VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Communication is the act of transferring information from one place to another. It has two main
categories: (a) the spoken or verbal communication and (b) the nonverbal communication.
Verbal communication is the sharing of information between individuals by using speech. On the
other hand, nonverbal communication refers to the behavior and elements of speech aside from the words
themselves that transmit meaning. Non-verbal communication includes pitch, speed, tone, gestures, facial
expressions, body posture, proximity to the listener, eye movements and contact, and appearance.
The types of nonverbal communication are the following:
1. Facial expressions. The human face is extremely expressive, able to express countless emotions
without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are
universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same
across cultures.
2. Kinesics. Developed by anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell in the 1950s, kinesics is the study of body
movements and gestures.
a. Body movements and gesture. Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way
they sit, walk, stand up, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself communicates
a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal communication includes your
posture, bearing, stance, and subtle movements.
b. Gestures. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We wave, point, beckon, and use
our hands when we’re arguing or speaking animatedly—expressing ourselves with gestures often
without thinking. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different across cultures and
regions, so it’s important to be careful to avoid misinterpretation.
3. Haptics. This refers to the study of touching as a tool of nonverbal communication. We communicate
a great deal through touch. Think about the messages given by the following: a weak
handshake, a timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, kissing, high fives, a reassuring slap
on the back, a patronizing pat on the head, or a controlling grip on your arm.
4. Proxemics. This was a concept first developed by Edward T. Hall. Proxemics is the study of how
people perceive the physical spaces around them. The physical distance between two people can
be correlated to the relationship they share be it personal or social.

a. Intimate distance (0”-1.5’). This is usually seen amongst people who share intimate relationship.
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The distance includes embracing, touching or whispering amongst close ones.

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b. Personal distance (1.5’-4’). This is observed between good friends.

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 c. Social distance (4’-12’). This is observed amongst formal acquaintances, working colleagues or
business associates.
d. Public distance (12’ or more). This is used while interacting with strangers or also used while
speaking to the public.
5. Chronemics. It is the study of time usage in nonverbal communication. Chronemics states that the
way in which we perceive time and react to time is a powerful communication tool. Time perceptions
can be expressed through punctuality, willingness to wait, speed of speech or even the amount of time
people are willing to listen. According to chronemics, the timing and frequency of any action as well
as the tempo of communications within an interaction contribute to the process of nonverbal
communication.
6. Oculesics. It is the study of the role of eyes in nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone
can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also
important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.
7. Vocalics or Paralanguage. It is the study of nonverbal cues of the voice. Vocalics or paralanguage is
a part of nonverbal communication because it is not related to the content or verbal message but the
other attributes of speaking which include the pitch, tone, volume, rhythm and even the accent of the
speaker. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening to our words. Think
about how someone's tone of voice, for example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.
8. Artifacts – These are objects that a person or group uses. Clothes, accessories, gadgets and other forms
that an individual carries say something about who he or she is. Artifacts such as pictures, symbolic
objects and gifts say something about relationship and important experiences.

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

Communication breakdown is a lack of communication or a failure to exchange information.

Communication barriers
1. Perceptual and language differences. All generally want to receive messages which are significant
to them. But any message which is against their values is not accepted. A same event may be taken
differently by different individuals.
Example: A person is on leave for a month due to personal reasons (family member being critical).
The HR Manager might be in confusion whether to retain that employee or not.

Linguistic differences – Same word may mean different to different individuals.

a. What is the value of this Laptop?
b. I value our relation?
c. What is the value of learning technical skills?

2. Information Overload. It is essential to control the information flow else the information is likely to
be misinterpreted or forgotten or overlooked. As a result communication is less effective.
3. Inattention. At times we just not listen, but only hear.
Example: If a superior is engrossed in his paper work and his subordinate explains him his problem,
will the superior get what he is saying?
4. Time Pressures. Sufficient time must be given for effective communication.
Example: In a haste to meet deadlines, the formal channels of communication are shortened, or
messages are partially given, i.e., not completely transferred.
5. Distraction/Noise. Communication is also affected a lot by noise to distractions. Physical distractions
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are also there such as poor lighting, uncomfortable sitting, and unhygienic room. Similarly, loud
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speakers interferes with communication.

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6. Emotions. Emotional state at a particular point of time also affects communication.
Example: If the receiver feels that communicator is angry, he interprets that information being sent is
very bad.
7. Complexity in Organizational Structure. Greater the hierarchy in an organization, more is the
chances of communication getting destroyed.
8. Poor retention. Human memory cannot function beyond a limit. One can’t always retain what is being
told specially if he is no interested or not attentive.

CONVERSATIONAL STRATEGIES

1. Message adjustment or avoidance – involves tailoring your message to your competence, i.e.
saying what you can rather than what you want to, or nothing at all.
2. Paraphrase – describing or exemplifying the object or action whose name you don’t know: useful
routines are structures like something you can. . .with, a kind of…, etc.
3. Approximation – using an alternative term which expresses the meaning of the target word as
closely as possible.
E.g. ship for sailing boat, vegetable for turnip, buses for public transport
4. Appeal for help – eliciting the word you are looking for from your communication partner by asking
questions like What’s the word for…? or What do you call . . .?
5. Asking for repetition – when you have not heard or understood something.
E.g. Pardon? or Sorry, what’s the last word?
6. Asking for clarification – when something isn’t clear
E.g. What do you mean? or What are you saying or trying to say?
7. Interpretive summary – formulating the speaker’s message to check that you understood correctly.
Typical sentence beginnings are: You mean…? If I’ve understood correctly… So are you saying
that…?
8. Checking – whether the person has understood what you have said.
E.g. OK? Is that clear? Are you with me? Did you hear what I said? Are you still there? (over the
phone)
9. Use of fillers/hesitation devices – used to fill pauses, to stall, and to gain time to think when in
difficulty.
E.g. Well … Now let me see… The thing is…

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