Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Body Language refers to nonverbal communication through body movements or gestures instead of, or in addition to, verbal speech.
Related terms
Nonverbal Communication: This refers to communication without words, such as facial expressions, body movements, gestures and tone of voice.
Kinesics: The study of how body movement communicates. It includes facial expressions and gestures.
Proxemics: This term refers to the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behavior, communication, and social interaction.