What does verbal and non-verbal mean? Functions of nonverbal communication

Communicationis an interaction between two or more people, which represents an exchange of information of a cognitive or emotional-evaluative nature. This exchange is ensured by non-verbal and verbal means of communication.

It seems that it could be easier to communicate through speech? But in reality this process is complex and ambiguous.

Verbal communicationis the process of exchanging information between people (or groups of people) using speech. Simply put, verbal communication iscommunication through words, speech.

Of course, in addition to transmitting specific “dry” information, during verbal communication peopleinteractwith each other emotionally andinfluenceat each other, conveying their feelings and emotions in words.

In addition to verbal, there are alsononverbalcommunication (transfer of information without words, through facial expressions, gestures, pantomimes). But this distinction is conditional. In practice, verbal and nonverbal communication are directly related to each other.

Body language always complements and “illustrates” speech. Pronouncing a certain set of words and trying to convey some of his ideas to his interlocutor through them, a person speaks with a certain intonation, facial expression, gesticulating, changing posture, and so on, that is, helping himself in every possible way and supplementing speech with non-verbal means of communication.

Althoughspeech– is a universal, rich and expressive means of information exchange; very little information is transmitted through it –less than 35%! Of these only 7% falls directly on the words, the rest is intonation, tone and other sound means. More65% information is transmitted using non-verbal means of communication!

The priority of non-verbal means of communication is explained by psychologists by the fact that the non-verbal channel of communication is simpler, evolutionarily more ancient, spontaneous and difficult to control (after all, non-verbalunconscious). And speech is the result of workconsciousness. Human realizesthe meaning of your words as you pronounce them. Before you say something, you can (and should) always think, but controlling your facial expression or spontaneous gesture is much more difficult.

The Importance of Verbal Communication

At personalIn emotional and sensory communication, non-verbal means of communication predominate (are more priority and important). INbusinessinteraction, what is more important is the ability to correctly, clearly, clearly convey your ideas verbally, that is, the ability to competently build your monologue, conduct a dialogue, understand and correctly interpret first of allspeechanother man.

The ability to competently express oneself and one’s personality through speech is very important in a business environment. Self-presentation, interviews, long-term cooperation, resolving disagreements and conflicts, finding compromises and other business interactions require the ability to communicate effectivelythrough words.

If personal relationships are impossible without emotions and feelings, then business communication is for the most partunemotional.If there are emotions in it, then they are either hidden or expressed in the most restrained, ethical form. Speech literacy and culture of verbal communication are mainly valued.

But even in matters of the heart, skill is very important.talk and negotiate! Long-term love, friendships and, of course, a strong family are built on the ability to speak, listen and hear each other.

Verbal means of communication

Oralspeech is the main and very important means of verbal communication, but not the only one. Speech is also distinguished as separate verbal means of communicationwritten And internalspeech (dialogue with oneself).

If you don’t need to learn non-verbal skills (these are innate skills), then verbal means of communication require the development of certainskills, namely:

perceive speech
listen and hear what the interlocutor says,
speak competently (monologue) and conduct a conversation (dialogue),
write correctly,
conduct internal dialogue.

EspeciallySuch communication skills are valued How:

ability to speak concisely, clearly formulating thoughts,
ability to speak briefly, to the point,
the ability not to deviate from the topic, to avoid a large number of “lyrical digressions”,
the ability to inspire, encourage, convince, motivate with speech,
the ability to interest in speech, to be an interesting conversationalist,
honesty, the habit of telling the truth and not uttering unverified information (which may turn out to be lies),
attentiveness during communication, the ability to retell what was heard as accurately as possible,
the ability to objectively accept and correctly understand what the interlocutor says,
the ability to “translate” the words of the interlocutor, determining for oneself their very essence,
the ability to take into account the level of intelligence and other individual psychological characteristics of the interlocutor (for example, not to use terms whose meanings the interlocutor probably does not know),
an attitude towards a positive assessment of the interlocutor’s speech and his personality, the ability to find a person’s good intentions even in negative words.

There are many other communication skills that are important to acquire for anyone who wants to be successful in their profession and happy in their personal life.

Barriers to verbal communication

No matter how wonderful an interlocutor you might become, you need to take into account that human speechimperfect.

Verbal communication is a mutual exchange of information in whichAlwaysthere are several barriers. The meaning of words is lost, changed, misinterpreted, deliberately changed, and so on. This is because information coming from the mouth of one person, coming to the second, overcomes several barriers.

Psychologist Predrag Micic in the book “How to Conduct Business Conversations”described a scheme for the gradual impoverishment of information during verbal communication.

