Nonverbal and Verbal Communication Cues

Nonverbal Back-channel Cues - What NOT to do

• Blank facial expressions, no responsive gestures, or dismissive body language

• Engaging facial expressions and responsive gestures

• Positive body language and active listening

• Nodding and maintaining eye contact

Avoid Eye Contact

• People looking away, at phones, or staring blankly

• People making direct eye contact and smiling

• People engaging in conversation and nodding

• People looking at the ground and fidgeting

Smiling

• Genuine, warm smiles during conversation, engaged pleasant expressions

• Forced smiles that lack emotion

• Smirking or sneering expressions

• Expressions of anger or frustration

Verbal Back-channel Cues

• Saying 'mm-hmm,' 'I see,' 'go on' (mouth slightly open as if responding)

• Using silence to indicate understanding

• Nodding without verbal acknowledgment

• Repeating the speaker's last sentence

Avoid Fidgeting

• Calm, still hands, relaxed positioning

• Constantly moving hands and feet

• Fidgeting with objects

• Talking excessively while seated

Upright Posture and Body Positioned Toward Speaker

• People sitting or standing straight, alert body position, shoulders back

• Leaning back in a chair with arms crossed

• Slouching with head down and eyes closed

• Fidgeting and looking around the room

Nonverbal Back-channel Cues

• Nodding, tilting head thoughtfully, raised eyebrows showing interest, hand gestures that encourage speaking

• Crossing arms and avoiding eye contact

• Looking at the ground while speaking

• Fidgeting with hands and tapping feet

Steady Eye Contact

• Make direct eye contact during conversation, faces turned toward each other

• Avoid looking at the person to reduce tension

• Look around the room while speaking

• Only glance at the person occasionally

Poor posture

• Slouching, leaning back disengaged, or collapsed posture

• Sitting upright with shoulders back and head held high

• Standing straight with feet shoulder-width apart

• Maintaining a neutral spine while walking

Slightly Raised Eyebrows

• Eyebrows lifted in interest or curiosity, engaged facial expression

• Eyebrows furrowed in confusion or anger

• Eyebrows relaxed in a neutral expression

• Eyebrows raised in surprise or shock