Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication

In general, human beings communicate using two main forms: verbal communication
and non-verbal communication.

Verbal communication, simply put, is any form of communication that uses words in
order to convey meaning or transmit messages. Essentially, verbal communication is
either speech or writing. There are four main skills that human beings put into practice
when engaging in verbal communication: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Any
verbal communication involves at least two of these skills.

Language is the one thing that all four verbal communication skills have in common; it is
a specifically human form of communication that uses symbols to represent ideas and
concepts. Later on in the course, we will look more closely at the concept of language, its
uses and variations.

Non-Verbal Communication is the form of communication that does not involve the use
of speech or writing. In effect, non-verbal communication is the use of voice, space,
objects, movement, time and the five senses to convey meanings that without using
words. Because the types of non-verbal communication focus on physical actions and
manipulations to convey meaning, they are often referred to as communicative
behaviours.

Communicative behaviours comprise the following:

Vocalics refers to the use of voice in communicating messages. This does not include
actual words, but modulations in tone of voice, rate of speech, pitch and non-verbal
utterances. Because vocalics is often used in conjunction with speech communication (i.e.
verbal), it is often referred to as paralanguage.

Proxemics is the use of space to communicate. Standing close to someone may indicate
that you like her; likewise, changing seat during an exam may indicate that you suspect
your neighbour of cheating or some sort of discomfort.

Artifacts are objects that convey some sort of message about you. These include clothes,
jewellery, home decorations, book bags etc.

Movement incorporates several movements of the body eye contact, facial expressions,
posture and gestures all communicate information. Failing to meet eye contact when
speaking to a parent may indicate nervousness, shame or the possibility of untruthfulness;
sitting straight in a chair could indicate attentiveness.

Chronemics refers to the use of time. By being early for class you show respect for the
teacher and fellow classmates; similarly, a teacher who arrives consistently late for class
is exhibiting a lack of respect for her students and profession.

The five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) are also used in non-verbal
communication. For example, a normally good cook who over-salts a dish for her
cheating spouse may be using taste to indicate her unhappiness or displeasure.

There are also six functions of non-verbal communication. That is, we use non-verbal
communication for six main reasons:

i. Substituting is where we use non-verbal communication instead of, or to replace
verbal communication. Waving goodbye instead of saying it out loud is one example of
this.

ii. We also use non-verbal communication to reinforce or complement our verbal
communication. Pounding your hand onto a table when arguing may reinforce whatever
point youre making.

iii. The regulating function of non-verbal communication is used mostly in conversation
to control the flow of messages. Raising your hand to answer or ask a question in class
helps to regulate the communication going on in the room.

iv. Sometimes we use non-verbal communication to contradict our verbal
communication. The most common example of this is using vocalic sarcasm when you
say one thing, but your tone of voice says the opposite.

v. We often manage impressions through the use of non-verbal communication. The
way we dress, for example, often coincides with the impression we want others to have of
us.

vi. Finally, we use non-verbal communication to establish relationships. The wearing of
a wedding band is a non-verbal indication that the person is married.