of the republic, and to succeed in politics.

In the classical age, religious colleges taught the art of public speaking, to train preachers. The art of persuading includes the art of speaking pleasantly (elocution), but also the art of presenting oneself to the public (mastery of gestures and composition of attitude).

In modern times, we owe Darwin the first anthropological study of the role of emotions in human (and animal) communication in his book The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872). Darwin paved the way for ethology (behavioral science) which developed in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.

“How you carry yourself speaks volumes about how you feel about yourself.”

Cindy Ann Peterson

Body language refers to any exchange in a conversation that does not involve speech. It is not based on words, but on gestures (actions and reactions), attitudes, facial expressions (including micro-expressions) as well as other signals, conscious or unconscious, such as smells. Non-verbal communication is also concerned with the environment, that is to say the place in which the interactions take place.

Non-verbal communication is in the field of psychology (study of emotions) and ethology. It benefits from contributions from anthropology, sociology, ethnology and neurosciences.

The body sends a message as effective as the words we speak. In addition, interlocutors unconsciously react to mutual nonverbal messages. They do not realize that they communicate a lot of information without their knowledge. A disagreement between two interlocutors can occur when the verbal message (the words) are nevertheless positive. Non-verbal communication adds an extra dimension to the message, which can sometimes be in contradiction with it.

Sign language, used by the deaf and hard of hearing, is not a transcription of spoken language; it is therefore a true mode of communication, it is not a code, nor a non-verbal mode of communication.

What are the different types of non-verbal communication and how to distinguish them?

• Voluntary acts of communication that are mostly conscious: the sender and/or the target perform actions for a given purpose;
  
• Involuntary acts of communication that are mostly unconscious: the sender and/or the target is the author of actions or reactions beyond conscious control (e.g., reactions to a danger or an uncomfortable situation). There may be a mobilization of pheromonal or hormonal type processes;
  
• Acts of communication that involve or do not involve physical contact with the other (from caresses to blows);
  
• Discreet messages (possibly quasi-subliminal) or ostentatious;
  
• Communication that is instantly understood by those present. Very fast and instinctive, it does not require the knowledge of a common code of signs, or of a shared culture (innate or acquired) (e.g., a nod from left to right does not have the same meaning in France as in India, where it signifies approval);
  
• Acts of communication that act on personal territory (e.g., getting very close to one’s interlocutor and reducing one’s safety zone allows a person to impose pressure on his target simply by his presence, without having to use words. His system of perception reacts instantaneously, causing involuntary acts of communication).
  
• Road signs, tattoos, piercings, make-up, clothing, etc. can also be part of non-verbal communication, as long as they respect the basic principle: the total abstraction of verbal signs.

Humans have a wide range of non-verbal means of communication

• Manifestations of the body (more or less discreet or ostentatious): bodily postures, looks, smile, wink, nod or nod of the head or hand, shrug of shoulder, shaking, twitching, blushing, tears, crying or laughing, hiccups, signature gestures (having special meaning in a culture), etc. ;
  
• Artistic creation allows the expression and/or the appropriation of emotions and concepts that are difficult to express through language. Painting, music (and non-verbal singing), dancing, martial arts or sculpture are non-verbal (but most often voluntary) modes of communication;
  
• Certain plans and assembly instructions use non-verbal symbols and diagrams to communicate with people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
  
• Tattooing, piercing, make-up, hairstyle and other forms of personal appearance are also non-verbal means of communication.
  
• Costumes and more generally clothes, possibly diverted from their usual functions, are also non-verbal means of communication.

The 7% – 38% – 55% rule

Albert Mehrabian’s ratio Studies conducted by Professor Albert Mehrabian and reported in two articles in 1967 established the 7% – 38% – 55% rule.

In the transmission of a verbal message, the meaning of the words would only count for 7%, while the tone and the voice would count for 38%, and above all, the visual impression would count for 55% in the interpretation of what is said.

“You can say a lot without saying a word.”

Unknown author

More recent studies have criticized the method and the conclusions that Albert Mehrabian had reached.

The seven universal primary emotions

The work of American psychologist Paul Ekman has shown that the expression of seven universal primary emotions on the face is not determined by culture but by biology.

