What encompasses all communication between individuals that does not involve words?

Nonverbal communication is the correct choice because it includes all forms of communication that do not utilize spoken or written words. This category encompasses gestures, facial expressions, body language, posture, eye contact, and even tone of voice (although the latter can sometimes overlap with paraverbal communication). Nonverbal cues can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions, often enhancing or contradicting what is expressed through verbal communication.

In contrast, verbal communication relies specifically on spoken words to convey messages, while written communication pertains strictly to text-based interactions. Paraverbal communication refers to the vocal elements that accompany words, such as pitch, tone, and pacing, but still involves verbal elements. Therefore, nonverbal communication distinctly encapsulates all forms of communication excluding any words, making it the most inclusive option in this context.