What are nonverbal signals?

Nonverbal signals are ways we send messages without speaking, just like when you use your face or body to show how you're feeling.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy and your friend comes over, smiling and waving. That’s a nonverbal signal, they’re showing they want to play with you, even though they haven’t said a word yet!

Sometimes people use body language to talk without words. For example, if you're sad, you might slouch and look down. If you're happy, you might bounce around and grin from ear to ear.

Or think about when you’re watching a movie, the characters don’t always say what they mean. They might cross their arms if they’re angry or give someone a hug if they’re glad to see them.

You use nonverbal signals every day too. Maybe you point at something you want, or you raise your hands when you're excited, that's nonverbal communication in action! Just like how you know what your favorite toy feels like without even looking at it, you can understand what people are feeling just by watching them. Nonverbal signals are ways we send messages without speaking, just like when you use your face or body to show how you're feeling.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy and your friend comes over, smiling and waving. That’s a nonverbal signal, they’re showing they want to play with you, even though they haven’t said a word yet!