Effects of Nonverbal CommunicationTaylor KnappMarion Technical CollegeNonverbal communication is a means by which humans interact without actually speaking; this has many effects which can be positive or negative. In “Cross-Cultural Communication,” LeBaron states, “we tend to look for nonverbal cues when messages are unclear or ambiguous” (2003). There is a very growing demand in our society for essential communication skills; however, nonverbal communication is the most important means of communication. As LeBaron explains, nonverbal communication, "we use different systems of understanding gestures, postures, silence, spatial relationships, emotional expression, touch, physical appearance and other cues non-verbal” (2003). As humans, we stereotype many nonverbal statements and can misinterpret them, causing discomfort and creating conflict (Sanders, 2014). The main places where nonverbal effects are considered important are in relationships, schools and in the workplace. In relationships, we use our non-verbal means on a daily basis. “a wealth of emotion can be conveyed through a sigh, a tilt of the head, a smile, or a look,” Sanders explains in “How Nonverbal Communication Affects Relationships” (2014). Not only do we use nonverbal communication to show how we feel, but we also use the nonverbal communication of others to interpret how they feel. In a relationship, as in many other situations, we use body language, tone of voice and facial expressions to show our emotions, but they can sometimes be misinterpreted and create conflict. For example, given by Sanders, “if you tell your friend a secret and she sighs, you might take that as a sign of disapproval when in reality she was sighing in worry” (2014).No... ... middle of paper ......fe and a comfortable environment” (The importance of nonverbal cues, 2009). Being nonverbal can have many positive effects, such as increasing closeness, improving understanding, or even getting a job. However, negative effects may create conflict, cause discomfort, or prevent you from being hired. Due to nonverbal flaws, we as humans must understand how to use and interpret nonverbal others to improve our lives. References Broughton, Lindsay. (2014). Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in the workplace. The Persimmon Group. Sanders, April. (2014). How does nonverbal communication affect relationships?LIVESTRONG Foundation.LeBaron, Michelle. (2003). Intercultural communication. Beyond intractability. Subapriya, K. (2009). The importance of non-verbal signals. The Journal ofSoft Skills from Icfai University, 3(2), 38-42.