Nonverbal behaviors and verbal communication interact in communication process. For simplicity, nonverbal communication serves to repeat, complement, reinforce, substitute, regulate or even contradict our verbal behavior. [4](P137-139)
3.1Repeating
Nonverbal communication can simply repeat what was said verbally. For instance, verbal statements of agreement or disagreement are often accompanied by a nod or shake of the head to convey positive or negative feelings. We might hold up our hand in the gesture that signifies a person to stop at the same time we actually use the word “stop”. Or we might point in a certain direction after we have just said (when tell a person the way to the railway station, you generally add a little information by pointing in the proper direction.). These could be considered repetition because they indicate the same meaning as the verbal messages.
3.2Complementing
Closely related to repeating is complementing. Although messages that repeat can stand alone, complementing generally adds more information to messages. Nonverbal signals can modify or elaborate on verbal messages. The actors or actresses of comedy or skit or short crosstalk are good at performing body language to make their performance lively and more easily attract the attention of audiences. If you tell your friend that you have no money to lend him, you may turn out your pockets to show your sincere regret. You can tell someone that you are pleased with his or her performance, but this message takes on extra meaning if you pat the person on the shoulder at the same time. These important actions help us to complement, complete our verbal behavior. You can see how an apology becomes more forceful if your face, as well as your words, is saying, “I’m sorry.”
This function of nonverbal communication indicates that nonverbal communication is supplementary to verbal behavior in communication. If it separates from verbal language, the message conveyed by nonverbal symbols will fail to be understood which results in failure of performing normal human communication. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill stressed the art of speech. Once in his speech, he said, “The level of our life now has exceeded any time in history, for we eat so much.” To this point, he stopped on purpose looking at the audiences for a while. Then he continued with the finger pointing to his huge stomach, “this is powerful evidence.” Churchill used nonverbal approach twice to assist verbal language. At first, he intentionally used pause to attract the attention of the mass; then he skillfully used the body language----pointing his beer belly to receive vivid effect. [5](P17) So only when linguistic communication system mixes with nonverbal communication can it form a complete communicative system. If it breaks away from the cooperation and assistance of nonverbal behavior, it is hard to attain effective goal of communication.
3.3Reinforcing
Nonverbal signals may be used to emphasize a portion of the verbal message. People frequently use movements of the head and hands such as nods, blinks, squints, and shrugs, to help accent or punctuate the verbal message. If you say “I love you” to someone you care about, a hug or kiss is usually followed. Reinforcing can also be achieved by changing the pitch or stress on a word or group of words. Our entire meaning relies more heavily on words that are accented. For instance:
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