Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Verbal and non-verbal communication are two important forms

of human interaction which are playing key roles in expressing
messages, emotions, and thoughts. Verbal communication is the
spoken or written words to express the information. Non-verbal
communication includes body language, facial expressions,
gestures, and visuals to communicate without using words. Both
are fundamental ways of communication among human individuals
for interaction used to express ideas.

Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the use of language in spoken or
written form for the exchange of information, ideas, and
emotions. It depends on words, syntax, grammar, and
vocabulary for communication. Verbal communication can be
direct or indirect, formal and informal, it may be different in tone
and pitch which influences how the message is perceived.

Characteristics of Verbal Communication

1. Involves spoken or written words.
2. Provides precise and detailed information.
3. Allows for immediate and direct feedback.
 4. Influenced by language and dialect.
5. Dominant in formal communication settings.
6. Can be hindered by language barriers.
7. Suitable for conveying complex ideas.
8. Emotions are expressed through words.
9. Communication speed can be faster for conveying
information.

Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication includes all types of communication
without using words. It includes hand gestures, facial
expressions, eye contact, body language and voice tone. Non-
verbal communication can convey emotions stronger than words
way.

Characteristics of Non-verbal Communication

1. Involves gestures, body language, facial expressions, and
visual cues.
2. Provides emotional depth and context to messages.
3. Feedback is often subtle, indirect, or delayed.
4. Can have cultural universality in some expressions.
5. Crucial in conveying emotions and attitudes, especially in
emotional situations.
6. Overcomes language barriers.
7. Supplements, reinforces, or contradicts verbal messages.
8. Emotions are often displayed non-verbally.
9. Non-verbal cues can be interpreted quickly.

Tabular Difference Between Verbal and Non-verbal

communication
Non-Verbal
Aspect Verbal Communication Communication

Body language, facial

Medium Spoken or written words
expressions, gestures, etc.
 Non-Verbal
Aspect Verbal Communication Communication

Channel Auditory and visual Primarily visual

More universal,
Language proficiency can
Language Barriers transcending language
affect understanding
barriers.

Faster in conveying Slower, allowing for more

Speed of Delivery
information subtle nuances

Often requires conscious Often unconscious and

Conscious Control
effort and articulation spontaneous.

Can be more precise and Can be ambiguous and

Ambiguity
explicit open to interpretation.

Tone of voice conveys Facial expressions and body

Emotional Expression
emotions language convey emotions.

Non-verbal cues can be

Easier to remember and
Memory Retention challenging to recall
recall
accurately.

Language may have cultural Non-verbal cues can vary

Cultural Differences
nuances significantly across cultures.

Scope Covers a broad range of More effective for

topics expressing feelings and
 Non-Verbal
Aspect Verbal Communication Communication

attitudes.

Similarities

Purpose: Both verbal and non-verbal communication are aimed to

convey emotions, information and intentions among different
individuals.
Contextual: Both forms of communication are influenced by
cultural norms, social ways and relationship between the
communicators.
Subjectivity: They can be interpreted and meaning may vary
based on the receiver’s perception and understanding.
Feedback: Verbal and non-verbal communication will possess
responses and feedback from the receiver, allowing to interact.
Expressiveness: Both verbal and non-verbal communication had
strong forms of expressing emotions, feelings and attitudes helps in
improving the message totally.

Types of verbal communication

There are two types of verbal communication:

Oral communication
Oral communication involves conveying a message to a colleague
or friend by word of mouth. It is used during staff meetings,
conference calls, presentations, informal communication with
colleagues and friends, lectures and interviews. Oral
communication skills include listening, asking questions, speaking
audibly and engaging the audience.
Written communication
Written communication involves passing information by sending a
message on paper using a pen or in a digital form such as email.
Examples of written messages at work include memos, emails,
reports, manuals, job descriptions, contracts, pays lips, SMS, news
bulletins, faxes, telegrams and blogs. To achieve effective written
communication, ensure that the information you record is
accurate, comprehensive, understandable, appropriate and free
of errors. Also, consider using the active voice while writing to
better engage your audience.

Differences between oral and written communication

Oral and written communication vary in three ways:

Formality
You can use both forms in formal or informal settings. Oral
communication is common in non-formal settings where
colleagues and friends talk to each other during lunch or break.
Written communication is used for emails, emergency notices or
monthly reports when a formal approach is more appropriate.

