Touch: The Types Of Nonverbal Communication

Touch Growing up we was always told that actions speak louder than words. Many of us thought this was just another common saying. Although this was not the case, touch is a type of nonverbal communication that speaks volume. Touch makes up 55% of nonverbal communication along with other types of bodily gestures. Although I believe touch is the important one to really analyze. This paper will cover why touch is important, touch deprivation, and touch avoidance. Nowadays people would not think that touch is an important piece in their life. Although there are many types of touch that can stimulate an emotional reaction in the receiver. The word that describes this would be the term Haptics. Haptics is essential to a person’s healthy development

In the documentary Secrets of the Body Language by the History Channel George Bush does a respectable job of showing this use of touch. For example, the British Prime Minister fell victim to George Bush in several ways. First the President tells the Prime Minister when the photo op is over. Next he makes sure to go through the door last, and uses his left hand to kind of push the Prime Minister through the door. Not literally, but somewhat as a guide to guide him through the door first. Finally he gives him three little taps just to let him know that he is top dog and in charge. Why would it even matter who goes through the door last someone might ask? Well that has to do with the culture side of touch. Every country has a different perception of touch as communication, and different customs (Bobby, C.S.). In Japan people bow when greeting each other, but in America people greet each other with a handshake or simple

So what happens when we experience touch deprivation. Unlike the study of how touch in nonverbal communication is important, touch deprivation is understudied. Yet it is a very important piece of nonverbal communication. So what is touch deprivation and why is it important? Touch deprivation is the lack of haptic communication or lack of touch (Narissra M.P.). First not everyone in the world receives the right amount of touch one person would need, or desires. In Romanian orphanages tremendous cases of touch deprivation have been cited. Children in that orphanage have only attained half their height, and had delays in cognitive development. If these kids were to receive appropriate touch it would help with sleep, reduce temper, and help with their academic