What type of communication involves facial expressions, body language, and gestures?

Nonverbal communication encompasses a range of expressive behaviors such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, posture, and eye contact. This form of communication conveys emotions and attitudes and can complement or contradict verbal messages. Nonverbal cues can enhance the understanding of spoken words or convey information on their own without using spoken language.

For example, a smile can convey friendliness, while crossed arms might signal defensiveness or discomfort. The subtleties of nonverbal communication are crucial in health sciences, as professionals often need to interpret patients' feelings and reactions beyond what is verbally expressed. This skill allows for better rapport and effective interaction, which is essential in a clinical setting where understanding a patient's emotional state can significantly influence care outcomes.

In contrast, verbal communication primarily involves spoken or written words, while written communication refers specifically to messages conveyed through text. Digital communication includes exchanges that occur on electronic devices, which can incorporate both verbal and nonverbal elements but is not limited to the nonverbal cues highlighted in the question. Thus, nonverbal communication is specifically significant because of its role in conveying meaning through non-verbal expressions.