Nonverbal Signals As humans, we communicate primarily through language. A speaker transmits his or her thoughts and feelings through words and expects the listener to obtain meaning from those words. However, nonverbal signals can be just as important in determining how the oral messages we relay are received and interpreted.Nonverbal signals can either reinforce or contradict the information we deliver with our spoken words. These signals include facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, body posture, and hand gestures. A person with a good understanding of nonverbal signals can ensure that the meaning of his or her words is clear.