Agreement

Complementing. Nonverbal behaviors are often used to complement, emphasize, or amplify verbal communication. Frowning while we tell someone that we're sorry emphasizes what we're saying. Hugging someone while saying, "I love you" adds to the verbal message.

Repeating. Nonverbal behavior may also repeat the meaning of a verbal message. When we wave while saying "good-bye" or "hello," we are repeating the verbal message with a nonverbal behavior. We might also nod our heads "yes" or shake our heads "no" to repeat a verbal message.

Regulating. Nonverbal behavior may coordinate or regulate verbal interaction. For instance, a speaker might raise his hand to signal that he wishes to finish his point without further interruption. He might also raise his voice and increase his rate of speech to signal that he wishes to continue. When the speaker is finished, he might then signal another person that it is her turn to talk by making direct eye contact, nodding his head, or lifting his hand slightly upturned in her direction.

Accenting. When we change the tone or volume of our voices to emphasize certain words, we are using accenting. Accenting is a combination of nonverbal and verbal actions. For instance, we might stress the word "no" in the sentence, "No, I don't want gravy on my meat," to emphasize the meaning. Other examples of accenting may include pounding the fist while verbally expressing anger and pointing at someone during a confrontation. It could also emphasize encouragement. For example, if Janice wanted to encourage Fran to sit down, she might emphasize the word, "Please," as she gestures with an open, upturned hand in Fran's direction. The open, upturned hand reflects openness and friendship whereas a closed hand or downturned hand can reflect control.

Substituting. Nonverbal behavior may also replace words. Instead of telling someone to be quiet, a person might place a finger vertically over closed lips. A teacher can often convey the need for...