Complete information (all 100%) that needs to be conveyed to the interlocutor is contained only in the mind of the speaker. Internal speech is more diverse, rich and deep than external speech, therefore, already during its transformation into external speech, 10% of the information is lost.

This is the first barrier to verbal communication, which Micic called“The limit of imagination.”A person cannot express everything he wants through words because of their limitations (compared to thoughts).

Second barrier -“Barrier of Desire.”Even a perfectly formulated thought to yourself cannot always be expressed out loud the way you want for various reasons, at least because you have to adapt to your interlocutor and take into account the situation of communication with him. At this stage, another 10% of information is lost.

The fourth barrier is purely psychological -“Relationship barrier”. What and how one person hears while listening to another depends on his attitude towards him. As a rule, out of 70% of the information heard, only 60% is understood by the interlocutor precisely for the reason that the need to logically comprehend what was heard is mixed with a personal attitude towards the speaker.

And finally, the last barrier -“Memory Capacity”. This is not so much a barrier to direct verbal communication as to human memory. On average, only approximately25-10% information heard from another person.

This is how out of 100% of the information that was originally in the mind of one person, only 10% is transferred to another.

That is why it is so important to convey your thought as accurately and completely as possible, to convey it clearly and unambiguously, to express it in words that are understandable to the interlocutor, to try to ensure that he hears, understands and remembers what was said.

Verbal communication is a mutually directed communicative action taking place between one individual, several subjects or more, which involves the broadcast of information of various directions and its reception. In verbal communicative interaction, speech is used as a communication mechanism, which is represented by language systems and is divided into written and oral. The most important requirement for verbal communication is clarity of pronunciation, clarity of content, and accessible presentation of thoughts.

Verbal communication can cause a positive or negative emotional response. That is why each individual simply needs to know and competently apply the rules, norms and techniques of speech interaction. For effective communications and success in life, any person should master the art of rhetoric.

Verbal and non-verbal communication

As you know, human beings are social. That is, the subject can never become a person without society. The interaction of subjects with society occurs through tools of communication (communication), which can be verbal and non-verbal.

Verbal and non-verbal means of communication ensure the communicative interaction of individuals around the world. Although a person has a primary thought, for its expression and understanding by other individuals, such an instrument of verbal communication as speech is needed, which puts thoughts into words. Indeed, for an individual, a phenomenon or concept begins to exist only if it acquires a definition or name.

The most universal means of communication between people is language, which is the main system that encodes information and an important communication tool.

With the help of words, a person makes clear the meaning of events and the meaning of phenomena, expresses his own thoughts, feelings, positions and worldview. Personality, its language and consciousness are inseparable. However, the vast majority of people treat language as they treat air, i.e. uses it without noticing. Language quite often overtakes thoughts or does not obey them.

During communication between people, barriers arise at every stage that impede the effectiveness of communication. Often on the path to mutual understanding is the use of identical words, gestures and other communication tools to define completely different phenomena, things, objects. Such barriers arise due to socio-cultural differences, psychological and other factors. Individual differences in human needs and their value systems often make it impossible to find a common language even when discussing universal topics.

Disturbances in the process of human communication interaction cause errors, blunders or failures in the encryption of information, underestimation of ideological, professional, ideological, religious, political, age and gender differences.

In addition, the following factors are incredibly important for human communications: context and subtext, style. So, for example, an unexpected familiar address or cheeky behavior can reduce the entire information richness of the conversation to zero.

However, most of the information about a communication partner is transmitted not through verbal tools, but through non-verbal means. That is, subjects get an idea of the interlocutor’s true feelings and his intentions not from his speech, but from direct observation of the details and manner of his behavior. In other words, interpersonal communication interaction is mainly carried out thanks to a whole complex of non-verbal tools - facial expressions and gestures, symbolic communicative signs, spatial and temporal boundaries, intonation and rhythmic characteristics of speech.

As a rule, nonverbal communications are the result not of conscious behavior, but of subconscious impulses. Verbal communication mechanisms are quite difficult to fake, which is why they should be trusted more than verbal formulations.

Verbal and non-verbal means of communication during the communication interaction of people are perceived simultaneously (at the same time), they should be considered as a single complex. In addition, gestures without the use of speech are not always consistent, and speech without facial expressions is empty.

Types of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication includes externally directed speech, which in turn is divided into written and oral, and internally directed speech. Oral speech can be dialogic or monologue. Inner speech manifests itself in preparation for oral conversation or, especially, for written speech. Written speech can be immediate or delayed. Direct speech occurs when exchanging notes, for example, at a meeting or lecture, and delayed speech occurs when exchanging letters, when quite a long time may pass to receive an answer. The conditions of communication in writing are strictly mediated by text.

