Kim Ouddommony ID:60-22-02-45 COM101 Weekend

Classwork

1. What is verbal communication?

2. What are the two major forms of verbal communication?

3. Give five examples of verbal communication.

4. What does it mean by avoid polarization?

5. Differentiate how men and women communicate verbally.

6. Discuss the principles of effective verbal communication.

Answer

1. Verbal communication is communication using words, either spoken or written. It

involves the use of language through sounds, vocabulary and grammar for
sharing information between people.
2. The two major forms of verbal communication are speaking and writing.
Speaking involves oral communication through talking, conversations,
discussions etc. Writing involves written communication through letters, essays,
reports etc.
3. Five examples of verbal communication:
a. Talking: exchanging information orally
b. Conversations: informal discussions between two or more people
c. Discussions: communicative exchange of ideas and opinions
d. Lectures: spoken presentation given by an expert on a topic
e. Debates: structured argument between individuals on opposing sides of a
topic

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 4. Polarization refers to the distancing or division of people into opposing or
antagonistic groups as a result of differences in opinion, beliefs, interests, etc.
5. Men tend to communicate verbally to report facts directly and competitively
convey information to win points or arguments. They speak to assert
independence and maintain their position or status. Women use language more
to build rapport, share feelings, seek compromises and focus on maintaining
relationships and community.
6. The principles of effective verbal communication:
 Messages are in package: Messages come in the form of spoken or
written words and languages which form the package of communication.
 Messages meaning is in people: The meaning of messages depends on
the people involved as the same words can have different interpretations
based on the listener/receiver.
 Meaning are Denotative and Connotative: Messages contain literal/explicit
denotative meaning and implicit/inferred connotative meaning based on
associations.
 Messages Vary in Abstraction: Verbal exchanges can be more concrete
using examples or more abstract relying on interpretations.
 Messages Vary in Politeness: Language etiquette and choice of words
determine whether messages are polite, rude, impolite or blunt.
 Messages vary in Assertiveness: Messages can be passive, aggressive or
assertive based on the tone used to state opinions and needs.
 Messages can deceive: Words may not always match intentions and can
be twisted to mislead or hide the truth from others.
 Messages can criticize and praise: Criticism and praise are forms of
evaluative messages that respectively point out faults or acknowledge
merits.
 Messages can confirm and disconfirm: Responses that agree or disagree
with viewpoints, requests and ideas convey confirmation or
disconfirmation.

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  Messages vary in cultural sensitivity: Acceptability depends on factors like
context, relationships and cultural norms governing appropriateness.

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