When knowledge is successfully transmitted from one person, group, or place to another through writing, speaking, or using a means that facilitates meaningful learning, it is called communication. Every communication includes at least one sender, receiver, and message in every transaction. These include thoughts, the surrounding environment, the mode of communication, and even geographic area. Communication can be divided into verbal and nonverbal forms.
As a function of communication, people become more integrated and friendly. Developing effective communication skills can make your personal life more convenient and improve your connections with others by encouraging common agreement. A critical characteristic of management is communication. In this post, we will discuss everything about verbal and nonverbal communication.
Verbal communication vs. nonverbal communication: Differentiating through definitions
While there are various types of communication, each type has its benefits in different circumstances. Therefore, individuals need to understand the right meaning and application of verbal and nonverbal communication in everyday life.
1. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication uses spoken words to convey certain information to a receiver. “Oral communication” refers to behaviors like talking, chuckling, or observing. Verbal language helps individuals deal with a diverse range of circumstances. When it comes to the verbal component of communication, everything focuses on the words individuals use and how they are perceived and accepted. Verbal communication includes Face-to-face Communication, Virtual Communication.
2. Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication involves the exchange of thoughts or information through nonverbal cues, including body posture, mannerisms, and social gestures like eye contact and facial movements. You can learn about someone’s sentiments, emotions, and even crucial necessities by observing their non-verbal indications. Multiple signals may be utilized when a verbal message is damaged or delayed by loudness, interference, or location. Non- Verbal Communication includes Eye Contact, Body Language.
Verbal communication: Upsides & downsides
Communication is carried out by various means throughout the world. Understanding the difference between each type of communication is crucial to understanding its effect on relationships. Here is an opportunity for you to learn about the upsides and downsides of both types of communication and choose the type that best suits any given circumstance.
Upsides
1. Conveys Message Effectively
Since individuals are involved in verbal communication, they are more likely to use different types of statements to communicate information. As a result, individuals can involve the straightforward conveyance of information by minimizing efforts through other forms of communication.
2. Promotes Privacy
Individuals do not have to type emails or send nonverbal cues leading to misleading information or messages received by the wrong receiver. This enhances privacy and allows individuals to strike one-to-one communication, eliminating the risks in case of sensitive information.
3. Offers Immediate Feedback
Imagine waiting for the feedback on the presentation sent through virtual modes. It takes time to receive the actual feedback, and individuals may lose interest after a certain time. Verbal communication helps individuals receive quick responses. Motivating feedback verbally enhances work productivity, and individuals stay inspired throughout the process.
Downsides
1. Distorts Lengthy Information
Verbal communication is effective when the information is short and can be understood by the recipient. In case of lengthy information filled with data, deadlines, or specific requirements, verbal communication might not work well. Individuals cannot comprehend everything they hear without taking notes. In this case, the information is distorted as certain parts are well received while some parts are not delivered per the sender’s expectations.
2. Leads to Misinterpretations
Verbal communication can be tricky when certain important messages must be communicated to the recipient. This is because verbal communication highly depends on how the receiver perceives the message. Individuals face the challenge as verbal communication involves the thought process and understanding of the receiver to decode the4 information. During this process, the receiver may misunderstand it leading to a loss of time and energy.
3. Results in Usage of Wrong Language
As verbal communication depends on language, individuals may go completely wrong with its usage. Important meetings, discussions, or conferences, can turn upside down due to miscommunication or language error by any individual. Even when individuals aspire to communicate their intention, language, tone, pitch, and wrong usage of words can lead to loss of reputation in any given situation.
Difficulties in verbal communication
The learning difficulties of verbal communication are problems that may arise in the development or use of spoken language. These difficulties can make it hard for a person to understand what others are saying, express themselves clearly, and follow conversations.
Verbal communication involves the use of spoken language to exchange information between individuals. It is a complex process that requires the coordinated use of many different skills, including the ability to understand and produce speech sounds, correctly use grammar, and choose appropriate words.
People with learning difficulties in verbal communication may have difficulty with one or more of these skills. For example, they may have trouble producing certain speech sounds, understanding complex grammatical structures, or finding the right words to express themselves.
