NOTES BY: Lawas, Jhulliane

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Their Functions

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Verbal communication is the use of sounds and words to impart one’s thoughts or feelings.
Though the concept encompasses both vocal (spoken words) and non-vocal (e.g., writing, sign
language), the focus is on the former.

Largely associated with oral communication, it has these succeeding five functions:
1. Regulation (Control) - The spoken language is used to control one’s or other people’s
behavior or activities. For example, a teacher who gives students instructions on what to
do says, “Raise your hand if you have any questions.”
2. Social Interaction - A person speaks to create relationships, form associations, develop
intimacy, and maintain bonds and connections with other people. A colleague
encouraging a fellow employee by saying, “Don’t worry. You can do this,” can be a case
of starting a friendlier camaraderie.
3. Motivation - This function concerns expressing one’s desires, goals, inclinations,
choices, preferences, likes and dislikes, and needs and wants. Stating “I’d like to become
a teacher” manifests an aspiration.
4. Information - Verbal communication plays a major role in disseminating information
whether by asking for or giving directions, instruction, or ideas.
5. Emotional expression - One communicates orally to show one’s feelings and emotions.
A person saying “I’m hurt” is voicing out what he or she feels.

Nonverbal communication is the conveyance of meaning by means of body language (e.g.,

gestures, facial expression, eye contact, posture) or paralanguage (e.g., pitch, volume, speaking
rate) instead of spoken or written words.
Specific classifications of non-verbals include:
 proxemics (space)
 chronemics (time)
 culesics (eye movement)
 haptics (touch)
 kinesics (body movements, gestures, facial expressions)
 objectics (clothing, ornaments, jewelry, other artifacts)
 vocalics (voice)
 olfactorics (smell)
 colorics (colors)
NOTES BY: Lawas, Jhulliane

 pictics (pictures)
 iconics (signs/symbols).

Non-verbals have seven functions:

1. To replace (Replacement) - Actions can replace or substitute speech. For instance, one
can shrug shoulders instead of saying “I don’t know” and wave hands instead of saying
goodbye. It is foremost then that one employs nonverbal forms of communication with
recognizable and nearly universal meanings to avoid confusion.
2. To repeat (Repetition) - Gestures duplicate and reinforce one’s message. The nonverbal
communication can either occur simultaneously with the verbal or follow and repeat the
word said. For example, the act of nodding while saying yes is a restatement, and so does
pointing while giving directions. Like replacement function, consistency in the meaning
of both verbal and nonverbal is important.
3. To complement (Complementation) - This nonverbal enhances and adds nuance to the
meaning of a verbal message. By way of illustration, one rubs one’s stomach when
feeling hungry or says “I passed the test” with a sarcastic tone. However, gestures that
aim to complement cannot be used alone or else they may be misinterpreted.
4. To accent (Accentuation) - is to emphasize certain parts of the verbal intent or the
utterance. It is often done by increasing voice volume, prolonging a word, moving
forward, and even widening the eyes. If the “very” in the line “I’m VERY angry with
you” is emphasized, it is likely louder. (Some authors regard repetition,
complementation, and accentuation as part of one function - reinforcement.)
5. To regulate (Regulation) – Non-verbals can be used to control the flow of
conversations. For instance, to signal the beginning of an interaction, one must face the
person, move closer, or look at him or her directly. Conversely, looking at one’s watch
repeatedly is an indication that he/she has to go, and the other person must stop talking.
6. To contradict (Contradiction) - occurs when verbal and nonverbal messages contradict
each other. Saying “I’m all right” with a frown is an example of nonverbal cues
contradicting verbal statements.
7. To deceive (Deception) - Although this purpose is not encouraged, nonverbal signals
can be utilized to mislead the listener. Gestures and actions supplement the message,
therefore making it believable. Remarks such as “I like it” as a compliment, though not
sincere, may sound convincing if they are said with eagerness and a smile.

According to Albert Mehrabian, a psychologist known for his pioneering work on nonverbal
communication, when words and body language contradict, one is inclined to believe the latter
(Belludi, 2008). If this takes place, movements or gestures may become barriers to a successful
exchange of ideas. Hence, a harmony between the verbal and the nonverbal is crucial in attaining
effective communication.