Our integrated message model identifies specific visible behaviours (at present, hand gestures, facial displays, and gaze) that are tightly synchronized with words in both timing and meaning. These combine, moment by moment, into integrated messages that may be complementary and complex but are rarely incongruent. (We reject terms like “body language” or “the nonverbals,” which treat actions that are not verbal as separate from speech and as revealing hidden meanings, such as emotion, attitudes, or deception.) The starred article below is a good one to start with.

*Bavelas, J. B., & Chovil, N. (2006). Hand gestures and facial displays as part of language use in face-to-face dialogue.

Bavelas, J. B., & Chovil, N. (2000). Visible acts of meaning. An integrated message model of language use in face-to-face dialogue.

Bavelas, J. B. (1994). Gestures as part of speech: Methodological implications.