How do we communicate without using words?
Non-verbal communication: functions and types including body language, facial expressions, eye contact, personal space and the differences from verbal communication.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.6, covering non-verbal communication, its functions and types (body language, facial expressions, eye contact and personal space) and how it differs from verbal communication.
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What this dot point is asking
AQA wants you to explain what non-verbal communication is, describe its types (body language, facial expressions, eye contact and personal space) and functions, and explain how it differs from verbal communication. In Paper 2 this is examined with short description and explanation items, often asking you to apply a type or function to an example.
What is non-verbal communication?
Types of non-verbal communication
Functions and differences from verbal communication
Non-verbal communication serves several functions: expressing emotion, supporting and emphasising speech (such as pointing while giving directions), and managing the flow of conversation through turn-taking. Unlike verbal communication, NVC is often unconscious and can leak true feelings even when words say otherwise, which is why a person's body language can contradict what they say. Some NVC (basic facial expressions) appears universal, while other forms (specific gestures, conversational distance) differ across cultures, so the same signal can be read differently in different places.
Personal space is a useful illustration. The acceptable distance we keep from others depends on the relationship (we stand closer to friends than to strangers), on status (people often keep more distance from those in authority), and on culture (in some cultures people stand much closer in conversation than in others). When someone stands too close, the other person usually feels uncomfortable and steps back, showing that personal space is governed by learned social rules. Sex differences also appear in some research, with studies suggesting men and women use space slightly differently. Because personal space is shaped by relationship, status and culture, it is a good example of how non-verbal communication carries meaning without a single word being spoken, and of how that meaning is partly learned rather than fixed.
Try this
Q1. Define non-verbal communication. [2 marks]
- Cue. Communicating without words, through gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and space.
Q2. Give one function of eye contact. [1 mark]
- Cue. Any of: showing interest, regulating turn-taking, expressing emotion, signalling aggression.
Q3. Explain one way verbal and non-verbal communication differ. [2 marks]
- Cue. Verbal uses words and is usually conscious; non-verbal uses signals and is often unconscious, sometimes leaking true feelings.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of AQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
AQA 20193 marksDescribe how eye contact is used in non-verbal communication. (Paper 2, Section B)Show worked answer →
A 3-mark Describe item rewards several distinct functions of eye contact.
Eye contact regulates the flow of conversation: we tend to look away when speaking and look back to signal we have finished, helping with turn-taking. It also signals interest and attention (more eye contact suggests we are engaged), expresses emotion and intimacy (mutual gaze between close people), and can signal aggression or dominance through staring. Too little or too much eye contact can therefore change the meaning of an interaction.
Markers reward several creditworthy uses (turn-taking, signalling interest, expressing emotion, signalling aggression). Listing one use only caps the marks.
AQA 20214 marksExplain two differences between verbal and non-verbal communication. (Paper 2, Section B)Show worked answer →
A 4-mark Explain item rewards two clear, developed differences.
First, verbal communication uses words and language, whereas non-verbal communication uses signals such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and personal space. Second, verbal communication is usually conscious and deliberate, whereas non-verbal communication is often unconscious and can leak true feelings even when the words say something different (for example, saying "I'm fine" while frowning and avoiding eye contact).
Markers reward two developed contrasts. A common error is to give two descriptions without stating how they differ.
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Sources & how we know this
- AQA GCSE Psychology (8182) specification — AQA (2017)