It is often said that “action speaks louder than words” (Lincoln, 1856). In fact, this famous proverb highlights the importance of non-verbal communication. According to Nordquist (2019), “nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words, spoken or written.” Additionally, it includes body language, clothing and appearance, paralanguage, proxemics, color, time, and touch. Nonverbal communication is extremely crucial, not only in ordinary interactions, but also in intercultural communication. However, this type of communication is often observed but rarely understood and valued. However, our actions speak louder than words. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay First of all, it is worth considering that non-verbal communication makes the message more meaningful. According to Schrier and Shaenfield (2016), “Research suggests that nonverbal behavior accounts for between 60% and 70% of all meanings. » This is also because most people are more comfortable expressing their thoughts, ideas, or emotions through nonverbal cues rather than through spoken words. Furthermore, information is delivered with clarity and precision, because nonverbal signals intensify the meaning of the message due to its unique function: repetition, contradiction, substitution, complement and emphasis. Additionally, Schimtz (2012) stated that “nonverbal communication can convey a lot of meaning when verbal communication is not effective due to language barriers. » Second, it helps attract the audience's attention. The reason is that the speaker uses a different nonverbal cue that attracts listeners and thus makes them pay attention. For example, holding the audience's attention during a presentation. According to McGowan (nd), “By nature, everyone has a different tone, pitch, and volume with which they speak. Certain speech characteristics are more engaging and will naturally attract more attention, but those who have softer voices and tend to speak quickly may modify the way they speak to attract the audience's attention. » Finally, it uses other senses, not just the sense of sight and hearing, so the message transmitted will be better remembered. According to Schimtz (2012), “nonverbal communication, on the other hand, can be picked up by our five senses.” For example, a person can see gestures, hear voices and smell a smell or perfume. He/she can feel the touch of others and taste food and drinks. All of these are nonverbal communications with significant meanings. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay To conclude the essay, nonverbal communication can convey many diverse things, and all these are based on the effectiveness of an individual's communication. More or less, we are all affected by it and the effects can vary from good to bad. However, managing our way of conversing and developing our emotional awareness and intercultural sensitivity would strengthen our relationship with others and help us avoid communication errors that lead to misunderstandings. To summarize, effective communication is best defined by this famous proverb: “The superior man acts before he speaks, and then speaks according to his actions.” » (Confucius, 551 BC - 479 BC).