Between the lines: the importance of non-verbal communication The symbols we use to communicate are the vital fabric that holds human society together. Every day, billions of people around the world use myriad symbols to convey information, exchange ideas, and solve problems. When these symbols are used effectively, they can change the way someone views life, move people to a common cause, or instill emotions and ideas in those who can understand. But what kind of symbols am I referring to? Many would think that I am talking about verbal, oral, and textual symbols, and to some extent, they are correct. But there are other symbols that many don't pay much attention to, symbols that speak between the lines of normal conversation and imply attitudes, thoughts, ideas and feelings that remain unexpressed. These types of symbols, called nonverbal symbolic communication, are experienced and used by each of us. However, the most common ones that others have used to communicate with me - and vice versa - are body language, appearance, proxemics and tactile sensation. Body language is undoubtedly the most powerful form of nonverbal symbolism. For example, a wild wave with the hand could symbolize frustration or elation, while a slow shuffle of the feet and a drawn face could symbolize sadness or depression. In its essence, body language works closely with spoken symbols, complementing them and, at times, weakening them. When I walk around the Maple Wood campus every day, for example, I constantly read the unspoken symbols that people generate as they interact with their environment; my brain automatically interprets the symbols into rich meaning. From these sometimes subtle signals, I can understand everything, from how a person feels to what they might… middle of paper… exchange with another. In conclusion, verbal communication is by no means the only way through which people can communicate and exchange symbols. The underlying fabric, the glue that holds spoken symbols together, are called nonverbal communication symbols. Among all the different variations and forms that these symbols take, some common ones such as body language, appearance, proxemics and tactile sensation are used by us to add further dimension to what we say. Number of words in the essay: 1245 Number of words required: 500 Sorry for being a little long with this! After some free, focused writing, I got to five pages and had trouble condensing them into a 500-word essay. One question: Is my use of hyphens appropriate? I've been using them for a long time but I'm not sure it's a better idea to stick with commas, semicolons and parentheses.