14) Verbal communication vs. Non verbal communication

 Verbal VS. Non verbal Communication

What Is Communication?

Communication is how we share thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information. It happens in every part of life  in classrooms, offices, homes, or even on stage. But communication is more than just words.

There are two main types:

• Verbal Communication – the use of spoken or written words.

• Non-Verbal Communication – the use of facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, body posture, and eye contact.

Both are essential. In fact, studies show that most of our message is delivered non-verbally!

Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written language to convey thoughts, ideas, or emotions. It includes words, grammar, tone, and structure.

Non-verbal communication refers to the use of facial expressions, gestures, body posture, eye contact, and vocal tone to send messages without using words.

📝 Example: "Verbal communication involves the use of language to share ideas, while non-verbal communication includes all other forms of expression such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone."

verbal communication

Verbal communication involves the exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas using spoken words. Its effectiveness depends upon various aspects, including the choice of words, tone and clarity of speech.

It is a two-way process in which the speaker transmits information while the listener comprehends and interprets the message.

The teacher used clear, simple language suitable for the students’ grade level. She explained the concept step-by-step using real-life examples like “how plants in your garden grow using sunlight.” Her tone was friendly and enthusiastic, especially when asking questions. The teacher repeated key terms like “sunlight,” “water,” and “energy” to reinforce learning. Her sentences were structured logically to build up understanding.

📝 Example: "The teacher used clear, simple words and repeated key points to ensure understanding. Her tone was encouraging and calm."

Why Are Verbal Communication Skills Important in the Workplace?

A lack of verbal communication skills can prevent you from having positive and meaningful interactions with others in the workplace. This is because effective verbal communication guarantees everyone is on the same page. It eliminates confusion and misunderstanding.

And remember, it’s a two-way process. So, you and the person receiving your message must understand each other.

Five Types of Verbal Communication

The type of verbal communication used refers to where and with whom we communicate. Here are five examples:

1. Intrapersonal Verbal Communication

Intrapersonal communication is our internal dialogue. We all do this. Often, without realising it, we talk to ourselves or have conversations with others in our head. This type of verbal communication is also referred to as inner speech, self-talk, internal discourse and inner experience.

2. Interpersonal Verbal Communication

Interpersonal verbal communication involves two parties like speaking one-on-one with a friend or colleague. Each party listens when the other person is talking to understand what’s being said and respond accordingly.

3. Group Verbal Communication

This is where more than three people are involved in a conversation. There may be more people this time but the same rules apply as with interpersonal communication. Each person has a chance to speak, while others listen and respond at the right time.

4. Public Verbal Communication

Public verbal communication can be anything from speaking aloud at a school assembly to being a keynote speaker at a conference. It’s communicating to an audience of people who have come to hear what you have to say. This form of verbal communication takes some people completely out of their comfort zone. But, developing this communication skill can also open new opportunities.

5. Mass Verbal Communication

This is all about talking to the masses. So, think about a TV show with a panel of experts or a podcast where thousands of listeners tune in at the same time. Mass verbal communication involves a small group of speakers who work as a team to share views and ideas with their audience.

Five Ways to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills

You can start improving your verbal communication skills today by using one, some or all of these tips  

1. Be Clear on What You Want to Say

If you have a big meeting, presentation, interview or a complex subject to discuss with someone, it helps to know what you want to say in advance. Grab a pen and paper and write down the topics, keywords and ideas you want to discuss. You may even find brainstorming useful.

If you’re unsure that you have the right tone, ask a friend or colleague to review things.

2. Take Your Audience into Consideration

We adapt how we communicate with others for a variety of reasons. Our opening communication, which is basically the first impression we give to the other party, needs to be on point. Considering our audience allows us to pitch the conversation at the right level.

• Who are you verbally communicating with?
• Is it a colleague?
• Are they on the same level as you?
• Are they an employee of yours?
• Do they manage you?
• Are they older or younger than you?

It also helps to decide on the right tone and even the environment for the discussion.

Before a conversation, consider the receiver and how best they’ll receive your words.

3. Don't Forget About Nonverbal Communication

Body language is just as powerful, if not more so, than our words. While our mouths may say one thing, our bodies may say something completely different.

Folded arms, fidgeting and not maintaining eye contact can show we may lack confidence in our words. It can portray nervousness, boredom and even aggression.

Maintaining eye contact and a neutral posture, smiling when greeting someone and being mindful of your facial expressions are all ways to make the receiver feel comfortable in your presence.

4. Breathe

Verbal communication and public speaking can make people feel anxious. If this is you, it’s perfectly normal. Not everyone is comfortable speaking to an audience. But, it may sometimes be necessary, especially in our professional lives.

If verbal communication makes you break out in a cold sweat, try a breathing exercise before you have to speak. Breathwork does the following:

• Balances blood pressure
• Increases mental focus
• Reduces feelings of anxiety
• Regulates the heart rate
• Releases stress hormones from the body

5. Engage in Active Listening

Active listening is crucial to being an excellent verbal communicator. After all, how do you know how best to respond to someone if you don’t listen to them?

