Nonverbal communication is communication without words that may prove deliberate or unintentional.  There are various channels of nonverbal communication, including body messages, facial and eye movements, spatial messages, and artificial communication (Devito 2005). 

Body Messages (5 types)

Emblems are gestures that can be directly translated into a word or phrase; most often they are culture specific.
Example: "thumbs up" = good job; "cup ear and lean forward" = I can't hear you; "two fingers in the shape of a 'V'" = victory or the peace sign.

Illustrators accompany and therefore enhance the verbal message.
Example: point to the left to illustrate that a left turn needs to be made; place hands a certain length apart to show the size of an animal.

Affect displays refer to movements of the face, hands, and general body that communicate emotion.
Example: smiling and a relaxed posture when greeting a friend; frowning and body tenseness when nervous.

Regulators are behaviors that control and maintain the speech of another person.
Example: nod to encourage the speaker to keep talking; put up a hand to tell the speaker to stop.

Adaptors are behaviors that satisfy a personal need.
Example: brushing hair back with a hand; brushing dirt off another person; doodling on a piece of paper.

Facial and Eye Movements

The face communicates many emotions during interpersonal interactions and even indicates the degree to which that emotion is felt. Researchers acknowledge that facial expressions communicate at least eight emotions: happiness, surprise, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, contempt, and interest (DeVito 2005).  In fact, graphic communications known as emoticons are used on the internet and through text message to convey emotion. 
Eye communication as well indicates emotions (surprise, fear, happiness, disgust), yet it can also signal the nature of the relationship between the people involved as well as an invitation for a person to speak (eye contact expresses engagement while avoidance often proves disengagement).

Spatial Messages

Proxemics are often used to define the types of relationships between people.  An intimate distance is usually established for a person's significant other and may vary from actual touching to only several inches apart.  Personal distance allows for enough space untouched by others, yet contact with another person is possible by reaching out an arms length.  Social distance involves the loss of visual detail as it is generally used for business or social gatherings.  Finally, public distance is used for protection, for there is enough room to take action if a threat presents itself.

Artifactual Communication

Artificial messages are communicated through objects or arrangements that are human made.  Color can communicate meaning and emotion.  For example, in the United States, black is often worn to a funeral to symbolize mourning and grief.  Clothing and body adornments convey personal messages as they let other people know something about you, including beliefs and even social class.  Casual attire on a professor may indicate a friendly and enthusiastic attitude while more formal wear conveys organization and knowledge.  Jewelry can indicate marriage and/or wealth while body piercings and tattoos send a variety of message in and of itself.  Spacial decorations such as homes and cars also convey a piece of who you are as they communicate wealth and personal interest and style.