Ekman identifies six universal primary emotions : anger, disgust, joy, fear, sadness, surprise.
In the early 1990s, he added a 7th universal primary emotion to the previous 6: contempt.

Emotions are connected to micro-expressions on the face. These primary emotions have quite a distinct and precise signature in the autonomic nervous system. Each emotion causes a specific muscle activation.

His work led him to list other emotions that are more difficult to identify on the face: secondary emotions.
They are often produced by the combination of signals belonging to the primary emotions.

Secondary emotions are ; amusement, pleasure, contentment, relief, pride, embarrassment, satisfaction, excitement, hate, guilt, shame.

According to Paul Ekman, by appealing to a complex neurological system , micro-expressions are unconscious, involuntary, uncontrollable and very rapid nervous reactions. They last less than 1/2 second and up to 1/25th of a second at the fastest.

However, micro-expressions have been shown to be irrelevant in detecting lies or risks, and no evidence exists as to the effectiveness of micro-expressions in detecting terrorists.

Foreign language recognition

Here is a conclusive experiment that was done on the two levels of communication (verbal and non-verbal).

New York City Mayor Fiorello Henry LaGuardia (1882-1947) spoke the most common languages in his city, in addition to English: German, Spanish, French, Italian and Yiddish.

Film of his harangues in different languages had been shown, with the sound muted, to an audience made up of representatives of these respective communities.
Each group infallibly recognized each time the language used by the mayor, on the sole projection of the images, without the soundtrack.

It then seems demonstrated that each language is associated with a body language, that is to say gestures, facial expressions, postures characteristic of this idiom.

Illustrations of non-verbal communication

• Facial expressions:
  • Can convey a range of emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, or disgust
  • Can also be used to emphasize or modify verbal messages, such as raising the eyebrows to show surprise or skepticism, or pursing the lips to show doubt or displeasure
  • Are often the first thing we notice when we interact with someone, and can have a powerful impact on how we perceive and respond to them
• Kinesics:
  • Refers to the movements of the body and limbs, such as gestures, postures, and facial expressions
  • Gestures are deliberate actions that have a specific meaning, such as waving hello, pointing at something, or giving a thumbs up
  • Gestures can vary across cultures and contexts, so it is important to be aware of the possible interpretations and implications of using them
  • Postures are the positions and orientations of the body and limbs, such as standing, sitting, leaning, crossing the arms, or crossing the legs
  • Postures can communicate attitudes, emotions, and intentions, such as confidence, interest, boredom, defensiveness, or openness
• Paralinguistics:
  • Refers to the vocal aspects of communication that are not words, such as tone of voice, pitch, volume, speed, pauses, and intonation
  • Can modify or contradict verbal messages, such as using a sarcastic tone to express irony or disbelief, or using a loud voice to express anger or urgency
  • Can also convey emotions and attitudes, such as using a soft voice to express sympathy or affection, or using a high-pitched voice to express excitement or nervousness
• Body language:
  • Is a broad term that encompasses all the nonverbal signals that are expressed by the body and limbs
  • Includes facial expressions, kinesics (gestures and postures), eye contact (gaze), haptics (touch), proxemics (personal space), and appearance (clothing and accessories)
  • Can communicate emotions, attitudes, intentions, and personality traits
  • Eye contact:
    • Is the act of looking at someone’s eyes during communication
    • Can indicate attention, interest, respect, attraction, confidence, honesty, or challenge, depending on the duration, frequency, and intensity of the gaze
    • Maintaining eye contact for a long time can indicate interest or attraction, but it can also be perceived as staring or aggression
    • Breaking eye contact frequently can indicate nervousness or dishonesty, but it can also be a sign of respect or politeness
    • Avoiding eye contact altogether can indicate shyness or insecurity, but it can also be a sign of disrespect or contempt
  • Haptics:
    • Is the use of touch in communication
    • Can convey affection, support, comfort, appreciation, intimacy, dominance, aggression, or power, depending on the type, location, duration, and intensity of the touch
    • A hug can indicate friendship or love
    • A handshake can indicate professionalism or respect
    • A pat on the back can indicate encouragement or praise
    • A slap on the face can indicate anger or insult
    • A squeeze on the arm can indicate attraction or persuasion
  • Proxemics:
    • Is the use of personal space in communication
    • Personal space is the distance that people maintain between themselves and others during interaction
    • Personal space can vary depending on the culture, context, relationship, and situation
    • Personal space can communicate closeness, familiarity, intimacy, comfort, respect, privacy, or territoriality
    • Standing close to someone can indicate intimacy or attraction
    • Standing far from someone can indicate distance or dislike
    • Invading someone’s personal space can indicate dominance or aggression
    • Respecting someone’s personal space can indicate politeness or deference
• Appearance:
  • Is the way that people present themselves visually through their clothing and accessories
  • Can communicate identity, personality, mood, status, culture, group affiliation, or preferences
  • Wearing a suit can indicate professionalism or formality
  • Wearing a uniform can indicate belonging or loyalty
  • Wearing bright colors can indicate happiness or creativity
  • Wearing dark colors can indicate sadness or seriousness
  • Wearing a hat can indicate style or personality

