What is a key component of nonverbal communication?

Nonverbal communication encompasses all forms of communication that do not involve words, and it plays a crucial role in how messages are conveyed and interpreted. Specific elements such as facial expressions and body language are fundamental to nonverbal communication because they can express emotions, attitudes, and reactions that words alone might not adequately convey.

Facial expressions, for example, can transmit a wide range of feelings—happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise—often more effectively than verbal cues. Similarly, body language, which includes posture, gestures, and eye contact, can indicate confidence, openness, defensiveness, or assertiveness. Together, these nonverbal cues can significantly enhance or contradict what is being said verbally, making them essential for effective communication in personal and professional contexts.

In contrast, options such as the use of complex vocabulary or written communication depend on verbal skills, while listening skills focus on understanding the spoken message rather than conveying it nonverbally. Thus, while all these elements are important in the broader context of communication, facial expressions and body language are specifically key components of nonverbal communication.