Lesson 4 Functions of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Introduction

In this lesson, the goal is to heighten your awareness and sensitivity to verbal
and
non-verbal communication and to promote a conscious effort of using such
communication elements in your own communicative practice.

Discussion

Verbal Communication - It is communication through spoken and written

words. It implies the use of words to convey thoughts and meaning. - It is the
ability to communicate using words.

A. FUNCTIOS OF VERBAL COMMUNICATON

1. Sharing Meaning - It is the most obvious function of verbal communication.

Denotative – Literal meaning of the works, agreed in the culture
Connotative – deeper understanding of the words, implied and suggested.
2. Shaping of Thought - Language shapes how people think about things.
Linguistic determinism – language quite literally defines the boundaries of
one’s thinking.
Linguistic relativity – people of different cultures perceive and think
differently about the same things.
3. Naming - Creating linguistic symbols for objects. It allows people to
communicate meanings about the things in their lives.
4. Performance Actions - Verbal Communication enables people to perform
speech acts. (Call to actions – command, request, inspire, direct)
5. Crafting Conversations - Interactive – two or more people are involved.
Local Management – people decide about who gets to speak, when, and for
how long
Universal – forms the foundation of people’s interpersonal ties
Scripts – rigid patterns of talking
6. Managing relations - Declaring powerful, intimate feelings to others.

B. Non-Verbal Communication

“Behavior and elements of speech aside from the words themselves that
transmit
meaning. Non-verbal communication includes pitch, speed, tone, and
volume of voice;
gestures and facial expressions, body posture, stance, and proximity to the
listener; eye
movements and contact; and dress and appearance.”

C. CHARACTERISTICS of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Subconscious- non verbal communication is often sent and received on a

subconscious level. People are usually not aware of the messages they send
non-verbally.
2. Contextual - Non verbal communication depends on the situation in which
it occurs.
3. Ambiguous- The meaning is open to interpretation and often confusing.
4. Cultural- Non-verbal communication has a distinct cultural nature.

D. TYPES of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Proxemics - It refers to the study of the relationships of humans to the
special dimensions of the surroundings.
2. Haptics - It refers to a social class of events that occur when two people
come into physical contact with one another.
3. Chronemics - It refers to the use of time. Professionalism is often
associated with the promptness to use time in daily dealings.
4. Kinesics - It refers to the study of body motions such as gestures, posture,
facial expressions, eye contact and the like.
5. Vocalics/ Paralanguage - refers to the vocalized but not verbal aspects of
nonverbal communication, including ourspeaking rate, pitch, volume, tone of
voice, and vocal quality.
6. Artifacts - Artifacts are objects often used to communicate information
about oneself.

LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION
Intrapersonal- It is the communication that involves talking to yourself. It
may involve
deliberation where you think about your decision or possible courses of
action.
Interpersonal - It is the level that involves talking to one or a limited number
of people.
Small Group - It is an increased level of interpersonal communication. This
suggests that
three or more people are involved.
Public Communication - It involves communicating to a wide group of
people with varied
traits, backgrounds, interests, and persuasion.
Intercultural Communication - It involves communicating with a person of
group of people
who may not share same assumptions, values allegiances as that
of yours, and may have different associations with the symbols you
take for granted for having a particular meaning.