Methods of nonverbal communication

Some of the most common and well-known non verbal communication methods. On this page, we'll take a brief look at body language, and we'll start exploring ways in which you might begin learning how to interpret non verbal communication.

Communicating non-verbally with body language

For an overview of movements of the body, visit my page on Body Language Signs.

Body language too is a type of non verbal communication.

Nonverbal signs of a 'nervous breakdown'

How would you know that someone is 'not doing very well' and is perhaps on the verge of a mental breakdown or burn-out?

10 Signs of a person on the edge of a breakdown

There are many nonverbal indicators of a person who is on the edge of a nervous breakdown, for example they may:

1. have hunched-over shoulders
2. look either quite 'blank' and in a trance or as if they’re being 'chased'
3. be fidgety or restless
4. cry easily (well ... that might just be very verbal!)
5. become easily irritated and angry
6. be 'jumpy'
7. have stress 'written all over their face'
8. display markedly changed body-language from what you would normally observe in them
9. show weight loss or weight gain
10. seem 'in trance' or 'not with it' much of the time

Making the most of your body language

Communicating with someone close does not only involve talking and listening.

You communicate your love for your partner or spouse nonverbally with your body, by:

• making and holding eye contact
• holding hands
• smiling, laughing
• winking
• touching, stroking, cuddling, embracing
• kissing
• making love and so on

Interpreting nonverbal ways of communicating

This can be a minefield!

Now that you've read about the various different types of non verbal communication, it's important to know the pitfalls of interpreting any signs you might think you've noticed in other people around you.

The danger of interpreting nonverbal communication

Body language in particular can potentially provide additional information about thoughts and feelings. It may reveal an incongruence between what’s being said and what’s really going on inside. For instance: someone may say "yes", whilst shaking their head.

Feelings may not be expressed verbally, but they can ‘leak out’ and ‘morph’ into body movements, often without the individual being at all aware.