Nonverbal cues: the importance of body language in communication

Introduction 

Nonverbal cues refer to modes of communication that include facial expressions body language, posture, and eye contact which is essential for passing messages without words. Nonverbal cues are vital as they serve in sending messages of agreement or disagreement, interest, affirmation, attention and emotions. They act as ways of complementing verbal communication and can help in building rapport and increasing affinity and sociability with other (Remland, 2016). They are however tricky due to their ability to be misunderstood or misinterpreted and can bring conflict and misunderstanding by failing to achieve the intended message. The essay describes my nonverbal cues including those that I do on purpose and those am unaware of discussing their intended purpose and their implication on others. Dressing which is also an essential part of nonverbal cues will be addressed. 

Voluntary nonverbal cues 

I am prone to smirking on purpose which I use to express various emotions such as interest, anger, and confusion. In many cases, the smirk is alternated by smiling which serves as my nonverbal cue for forming sustaining and repairing my relationships. My usual grins and smiles are essential as they create an environment of happiness and have been substantial in handling different situations (Mehrabian, 2017). It has been crucial in my connections with friends, family, and strangers and has brought a sense of belonging and maintain healthy relationships. The smirks occur in different situations and serve various purposes as outlined below. 

Interest 

On many occasion, when being affected by a subject, news or discussions which interest me I respond with a smirk. I use it mainly to suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, and pleasure of overhearing or engaging in pleasurable discussions that ad value and knowledge. 

Confusion 

I have to use a smirk over time to express my excitement and which usually trigger feelings of hospitality. As a nonverbal cue, smirking occurs when I'm assaulted which leaves me confused without knowing how to respond to the person in question. Smirking in confusion has been helpful especially when dealing with people who can read nonverbal cues as they help to elaborate the situation (Burgoon, 2016) and to ease the tension in the immediate environment. 

Anger 

I have in often used smirking as a sign of anger and discontent. Researchers usually associate smirking with being smug arrogant and condescending. I have been classified along with public figures such as Blankfein, McCain and Hillary Clinton who are known for their narcissist personalities (Mehrabian, 2017). In situations that trigger anger, it is common for fear to turn into rage and to prevent further damage, I respond with a smirk. Smirking works as an efficient method to sugarcoat and distract viewers from the rage that boils below the skin (Remland, 2016). My lessons on smirking in anger amount to the knowledge that smirking puts an individual on the defensive an there is need to understand that those who respond to my smirking are not out to attack me but may serve to correct and deal with the situation as it is. In many circumstances, the purpose of my smirking is accomplished as it helps to show my various emotions and expression as well as emotion 

Involuntary cues 

I have been accused of raising eyebrows when uninterested in something. I raise eyebrows when not interested. I have received the complaint about time as many get offended and react to my lack of interest from reading the nonverbal cues. Biologically, unconsciously raising of eyebrows is referred to as an involuntary activity which has extended in my case to become an unconscious an unplanned situations fail to stimulate my inspiration or motivate my intellect. 

Dressing as a nonverbal cue 

I have a conservative mode of dressing where I usually tend to dress in distinct ways, in either very plain t-shirt and jeans or business casual, I never wear shorts or beach attire. Dressing as an essential form of nonverbal cues serves a necessary purpose of presenting an individual to others. I believe that my appearance is what speaks for me by sending a message of humility, simplicity and uncomplicated presentation (Burgoon, 2016). My dressing has effectively served its purpose as I have received favors from people gained cooperation from others received recommendations and other favors as a response to my dressing. I have always kept off exaggerations from my dressing, and I avoid at all cost sloppiness and haphazard appearances (Eaves & Leathers, 2017). 

I usually try to send a message of sophistication and at the same time simplicity. My dressing serves to convince my colleagues' friends and other observers that I care what people see and think of me and their opinion matter as a valuable contribution to assists maintain a standard that shows respects and dignity (Eaves & Leathers, 2017). I always intend to send a message of peace, care, and love. I desire to appear friendly, approachable and straightforward. 

Conclusion 

Nonverbal cues are important and perform an essential function in communication. They bring out emotions interests feelings and expressions. The significance lies in their ability to deliver messages incomprehensible through words such as anger confusion and love. Nonverbal cues are also shown through dressings and appearance. Nonverbal cues can be used consciously when an individual desires to present, and at other times they are involuntary as the individual is unaware of the actions performed and is usually made aware by those around him or her. Nonverbal cues can be easily misinterpreted and misunderstood leading to conflicts and hence require care when use purposively and careful interpretation. 

References 

Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2016). Nonverbal communication. Routledge. 

Eaves, M., & Leathers, D. G. (2017). Successful nonverbal communication: Principles and applications. Routledge. 

Mehrabian, A. (2017). Nonverbal communication. Routledge. 

Remland, M. S. (2016). Nonverbal communication in everyday life. SAGE Publications.