What is non-verbal communication?

Non-verbal communication encompasses the ways in which individuals convey messages and emotions without the use of spoken or written words. This includes a wide range of expressive behaviors such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, posture, eye contact, and even tone of voice. These non-verbal cues can significantly enhance or contradict verbal communication, providing context and depth to the spoken message.

In this case, the option that highlights communication expressed through gestures and expressions accurately captures the essence of non-verbal communication. It acknowledges that humans often rely on physical cues to communicate feelings, intentions, and reactions, which can be just as powerful—if not more so—than verbal language. This type of communication is critical in understanding interpersonal dynamics, as it can convey feelings such as confidence, openness, nervousness, or disinterest without a single word being spoken.

The other options describe forms of communication that do not align with the fundamental nature of non-verbal expression. For example, interaction through email and text messages relies entirely on written words, while communicating with words exclusively negates the essence of non-verbal signals. Impersonal communication methods also lack the personal touch and nuance that non-verbal cues provide, further distancing them from the core concept of non-verbal communication.