Dactylic speech is also considered a unique form of verbal communication. This includes the manual alphabet, which is a replacement for oral speech and serves for the interaction of deaf or blind persons with each other and people familiar with dactylology. Dactylic speech signs replace letters and resemble letters in printed font.

Feedback affects the accuracy of the person receiving the information's understanding of the meaning of the speaker's statements. Feedback is established only on the condition that the communicator and the recipient alternate places. The recipient’s task is to use his statements to make it clear to the communicator how he perceived the meaning of the information. It follows that dialogical speech is a consistent change of roles in the communicative interaction of the speakers, during which the meaning of the speech utterance is revealed. A monologue speech, on the contrary, can last quite a long time, without being interrupted by remarks from other speakers. It requires preliminary preparation from the speaker. Monologue speech includes lectures, reports, etc.

Important components of the communicative aspect of communication are the ability to accurately and clearly express one’s own thoughts and the ability to listen. Since unclear formulation of thoughts leads to incorrect interpretation of what was said. And inept listening transforms the meaning of the transmitted information.

Verbal communication also includes the well-known type of interaction - conversation, interview, dispute and discussion, argument, meeting, etc.

Conversation is the verbal exchange of thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and information. A conversation (conversation) involves the presence of two or more participants whose task is to express their own thoughts and considerations on a given topic in a relaxed atmosphere. Participants in a conversation can ask each other questions in order to get acquainted with the position of the interlocutor or clarify unclear points that arose during the discussion. Conversation is especially effective when there is a need to clarify an issue or highlight a problem. An interview is a specially organized conversation on social, professional or scientific topics. A dispute is a public discussion or dispute on a socially important or scientific topic. A discussion is a public dispute, the result of which is the clarification and correlation of different points of view, positions, the search and identification of the correct opinion, and the finding of the desired solution to a controversial issue. Dispute is the process of exchanging opposing views. That is, it denotes any clash of positions, differences in beliefs and views, a kind of struggle in which each participant defends his own rightness.

Also, verbal communication is divided into verbal and interpersonal. carried out between several individuals, its result is the emergence of psychological contact and a certain relationship between those communicating. Verbal business communication is a complex multilateral process of developing contacts between people in the professional sphere.

Features of verbal communication

The main feature of verbal communication is that such communication is unique to humans. Verbal communication as an indispensable condition presupposes mastery of language. Thanks to its communicative potential, it is much richer than all types of nonverbal communication, although it is not able to completely replace it. The formation of verbal communications initially necessarily relies on non-verbal means of communication.

The main component of communication is words, which are taken on their own. Verbal interaction is considered the most universal way of transmitting thoughts. Any message constructed using a non-verbal sign system can be deciphered or translated into verbal human language. So, for example, a red traffic light can be translated as “no passage” or “stop.”

The verbal aspect of communication has a complex multi-level structure and can appear in different stylistic variations: dialect, colloquial and literary language, etc. All speech components or other characteristics contribute to the successful or unsuccessful implementation of a communicative act. In the process of communication, a person, from a wide range of various tools of speech interaction, chooses those tools that seem most appropriate to him for formulating and expressing his own thoughts in a specific situation. This is called a socially significant choice. Such a process is endless in its diversity.

Words in verbal communicative interaction are not ordinary signs used to name objects or phenomena. In verbal communication, entire verbal complexes, systems of ideas, religions, and myths characteristic of a particular society or culture are created and formed.

The way a subject speaks can form an idea for another participant in the interaction about who such a subject really is. This is more likely to occur when the communicator plays an established social role, for example, a company leader, a school director, a team captain, etc. Facial expressions, appearance, intonation will correspond to the status of the social role of the speaker and his idea of such a role.

The choice of verbal tools contributes to the creation and comprehension of certain social situations. So, for example, a compliment will not always indicate that a person looks good; it may simply be a kind of “communication move.”

The effectiveness and efficiency of verbal interaction is largely determined by the communicator’s level of mastery of oratory and his personal qualitative characteristics. Today, competent speech is considered the most important component of a person’s professional fulfillment.

With the help of speech, not just the movement of messages takes place, but also the interaction of participants in the communication process, who in a special way influence each other, guide, orient each other. In other words, they strive to achieve a certain behavioral transformation.

