From the author: Our communication is more than language as a means of communication. This is a whole world consisting of gestures, movements, contact, pace, emotions, silence... I invite you today to expand your understanding of the communication process and try to look at it more comprehensively. And also, I suggest moving away and abstracting from direct interpretations, like: “he scratched his nose, which means he’s lying,” “she crossed her arms, which means she doesn’t want to talk,” “she’s looking at the ceiling, which means she’s bored,” etc. I am sure that everyone who is reading this article now has heard that communication can be verbal and non-verbal. Also, you have probably heard that nonverbal communication carries much more information than verbal communication. Moreover, there is a sufficient amount of literature on this issue, and a well-known series that exposes liars through the use of diagnostics of nonverbal behavior. In addition, some authors also highlight the paraverbal component of communication. Today I propose to consider verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal communication not as separate components, but as a single system of communication. A few words to briefly recall the meaning of the concepts. So, the verbal component includes the semantic component of the message that the interlocutor wants and is ready to convey to your attention. These are words, phrases used in communication, what exactly we say. The nonverbal component of communication includes gestures, facial expressions, posture, pantomime, distance/proximity, etc. This is what our body says in the process of communication. As for paraverbal communication: this is how our interlocutor speaks: intonation, timbre of voice, pace and rhythm of speech, pauses. As a result of a comprehensive assessment of verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal communication, we formulate our assumption , a hypothesis about what happens to a person in the process of communication. In order to confirm or refute the hypothesis, it is advisable to ask clarifying questions such as: Can I assume that you are uncomfortable talking about what happened, what do you say? It seems to me that you are worried when you talk about it, but what do you think? ?You know, I'm confused. You are now talking about such difficult events, and at the same time outwardly absolutely calm, but what do you think? Are you sighing now, what are you thinking about, what are you feeling? NB Remember about open questions. By using closed questions (requiring a “yes” or “no” answer), you risk receiving a monosyllabic answer that will not provide an opportunity to develop the conversation and establish contact. Recommendations. To make communication more effective and interesting, it is important to construct your message so that nonverbals, for example, do not contradict verbals, and vice versa. In other words, your body should be sending the same message as your words. Pay attention to how and what you say. Are these messages the same? If not, why not? Also, remember that each of us is unique, and some non-verbal habits (for example, crossing your legs, tilting your head to the side) may be individual characteristics. It’s simple, it’s so convenient for a person. And lastly: evaluate the components of communication comprehensively, and not separately. Since individually they will talk about different things, but you need the full picture.