Verbal communication is when someone speaks or writes words. Nonverbal communication is when information is sent from one person to another without using words.
Verbal communication, while a lot less subtle and nuanced, can be effective in some cases. For example, talking on the phone with someone who you may not know very well can be a great way to get information across that would be difficult through other means. In this situation, verbal communication is essential because it’s the most direct form of feedback that one person can give another.
Nonverbal communication often makes up for what verbal communications lack in nuance and subtlety. This type of communication depends more on facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice which can make it difficult for people to understand each other without context or experience in how that individual typically communicates.
What Is Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the spoken, written word that sends a message to a listener or listeners.
Most people believe verbal communication is the most powerful way to get their message across, but in reality it is only 40% of communication as a whole.
What Is Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is the transmission of information without words – through facial expressions, gestures, posture, tone of voice and more. Some people also use clothes, hair style and tattoos to communicate with others. Nonverbal communication can reveal a persons thoughts, feelings and intentions way before they take any action.
Key Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
The following points explain the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication in detail:
- The use of words in communication is verbal communication. The communication which is based on signs, not on words is non-verbal communication.
- There are very fewer chances of confusion in verbal communication between the sender and receiver. Conversely, the chances of misunderstanding and confusion in non-verbal communication can be high unless you understand the core principles of human behaviour analysis.
- In verbal communication, the interchange of the message is very fast which leads to rapid feedback. In opposition to this, the non-verbal communication is based more on understanding which takes time and hence it is comparatively slow.
- In verbal communication, the presence of both the parties at the place of communication is not necessary, as it can also be done over the phone. On the other hand, for an effective non-verbal communication, both the people must be there, at the time of communication.
- In verbal communication, the documentary evidence is maintained if the communication is formal or written. But, there is no conclusive evidence in case of non-verbal communication.
- Verbal communication fulfils the most natural desire of humans – talk. In the case of Non-verbal communication, feelings, status, emotions, personality, etc are very easily communicated, through the acts done by other people.
Verbal Communication Verbal communication is the use of words to convey a message.
Some forms of verbal communication are written and oral communication. Examples of Written Communication: -Letters -Texting -Emailing Examples of Oral Communication: -Face-to-face conversations -Speech -Radio
Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication is the use of body language to convey a message. One main form of nonverbal communication is body language. Examples of Body Language: -Covering mouth (gesture used to hide a smile or frown) -Head nod (agreement) -Finger tapping (impatient or tired of waiting) -Arms crossed over chest (gesture indicating defensiveness or stress)
What is Communication? Meaning, Definition, Types and Explanation
Communication is the process of sharing thoughts and information by using one or more of the following: words, gestures, sounds, signs or symbols. This can be done in person through spoken or written words, over a distance through writing, video chat or phone call. Communication can also be done at a distance without talking at all using sign language.
Summary
There are many ways to get your message across nonverbally or verbally. We tend to use both to enhance our communication styles and to drive the message home. If you have liked this blog post please check out our body language page or for more on the differences between verbal and nonverbal check out lumenlearning.com
