The process of communication is complex and involves both verbal and nonverbal elements, each of which is important for meaning and messages to be communicated. We will explore the distinctions between verbal and nonverbal communication in this in-depth talk, supported with illuminating examples.
Verbal Interaction: The Influence of Words
1. Definition: Verbal communication is the exchange of ideas, thoughts, feelings, and information through spoken or written words.
2. Qualities Explicit: Since verbal communication uses words to express precise meanings, it is clear and straightforward.
Structured: It adheres to syntactical and grammatical standards, allowing for orderly and concise expression.
Language-Based: Verbal communication differs between cultures and geographical locations and is dependent on language.
3. Illustrations a business gathering where attendees talk about tactics, communicate information, and converse verbally about ideas.
an email or text message with comprehensive instructions or details.
a speech given in public that engages the listener with intelligent language and addresses a particular subject.
Nonverbal Expression: The Sign Language of Motions
1. Definition
Nonverbal communication is the exchange of messages using body language, gestures, facial expressions, and other non-linguistic clues in place of spoken words.
2. Qualities
- Implicit: Because nonverbal communication doesn’t rely on explicit language, it is frequently implicit and may need to be interpreted.
- Multifaceted: It takes on many different forms, including as posture, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, facial expressions, and spatial distance.
- Universal and Cultural Variation: While some nonverbal clues are culturally specific, others are universal, such as basic emotional expressions on the face.
3. Illustrations
- A kind grin demonstrating your approachability and friendliness during a job interview.
Keeping eye contact while displaying confidence and attentiveness through open body language. - During a conversation, crossed arms and a wrinkled brow convey opposition or defensiveness.
Principal Disparities
- Nonverbal communication makes use of non-linguistic clues, whereas verbal communication depends on spoken or written words.
- Nonverbal communication can be subtle and complex, while verbal communication is explicit and ordered.
- Certain nonverbal clues are universal, while vocal communication is language-based and culturally specific.
- Nonverbal clues can be unintentional and convey actual feelings, whereas verbal communication is deliberate and conscious.
The importance of nonverbal communication
Your nonverbal communication cues—the way you listen, look, move, and react—tell the person you’re communicating with whether or not you care, if you’re being truthful, and how well you’re listening. When your nonverbal signals match up with the words you’re saying, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. When they don’t, they can generate tension, mistrust, and confusion.
If you want to become a better communicator, it’s important to become more sensitive not only to the body language and nonverbal cues of others, but also to your own.
Nonverbal communication can play five roles:
- Repetition: It repeats and often strengthens the message you’re making verbally.
- Contradiction: It can contradict the message you’re trying to convey, thus indicating to your listener that you may not be telling the truth.
- Substitution: It can substitute for a verbal message. For example, your facial expression often conveys a far more vivid message than words ever can.
- Complementing: It may add to or complement your verbal message. As a boss, if you pat an employee on the back in addition to giving praise, it can increase the impact of your message.
- Accenting: It may accent or underline a verbal message. Pounding the table, for example, can underline the importance of your message.
Source: The Importance of Effective Communication, Edward G. Wertheim, Ph.D.
Types of nonverbal communication
The many different types of nonverbal communication or body language include:
Facial expressions. The human face is extremely expressive, able to convey countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.
Body movement and posture. Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the subtle movements you make.
Gestures. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly, often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures can be very different across cultures. While the “OK” sign made with the hand, for example, usually conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it’s considered offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it’s important to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.
Eye contact. Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
Touch. We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.
Space. Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy and affection, aggression or dominance.
Voice. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. When you speak, other people “read” your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things they pay attention to include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how your tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.
