Indicators reveal the speaker's internal state. Common indicators are laughing, crying, and certain facial expressions. Regulators help to regulate interaction. We must be tuned in to regulating our conversations somehow in order to communicate effectively. We use regulators like eye contact, shifting position to face who's speaking, and head nods.
Adaptors help a person adapt to stress or discomfort.
People are usually unaware of their adaptors. A person giving a speech might rattle change in their pocket, tap on the podium, or pace about. Courtship behaviors are full of adaptors. These include self-grooming behavior, such as adjusting hair or clothing. A behavior that many women practice in these situations, without even realizing it, is rubbing their forearms with their hands.