Nonverbal means communicating without using words. When you roll your eyes at your friend's bad joke, give someone a thumbs up, or cross your arms because you're frustrated, you're using nonverbal communication. Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures all send messages without a single word being spoken.

Scientists who study communication have found that a huge amount of what we “say” to each other isn't verbal at all. A smile tells someone you're friendly. Leaning away from someone might signal discomfort. Standing up straight with your shoulders back can show confidence. Even animals use nonverbal communication: a dog wags its tail to show happiness, and a cat's flattened ears can signal fear or anger.

You might hear teachers talk about nonverbal cues when they're describing how to read someone's body language during a presentation. Some people are naturally good at reading nonverbal signals, while others need to practice paying attention to these wordless messages. Understanding nonverbal communication helps you notice when your friend is upset even if they say they're fine, or recognize when someone is joking even if their words sound serious.