What is the term for using gestures and expressions that do not involve words?

The term for using gestures and expressions that do not involve words is nonverbal communication. This form of communication encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including facial expressions, body language, eye contact, posture, and gestures. Nonverbal communication is crucial in conveying emotions, attitudes, and feelings, often complementing or even contradicting verbal messages.

For example, a person may say they are happy, but if their facial expression is tense or their body language is closed off, the nonverbal cues can indicate otherwise. Understanding nonverbal communication is essential in interpersonal interactions, as it provides additional context to spoken language and helps to interpret the full message being conveyed.

Other options, like verbal communication, refer specifically to spoken or written words; assertiveness relates to expressing one's opinions confidently while respecting others; and emotion encompasses feelings but does not specifically pertain to the manner in which those feelings are expressed. Hence, nonverbal communication stands out as the correct answer for the given question.