Synchronicity
Oral communication is synchronous in that it allows for immediate
and actual communication between two people. Written
communication may not be immediate and time passes by before
you receive a reply whereas in oral communication a response is
immediate.

Records
Written information can be stored on paper or digitally and used
for reference in future emails and letters. Oral communication is
temporary and unless recorded cannot be recalled.
Benefits of verbal communication
Verbal communication occurs daily between colleagues. Used
effectively, it can improve teamwork and collaboration amongst
colleagues who benefit from:

 conveying accurate and clear information

 speaking privately
 saving time
 getting fast feedback from others

Types of nonverbal communication

Non-verbal communication is one of many tools that can help you
make a good impression in interviews and in your professional
life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills
and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive
and understanding of individual differences in communication
styles.

Facial expressions
A facial expression expresses emotion through muscles in the
face, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Facial expressions can
help you convey happiness, sadness, fear, anger, interest,
disappointment or disgust. Other facial cues include smiling,
frowning and rolling eyes. Become aware of your facial
expressions when listening and talking to colleagues to avoid
misinterpretation of your message.
Gestures
Gestures involve moving the body, hands or face when
communicating. Gestures and their meanings can vary in different
cultures. Using gestures while communicating can help
emphasize your message. Types of gestures include:

 Symbolic: these are culture-specific gestures which you can use

instead of words. Examples include nodding to indicate agreement
 or disagreement, or waving to greet someone or bid them
goodbye.
 Indexical: these gestures involve using your index finger to point.
You can use these gestures instead of the words ‘this' and ‘that'
while referring to a specific object, perhaps on a screen.
 Motor: these gestures are repetitive movements which vary
between different people. For example, some people may move
their hands to emphasize a word.
 Iconic: you can use these gestures when referring to an action. A
simple example is when you're on a phone call and a colleague
wants to pass you an urgent message, you can mimic writing
something on paper, requesting them to write down the message
instead.

Posture

Posture is the way you hold your body when communicating.

It can communicate attentiveness, boredom, frustration or
disappointment. You can interpret posture differently
depending on someone's culture. Examples of postures to
use when communicating include leaning forward when
someone is speaking to show that you're listening or using
uncrossed arms to show openness, for example.

Paralinguistics
Paralinguistics is the tone, loudness, pitch, tempo and accent of
your voice when you speak. Varying these vocal features can
indicate an emotion or attitude towards a subject.

Eye contact
Consider maintaining eye contact with your audience or the
person speaking to you to indicate a keen interest. Eye contact
helps convey honesty to others, and instils confidence when
presenting to a large audience.
Touch
Touch is a haptic cue that involves use of your hands when
communicating. Touch can involve shaking hands to show
agreement, tapping someone to get their attention or patting
someone's shoulder for encouragement. Communicating by touch
can vary between different cultures and people. Be aware that
some people may be uncomfortable with touch when
communicating.

Benefits of nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication complements oral communication.
Understanding how to use nonverbal cues appropriately can help
you convey better information to your colleagues. Some of the
advantages of using nonverbal communication include the
following:

 demonstrate confidence
 present professionalism through appearance
 highlight good listening skills
 engage the audience by maintaining eye contact
 improve verbal communication

How to improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills

Communication skills are essential in the workplace. Examples
include listening, friendliness, confidence, feedback, respect,
receptiveness, the accurate interpretation of nonverbal cues and
empathy. Consider improving communication skills to project
professionalism and confidence when conveying messages. Here
are some tips you can use to improve these skills:

 Identify your weaknesses. Consider what and how you want to

improve, how you want to be perceived and what you want the
outcome to be. Be objective when developing these skills.
  Enroll in communication skills classes. Consider attending online
or, if available, onsite classes or seminars designed to train people
in improving communication skills.
 Practice by communicating with colleagues or alone. Talk to
colleagues, debate with them or practice in front of a mirror. This
can help you improve your confidence.
 Ask a colleague or mentor to correct you. Consider asking a close
colleague to listen as you give a speech or deliver a lecture. You can
then ask them to provide constructive criticism on your weaknesses
and ways you can improve.

Conclusion
In summary, verbal and non-verbal communication are two
important forms for the human interaction which are playing key
roles in expressing the messages, emotions and thoughts. Verbal
communication is the spoken or written words to express the
information. Non-verbal communication is body language, facial
expressions, gestures and visual to communicate without using
words. Both are fundamental way of communication among
human individuals for interaction used to express ideas.