Which type of communication is most influenced by body language?

Nonverbal communication is fundamentally characterized by the conveyance of information without the use of words, which includes various aspects such as body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. Body language plays a crucial role in nonverbal communication as it not only reinforces spoken words but also conveys a range of emotions and intentions that might not be articulated verbally.

For instance, when someone smiles while speaking, their body language enhances the warmth of their verbal message, while crossed arms might indicate defensiveness or disengagement, regardless of the spoken words. This type of communication can often be more powerful than verbal cues alone, as it can sometimes reveal true feelings or attitudes that may contradict what is being said.

In contrast, written communication lacks any physical presence, which means it does not involve body language or any other nonverbal cues. Similarly, formal communication and contextual communication also do not inherently focus on nonverbal signals. Thus, nonverbal communication, heavily influenced by body language, stands out as the correct choice in this context.