Non-verbal communication in the digital age

Non-verbal communication is an important aspect of human interaction, but it can be affected by the use of technology and virtual communication platforms. These platforms can offer some benefits for non-verbal communication, such as allowing people to communicate across different locations and time zones, and giving them more options and flexibility to express themselves.

However, they can also pose some challenges and limitations for non-verbal communication, such as causing technical issues or misunderstandings, and missing or reducing some of the non-verbal cues and signals that are essential for effective communication.

One possible issue is poor internet connection, which can cause delays, interruptions, or distortions in the audio or video quality of a virtual communication platform. This can make it hard to hear or see the non-verbal cues and signals of the other person, such as their tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, or body language.

You might miss their smile or nod, which could indicate their agreement or satisfaction. Or you might hear their voice breaking or cracking, which could make you think they are angry or upset, when they are not. This can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, or miscommunication between the participants.

Conclusion

We live in a time when the power of the image is undeniable. Everywhere we look, we see screens that show us what to think, what to feel, what to buy, and what to vote for. And we know that how someone looks and sounds on those screens can make all the difference in the world.

It’s not enough to just look good or sound good. You have to have something to say. You have to have a vision for the future. You have to have a plan to make it happen. You have to have the courage to tell the truth.

That’s why we believe in the importance of words, of ideas, of arguments. That’s why we believe in the art of rhetoric, the ancient skill of persuading people with reason and emotion. That’s why we believe in the power of body language, the subtle signals that reveal our intentions and our feelings.

That’s why it’s important, as citizens and as consumers, to be critical and informed. Don’t let yourself be manipulated by images that appeal to your emotions without engaging your intellect. Don’t let yourself be swayed by gestures, colors, expressions, or rhythms that distract you from the substance of the message. Don’t let yourself be fooled by techniques that analyze your behavior and exploit your weaknesses.

Be smart. Be vigilant. Be free. 

In Summary, Non-verbal cmmunication is a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and Influencing Human Behavior

• Non-verbal communication is the art of communicating through gestures, expressions, emotions and other signals that do not involve words.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication has a long history, dating back to antiquity, when rhetoric was the art of convincing and persuading through self-image and public speaking.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication is a multidisciplinary field, drawing from psychology, ethology, anthropology, sociology, ethnology and neurosciences.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication is influenced by the environment and the culture of the interlocutors, and can sometimes contradict or reinforce the verbal message.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication is not the same as sign language, which is a true mode of communication with its own grammar and syntax.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication can be classified into different types according to their purpose, mode, intensity, clarity and impact.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication can also include artistic creation, personal appearance, symbols and diagrams that convey emotions and concepts that are difficult to express through language.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication has been studied by various researchers, such as Albert Mehrabian, who proposed the 7% – 38% – 55% rule for the relative importance of words, tone and visual impression in verbal messages.
  
  
• Paul Ekman, identified seven universal primary emotions and their facial expressions, anger, disgust, joy, fear, sadness, surprise, contempt, as well as secondary emotions and micro-expressions that are involuntary and rapid.
  
  
• Non-verbal communication can also vary according to the language spoken by the interlocutors, as shown by an experiment with New York City Mayor Fiorello Henry LaGuardia, who spoke several languages and whose body language was recognized by different audiences without sound.
  

“Few realize how loud their expressions really are. Be kind with what you wordlessly say.”

Richelle E. Goodrich