The severity of learning difficulties in verbal communication can vary greatly from one person to the next. There are many possible causes of learning difficulties in verbal communication such as hearing impairment or cognitive impairments. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
There is no single treatment for learning difficulties in verbal communication. The approach that is taken will depend on the individual’s needs and the severity of their difficulties. For example, some people may benefit from speech therapy, while others may need special education or support.
The learning difficulties of verbal communication can significantly impact a person’s life but with the right support, people can learn to communicate effectively and lead fulfilling lives.
Nonverbal communication: Upsides & downsides
Upsides
1. Creates Effective Impact
Nonverbal communication is a great way to communicate feelings, as individuals are likelier to empathize with feelings expressed through this form. Because we automatically pay greater attention to non-verbal cues like body posture, tone of voice, and body language than verbal commands, non-verbal communication can frequently be more productive than verbal communication.
2. Promotes Common Ground
A vital aspect of life that is ignored is nonverbal communication for differently abled people. Verbal communication is quick and comprehensive for most individuals. However, some people have difficulty communicating simply because they cannot speak, read lips, or hear clearly. Nonverbal signs of communication are incredibly helpful to people who have disabilities
3. Helps build a Visual Appeal
One of the good aspects of nonverbal communication is the message it delivers through a visual appeal. For example, individuals can simply feel inspired by a quote on hard work mentioned at the office entrance. In addition, as nonverbal communication can be conducted through colorful presentations, audio, videos, and infographics, it is more likely to grasp the audience’s attention.
Downsides
1. Disrupts Real Meaning
When the sender uses unknown non-verbal cues, the receiver is likely to not understand the message. Nonverbal communication has a heightened risk of misunderstanding information since nonverbal gestures or signs have various interpretations. These interpretations are sometimes based on the receiver’s perspective. Hence, it disturbs relationships as it creates inconvenience in decoding the message.
2. Creates Cultural Differences
Every other part of the world operates in a completely different manner. In this case, nonverbal communication can hamper personal or business relationships due to unawareness. In addition, nonverbal clues are frequently culturally specific. As a result, nonverbal clues from one culture cannot be applied to another. Even though some indicators are universal.
3. Eliminates Proper Explanation
Nonverbal communication transfers information through cues. Hence, the sender might not be able to comprehend exactly the message’s intention. Likewise, without a proper explanation, the receiver might not be able to decode the real intention of the message. For example, an email might have instructions but no guidelines to follow, resulting in improper explanations and errors.
Difficulties in non-verbal communication
One of the challenges people face when trying to communicate effectively is overcoming the difficulties associated with nonverbal communication. Because body language and other nonverbal cues are often more important than words in conveying meaning, it can be challenging to know how to interpret what someone is trying to say.
There are a few things you can do to try to overcome the difficulties associated with nonverbal communication. One is to pay attention to the context in which the communication occurs. If you know the person well, you may be able to pick up on some subtle cues that you would otherwise miss. Another thing you can do is to ask questions if you’re not sure what someone means. This can help to clarify the situation and ensure that you are both on the same page.
Finally, it’s important to remember that nonverbal communication is often culture-specific. What might be considered polite or appropriate in one culture may be seen as offensive in another. If you’re communicating with someone from a different culture, it’s important to be aware of these differences and adjust your nonverbal communication accordingly.
Final word
While verbal and nonverbal communication has their difficulties and differences, individuals need to analyze the situation before applying either. It is crucial to step into the world with awareness of different forms of communication. When individuals learn the art of applying a specific type of communication, they are more likely to successfully transfer information and build good relationships. It is also an individual’s responsibility to understand people and their perspectives before choosing verbal or nonverbal communication. Individuals should often try and test which style works best for them to enhance understanding.
Armed with a degree in Psychotherapy, CBT and Happiness coaching I have been a counselor for troubled children and their parents for over 4 years. Having a dyslexic child at home made the journey more personal. I have worked at Manovikas kendra for a year as a part time volunteer. In the process I have helped many children overcome learning disabilities and other psychological constraints to lead a fulfilling life! My most tangible victory is my dyslexic child has completed her plus two with over 80% marks and now has trained as a chef from the best college in Asia.