Active listening means giving full attention to the person or people speaking to you. You need to digest and process what they say before you answer. This may involve taking a few seconds to compute things before responding.

Suppose you need clarification on what they have said. In that case, asking them to repeat or explain something will help you verbally communicate your answer better.

Nonverbal communication 

Nonverbal communication is the exchange of information through gestures, posture, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other unspoken signals. Renowned researcher Albert Mehrabian quantified its impact, revealing that communication is composed of 55% body language, 38% vocal elements like tone and inflection, and only 7% words. This ratio underscores that how we say something often matters more than what we say.

The importance of nonverbal signals lies in their ability to convey emotions and attitudes that may not be explicitly verbalized. For instance, a person’s tone of voice can signal enthusiasm, frustration, or empathy, adding depth to their spoken words.

Similarly, eye contact can establish trust or signal discomfort, depending on cultural norms and context. These nonverbal communication signals often operate unconsciously, influencing how we perceive others and how they perceive us.

Consider the workplace. A leader addressing a team with slouched shoulders and a hesitant voice may fail to inspire confidence, regardless of their words. On the other hand, a confident posture and intentional gestures can elevate the same message, fostering trust and motivation.

Nonverbal skills are thus essential for achieving effective communication across personal and professional contexts.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Scientific research on nonverbal communication and behavior began with the 1872 publication of Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Since that time, a wealth of research has been devoted to the types, effects, and expressions of unspoken communication and behavior.

While these signals can be so subtle that we are not consciously aware of them, research has identified nine types of nonverbal communication. These nonverbal communication types are:

• Facial expressions
• Gestures
• Body language
• Proxemics or personal space
• Eye gaze, haptics (touch)
• Appearance
• Artifacts (objects and images)
• Paralinguistics (such as loudness or tone of voice)

Facial Expressions

It's amazing how much you can say with your face without ever uttering a word. Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication.3 Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. The look on a person's face is often the first thing we see, even before hearing what they say. Sometimes, a raised brow or slight smirk can say more than a whole conversation.

While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar worldwide.

Gestures

Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and giving a "thumbs up" sign. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture.

For example, in the U.S., putting the index and middle finger in the shape of a "V" with your palm facing out is often considered to be a sign of peace or victory. Yet, in Britain, Australia, and other parts of the world, this gesture can be considered an insult.

Nonverbal communication via gestures is so powerful and influential that some judges place limits on which ones are allowed in the courtroom, where they can sway juror opinions. An attorney might glance at their watch to suggest that the opposing lawyer's argument is tedious, for instance. Or they may roll their eyes during a witness's testimony in an attempt to undermine that person's credibility.

Body Language

Body language   encompasses your posture, movements, and gestures. Standing tall with your shoulders back exudes confidence and authority, essential traits for engaging your audience. Conversely, slouching or crossing your arms can signal defensiveness or a lack of confidence, potentially disengaging your listeners.

Picture a TED Talk speaker: their open stance and deliberate movements help to establish credibility and keep the audience enthralled. A presenter who stands upright and uses their physical presence effectively can create a sense of trust and authority, much like a seasoned news anchor.

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 Proxemics 

People often refer to their need for “personal space,” which is also an important type of nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms, situational factors, personality characteristics, and level of familiarity. For example, the amount of personal space needed when having a casual conversation with another person usually varies between 18 inches to four feet. On the other hand, the personal distance needed when speaking to a crowd of people is around 10 to 12 feet. 

Eye contact

Eye contact is a critical element in establishing a connection with your audience. It shows confidence and engagement. Making eye contact with various audience members can make them feel involved and valued. Imagine listening to someone who avoids eye contact—it's hard to trust or connect with them. In contrast, a speaker who makes regular, meaningful eye contact can create a sense of dialogue and rapport, even in a large room. This nonverbal cue can also help you gauge the audience’s reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly.

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Comparison of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Aspect	Verbal Communication	Non-Verbal Communication
Definition	Use of spoken or written words to convey messages	Use of gestures, facial expressions, posture, and other body language
Medium	Spoken (face-to-face, phone) or written (emails, texts)	Visual (body movements, expressions), auditory (tone, pitch)
Primary Tools	Vocabulary, grammar, tone, sentence structure	Gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, posture
Consciousness	Usually conscious and intentional	Can be unconscious or instinctive
Clarity and Specificity	Often clearer and more direct	Can be vague or open to interpretation
Speed of Communication	Can be slower (spoken/written words take time)	Often faster (one look or gesture can communicate a lot instantly)
Cultural Influence	Varies across languages and dialects	Varies more strongly; same gesture may mean different things
Function	Explains, informs, asks questions, persuades	Supports, reinforces, contradicts, or replaces verbal communication
Example	“I’m very happy to see you today!”	Smiling, open arms, friendly tone of voice