Nonverbal communication skills are an important yet frequently overlooked aspect of how we interact with others. These are the nonverbal cues—such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and more—that we use to convey feelings, intentions, and reactions. While we often focus on what we say, how we say it can be just as important.
Nonverbal communication can influence how messages are received and can play a significant role in personal and professional settings.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of nonverbal communication skills, their importance in the workplace, and practical ways to improve them, so you can enhance your interactions, boost your professional image, and improve your communication with others.
Put your nonverbal communication skills to test—browse open jobs on The Muse and land your next interview »
What are nonverbal communication skills?
Nonverbal communication skills refer to the ways we convey messages without using words. This includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and even our spatial distance from someone during a conversation. These skills often provide additional context to verbal communication, helping express emotions, intentions, and attitudes more clearly.
For instance, a friendly smile can reinforce a positive message, while crossed arms might suggest defensiveness or discomfort. Overall, nonverbal cues account for a significant portion of how we understand and interpret each other’s messages, making them crucial for good interpersonal communication.
8 types of nonverbal communication skills
Here’s a closer look at the main examples of nonverbal communication skills and how they impact communication:
1. Body language
Your overall posture and movement can convey a lot about your confidence and comfort level. For instance, standing tall with shoulders back during presentations signals confidence and authority. Conversely, slouching or crossing arms can suggest discomfort or defensiveness. Effective body language helps you project professionalism and assurance in various situations.
2. Eye contact
Regular, comfortable eye contact during meetings or conversations shows attention, confidence, and engagement. “Eye contact can certainly be tricky—it can feel awkward, especially in formal settings,” says Rychel Johnson, M.S., licensed clinical professional counselor.
However, when eye contact is done right, it shows you’re confident and paying attention. “My advice is to start practicing in casual situations,” Johnson says. “Try holding eye contact for a little longer than feels natural, whether it’s with a friend or colleague. It doesn’t have to be intense—just steady and comfortable.”
3. Facial expressions
Facial expressions can significantly influence how your message is received. Smiling, for example, can project warmth and approachability during client interactions. Subtle changes in expression, such as raising eyebrows or frowning, can also indicate reactions to what others are saying. Being aware of and controlling your facial expressions helps you communicate your feelings more effectively.
4. Gestures
Hand and arm movements often support or clarify verbal messages. Using gestures can help emphasize key points in discussions or presentations. For example, illustrating a concept with hand movements can make your explanations clearer and more engaging. However, excessive or erratic gestures can distract from your message, so use them purposefully and in moderation.
5. Personal space
Respecting personal space is crucial for effective communication. Understanding cultural and individual boundaries helps avoid discomfort and fosters a positive interaction. For example, keep a respectful distance during face-to-face meetings so that you don’t invade someone’s personal space.
6. Touch
In professional environments, appropriate touch can express friendliness or formality. A firm handshake during introductions, for instance, reflects confidence and respect. However, touch should be used carefully, as its role varies greatly across cultures, types of relationships, and personal preferences.
7. Appearance
Your attire and grooming play a significant role in first impressions. Dressing professionally for a job interview or an important meeting helps project competence and seriousness. Your appearance can influence how others perceive your credibility and readiness for the role or task at hand.
8. Proxemics (use of space)
Proxemics involves how you use physical space to manage authority and rapport. Arranging your desk setup to be open and welcoming can create a positive atmosphere in meetings. Similarly, understanding how close to stand or sit to others helps navigate social and professional interactions more effectively.
The importance of nonverbal communication skills in the workplace
Nonverbal communication plays a very important role in professional settings, influencing everything from job interviews to team dynamics. Here are some key areas where nonverbal cues can significantly impact your success and relationships at work:
Interviews and first impressions
In job interviews, nonverbal cues significantly influence how you're perceived. Your posture, eye contact, and handshake can either project confidence and professionalism or suggest nervousness and uncertainty.
For example, a firm handshake and upright posture can create a strong first impression, while avoiding eye contact or fidgeting might undermine your confidence. Making a positive impact through nonverbal communication can be crucial for landing the job you want.
Read this next: 60+ Most Common Interview Questions and Answers
Team collaboration and building rapport
Nonverbal communication skills can promote teamwork. Nonverbal behaviors, such as active listening (indicated by nodding), open body language, and appropriate eye contact, contribute to a positive and cooperative work environment. These cues signal that you are engaged and supportive, which is vital for building strong working relationships and ensuring effective teamwork.
