What is the term for nonverbal communication conveyed through gestures and facial expressions?

• A. Verbal communication
• B. Body language
• C. Nonverbal cues
• D. Sign language

Answer: (B)

The term for nonverbal communication conveyed through gestures and facial expressions is body language. Body language encompasses a wide range of physical behaviors, including posture, facial expressions, and gestures, which can convey feelings, attitudes, and reactions without the use of words. It is an essential component of how people communicate, as it can complement or contradict verbal messages, providing additional context or meaning to spoken communication.

While nonverbal cues generally refer to any signals without spoken language and can include body language, they are a broader category that also encompasses other forms such as eye contact and proximity. Sign language is a specific form of communication that uses hand signs and gestures to convey meaning, often used in the context of hearing-impaired individuals but is a distinct language system in itself. Verbal communication, on the other hand, involves spoken or written words and does not include nonverbal aspects, making body language the more appropriate term for communication through gestures and facial expressions.