Functions and effects Nonverbal messages are usually statements about the immediate relationship. They often express emotions and reveal attitudes people hold toward their own bodies. Nonverbal messages qualify the words people use and, because they are less under conscious control, may even betray discrepancies between words and true feelings. Just think how little is conveyed in an email compared to a letter, compared to a phone call, compared to a personal meeting. The face and head indicate the kind of emotion , and the body indicates how intense it is.
Eye contact is especially important in signalling changes in ongoing interactions.
Exchange of direct eye contact can signal a wish to increase contact. Speakers usually look away briefly as they are preparing to listen rather than speak. An increase in pupil size may indicate strong emotion. Some researchers believe it may eventually be possible to create a comprehensive dictionary of nonverbal communication. A more reasonable view is that although body language many have some meaning, this meaning may be individual and depend on the circumstances.