Negotiations and conflict resolution
Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can affect how your messages are received and understood—both key in negotiations and conflict resolution. Maintaining calm, positive nonverbal cues during tense discussions helps de-escalate conflicts and promote constructive dialogue. This approach can lead to better outcomes and more harmonious working relationships.
Leadership and influence
Leaders, in particular, need to be adept at using nonverbal communication to inspire confidence and gain respect. “When you’re leading, people notice not only what you say, but also how you say it,” Johnson says. “Trust can be unintentionally hurt when you look distracted—whether that’s by checking your phone during a meeting or avoiding eye contact.”
Good leaders should always face the person they’re speaking to and make appropriate eye contact. “This shows that you’re engaged and interested in building trust,” says Sisse Marie, a certified psychotherapist at Neurogan Health.
How to improve your nonverbal communication skills
Improving your nonverbal communication skills can lead to more effective interactions and better professional relationships. Here’s how to refine these skills:
Become more aware of your body language
Self-awareness is the first step in improving your nonverbal communication skills. “Becoming mindful of your own nonverbal cues won’t happen overnight,” Marie says. “You’ll have to focus on your own body and see how it affects your communication.”
Observe your own body language in various situations. For example, you can stand in front of a mirror to note your expressions, gestures, and posture. Are you crossing your arms or fidgeting with your fingers? These small habits can be interpreted as defensiveness or boredom.
To address these, practice mindfulness techniques to become more aware of your body’s movements and how they affect your communication.
Read this next: 14 Realistic Ways You Can Start Being More Mindful at Work (and Stop Feeling So Overwhelmed)
Practice eye contact and facial expressions
Maintain appropriate eye contact during conversations, aiming for a natural and steady gaze. To improve your facial expressions, try practicing different expressions in front of a mirror to see how they align with your verbal messages.
“Even a small, relaxed smile can make you seem more open and approachable, even if you’re feeling nervous,” Johnson says. This will help you convey the right emotions and create a more engaging interaction.
Manage stress to control vocal tone and gestures
Stress can negatively impact your nonverbal communication, leading to nervous fidgets or a strained vocal tone. To manage this, take deep breaths to calm your nerves before important conversations or presentations. This simple practice can help you keep a composed posture and a steady voice.
“When time is tight, posture is your best friend,” Johnson says. “Sitting or standing up straight instantly makes you look more confident. I often tell my clients to take a few deep breaths before going into an interview—it helps calm you down, keeps you mindful, and stops those nervous fidgets, like tapping or shifting in your seat.”
Use feedback to fine-tune your skills
Seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors can provide valuable insights into how your nonverbal cues are perceived. “Ask a work colleague or friend to observe you when you are talking to a manager or an important client; they will be able to provide feedback,” Marie says. Use this feedback to make adjustments to your nonverbal communication.
Engage in activities to improve nonverbal communication skills
Role-playing scenarios, recording and reviewing your interactions, and joining workshops focused on communication skills can all provide practical experience and feedback. These activities can help you identify and address areas for improvement, making your nonverbal communication more effective and impactful.
Nonverbal communication across different cultures
Nonverbal communication plays a vital role in how we interact, but these cues can differ dramatically across cultures. Take eye contact, for example. “In the U.S., it’s usually seen as a sign of confidence, but in other places, it can come across as too intense or disrespectful,” Johnson says. “The best thing you can do is stay observant and adjust as needed. Often, following the other person’s lead can give you a good sense of what’s appropriate.”
Facial expressions and emotional display
Facial expressions, a key aspect of nonverbal communication, also vary significantly from culture to culture. In many Western cultures, smiling and expressing emotions openly are seen as signs of friendliness and engagement. However, Marie explains, “some cultures find smiling too much as a sign of discomfort or shallowness, and many Asian cultures believe that you should suppress any facial expressions.”
Adjusting nonverbal cues in a globalized world
As the workplace becomes increasingly global, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of nonverbal communication differences. “The best approach is to do thorough research on cultural norms, be observant, and always remember to be respectful,” Marie says. “What might work for one culture will in most cases not work for another.” Being adaptable and aware of these cultural differences ensures smoother interactions and reduces the chances of miscommunication.