Types and Elements of

Communication
Nyarangi Juliet
 Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
i. State the types of communication
ii. Discuss the types of communication with
relevant examples
iii. Discuss the elements of communication
iv. Outline the characteristics of an effective
communication
 Types of Communication

 Verbal
– Intra verbal: intonation of words and sound
– Extra verbal: implication of words and phrases

 Non-verbal
– Gestures
– Postures and movements

 Symbolic/ paraverbal
 Communication

• 7% words
• These are labels that listeners interpret

• 38% paralinguistic
• The way something is said; accent, tone

• 55% body language

• What the speaker looks like while delivering
 Verbal Communication

• Includes spoken and written word

– Tone
– Volume
– Cadence- pace and rate of speech
– Cultural differences
– Jargon
– slang
 Written communication

• Written communication skills are equally important.

• Clear and concise writing skills

• Important to communicate effectively within a

multidisciplinary team and ensuring consistent,
quality care, but also to comply with the legal
requirement to maintain comprehensive client care
records.
 Non-verbal Communication

• Include behaviors that express messages without the

use of words
• Includes:
– Body movement
– Physical appearance
– Personal space
– Touch
– Body language
• Should be consistent with spoken word
• Cultural considerations
 Non-verbal Communication

Body language includes:

• Posture
• Eye contact
• Body position
• Gestures
• Facial expression
• Movement
Cultural considerations
• Eye contact
• Gender differences
 Non-verbal Communication Skills

Ways of using these skills effectively:

1) Eye contact
2) Facial expressions
3) Gestures
4) Posture and body orientation
5) Proximity
6) Paralinguistic
 Non-verbal Communication:
Eye Contact
• The eyes are most expressive and direct part of our
body.
Action Result
Direct eye contact Confidence/ listening
Looking downwards Listening carefully/
guilt/shame
Single eyebrow raised Doubt, skepticism
Both eyebrows raised Admiring, encouragement
Bent eyebrows Sudden focus, intensity
Tears Emotional- joy/ pain
 Non-verbal Communication: Facial
Expression
• Smiles constitute the largest part of facial expression
• It transmits:
– Happiness
– Friendliness
– Warmth
– Liking
– Interest
– Sadness
– Affiliation
 Non-verbal Communication:
Gestures
• Movement of body parts when communicating
Action Interpretation
Crossed arms pulled against Non-acceptance or lack of
the body desire
Head nods Positive reinforcement to
show that to you are listening
Head in hands Boredom
Hands on hips Aggression or feeling that you
are in control

• If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be

perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated.
 Non-verbal Communication: Body
Posture and Orientation
• You communicate numerous messages by the way
you walk, talk, stand and sit.
Action Interpretation
Slumped shoulders and Lack of confidence/ low self-
looking downwards esteem

Standing erect, but not rigid Approachable, receptive and

and leaning slightly forward friendly

Speaking with back turned Disinterest

Fidgeting Disinterest or boredom
Sit facing the person you are Interest and attentiveness
talking to
 Non-verbal Communication:
Proximity
• Cultural norms dictate a comfortable distance for
interaction with audience

• You should look for signals of discomfort caused by

invading your audience‘s space

• Some of these are:

– rocking
– leg swinging
– tapping
– gaze aversion
– sitting back
– clasping hands behind head
 Non-verbal Communication:
Paralinguistic
• Vocal elements, such as:
– Tone

– Pitch

– Rhythm

– Timbre

– Loudness

– Inflection
 Paraverbal communication

• Communicating not by what you say, but how you

say it.
• It adds meaning to a message
• Include:
– Voice pitch/voice tone (is voice flat or monotone?)
– Rate of speech (how fast or slow one talks)
– Cadence/rhythm of voice
– Volume
– Inflection
 Elements of communication

• Facial expression – conveys non-verbal messages

• Posture - indicates anxiety, relaxation, and negative or

positive self-image

• Gestures – indicates openness and a willingness to

listen

• Touch - can communicate a sense of caring or can be

perceived as hostile
 Elements of communication

• Physical appearance and artifacts

• This may include the client’s environment, grooming,

or use of clothing and jewelry

• They convey non-verbal messages that enhance or

hinder the spoken words.
 Elements of communication
• Empathy-understanding and sharing feelings

• Trust-client’s belief in the competency of the nurse

• Honesty-ability to be sincere and truthful

• Validation-listening and responding congruently

• Caring-emotional involvement
 Characteristics of an Effective
Communication
• Specific rather than general
• Descriptive
• Provided in a supportive and non-threatening manner
• Given in a timely manner
• Usable and appropriate to client’s needs
• Clear and unambiguous
• Direct and honest
 References

• Alder, A. (1963). The practice and Theory of

Individual Psychology. Peterson, NY: Littlefield
Adams.
• Kourkouta, L., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2018).
Communication in nursing practice. Materia socio-
medica, 26(1), 65.
THANKYOU!