Nonverbal communication encompasses many categories including sign language, gestures, clothing, and other objects. The nonverbal process involves cues, expectations, and inferences. Nonverbal cues can be easily misread depending on context. Functions of nonverbal communication include accenting messages, complementing tones, contradicting, regulating flow, and substituting for words. Principles of nonverbal communication are that it occurs in context, behaviors are packaged together, all behaviors communicate, and behaviors are governed by cultural rules and highly believable. Dimensions include body language, physical appearance, paralanguage, space, time, color, smell, taste, sound, and silence. Nonverbal communication can be difficult to interpret and cues may contradict each other.

1. Nonverbal Communication Communicating Without Using Words