What technique involves using nonverbal cues and actions to express and understand emotions?

The technique that involves using nonverbal cues and actions to express and understand emotions is nonverbal communication. This form of communication encompasses a variety of signals such as facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact, which convey feelings and attitudes without the use of spoken words. By observing and interpreting these nonverbal signs, individuals can gain insights into emotional states, enhance interpersonal connections, and communicate more effectively.

In contrast, active listening focuses primarily on the verbal aspect of communication, emphasizing understanding and feedback but not necessarily interpreting nonverbal signals. Expressive therapy, while relevant to emotional expression, integrates a mix of verbal and nonverbal elements but is more structured and often focused on therapeutic outcomes. Behavioral observation involves systematically watching and recording observable behaviors, which can include nonverbal cues but does not specifically center on understanding emotions through these cues alone.