What is the primary purpose of nonverbal communication?

The primary purpose of nonverbal communication is to convey emotions, desires, and preferences. Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, posture, and eye contact play a crucial role in expressing feelings and intentions beyond what words can communicate. For instance, a smile can indicate friendliness and openness, while crossed arms might suggest defensiveness or discomfort. This form of communication often provides additional context or nuance to verbal messages, helping others understand the speaker's emotional state or level of engagement.

Written reports and formal communication are generally more associated with verbal or written forms of communication rather than nonverbal elements. Summarizing spoken words is also not a primary function of nonverbal cues, as they serve to enhance or complement verbal messages rather than distill them into a summary.