...Along with different types of nonverbal communication there are different uses for it. The first way that it can be used is to compliment your spoken message. For instance when you are telling someone that you will miss them when they are leaving you might embrace them in a strong endearing hug. This action not only compliments the spoken words that you have told them, but reinforces them and lets the other person know that you really mean what you are saying to them. This type of nonverbal communication is used to emphasize what you are saying. The second way that you can use nonverbal communication is to contradict the spoken message that you are trying to send to someone. Since actions speak louder than words the nonverbal part of the communication will outweigh the spoken. For example you might tell your boyfriend/girlfriend that you believe that he/she was out with the guys/girls like they are telling you, but at the same time, you might roll your eyes and turn away from them. They will be more aware of how you are acting towards them than they will be about what you said to them and they will realize that you do not believe the story that they are trying to tell you. The third way that nonverbal communication is used is to replace the spoken message entirely. A friendly smile or a wave can say Hello just the same as telling someone. Another example where nonverbal communication replaces verbal communication is when small children are asked how old they are and instead of responding verbally they hold up the number of fingers, which represents their age. This action gives the same answer as the spoken words would and is understood just as easy. The fourth way that nonverbal communication is used is to accent the spoken statement. For instance when you are trying to convince someone of something you may slam you hands down on the table. This response not only tells them that you feel very strong about the topic that you are trying to make them understand, but it tells them that you want them to listen to what you are trying to tell them. Many parents and other authority such as teachers may use this type of nonverbal communication to help enforce their rules and regulations to their children or students. The fifth and final use of nonverbal communication is repeating spoken words. This form of nonverbal communication like the others is used to reinforce a spoken statement. When using nonverbal communication as a repeating method you say something and then use gestures to show the listener what you are trying to tell them. For instance when telling your grandmother about how tall you new significant other is you would show her how tall they are by holding up your hand to what you believe represents their height. This type of nonverbal communication is usually used to describe something's shape, size, or appearance...