Despite the fact that speech is a universal tool of communicative interaction, it acquires meaning only when included in an activity. Speech must necessarily be supplemented by the use of non-speech sign systems for effective interaction. The communication process will be incomplete if non-verbal means are not used.

detailed information

Verbal and non-verbal language of communication exist together and help to express ourselves not only verbally, but also emotionally. Every people on earth has its own specific gestures, which in different cultures can mean completely opposite things. But despite this, they can be divided into several groups that express greeting, prohibition, distrust, approval or insult. You can also highlight:

illustrative gestures - instructions, signals, etc.;
regulatory gestures - nods, head movements, etc.;
emblem gestures - clenched hands indicating greeting, etc.;
adapting gestures - touching, stroking, moving objects, etc.;
affector gestures – express emotions;
micro gestures - reddening of the face, twitching of lips, etc.

Another significant means of verbal and non-verbal communication is. Thanks to her, a person seems to confirm or refute the words spoken. Psychologists say that when you don’t see the face of your interlocutor, you lose up to 15% of the necessary information. In this case, it would be appropriate to recall such a popular communication option today - social networks, chat, etc. Very often, a written word can convey completely different information, but that’s because you didn’t see the facial expressions of the person who wrote it. It helps to express an emotional state, such as joy, anger, disappointment, etc.

In addition, verbal and non-verbal methods of communication must take into account the person’s posture. For example, when your interlocutor crosses his arms or legs during a conversation, this may indicate that he is trying to close himself off from you, because he simply does not trust or is afraid. Thus, if you pay attention to a person’s posture, you can find out a lot of hidden information.

Particular attention must be paid to the look, it can be different:

If the gaze is fixed near the forehead of the interlocutor, then it implies a serious conversation and is called businesslike.
If the interlocutor’s gaze is located between the line of the eyes and lips, then this option is called secular.
If the interlocutor’s gaze stops in the area of the chest, neck or lips, then most likely it means sexual interest and is called intimate.
If your interlocutor looks at you sideways, this means that he is suspicious of you.

Even taking into account the significant difference between verbal and nonverbal communication, we can conclude that a person will not be able to get everything he needs and wants if he uses only one of the options. As they say, it is impossible to express all the information with gestures alone, and words without facial expressions and gestures are completely empty.

Psychologists say that when meeting people, a person pays most attention to non-verbal communication, and if, for example, facial expressions do not suit him, then whatever the interlocutor says, it will no longer matter to him.

Features of verbal and nonverbal communication

During a conversation, a person uses intelligence and logic to understand incoming information, but intuition is needed to perceive non-verbal communication. Often, many people can be lied to with words, but emotions, that is, facial expressions and gestures, are almost impossible to hide.

Each of us uses verbal and nonverbal behavior when communicating. We convey information not only through speech, but also through a variety of means. In this article we will take a closer look at verbal and non-verbal behavior. You will learn many interesting facts about communication, and also receive a number of valuable tips.

Verbal behavior

Verbal behavior involves communicating using words. From early childhood we are taught to express our thoughts logically, so an adult usually does not have problems expressing them. Ornate speech and eloquence are acquired with experience. However, only 7% of what we say is perceived by others through the meaning contained in the words. The rest is through non-verbal reactions and intonation. In business communication, oddly enough, the most important factor is the ability to listen, not speak. Unfortunately, not many of us have learned to pay attention to what our interlocutor says.

Listening to emotions and facts is listening to the message fully. By doing this, a person increases the likelihood that the information conveyed to him will be understood. In addition, by doing this he shows that he respects the message conveyed by the speaker.

Rules for Effective Communication Proposed by Keith Davis

Professor Keith Davis has outlined the following 10 rules for effective listening.

It is impossible to take in information when you are talking, so stop talking.
Help your interlocutor relax. It is necessary to make a person feel freedom, that is, to create a relaxed atmosphere.
The speaker should show your willingness to listen. You should act and look interested. When listening to another, try to understand him, and not look for reasons for objections.
Annoying moments must be eliminated. Avoid tapping on the table, drawing, or shuffling papers while communicating. Perhaps information will be perceived better with the door closed?
The speaker should empathize. To do this, try to imagine yourself in his place.
Be patient. Don't interrupt your interlocutor, don't waste time.
Keep your temper. If a person is angry, he gives the wrong meaning to his words.
Avoid criticism and controversy. This puts the person speaking on the defensive. He may also become angry or silent. No need to argue. In fact, you will lose if you win the argument.
Ask your interlocutor questions. This will encourage him and show him that he is being listened to.
And finally, stop talking. This advice comes first and last, since all the others depend on it.

In addition to the ability to effectively listen to your interlocutor, there are other ways to improve the art of communication. Before communicating ideas, you need to clarify them, that is, you should systematically analyze and think about the issues, ideas or problems you plan to communicate to another. If you want to achieve success in your career or personal life, it is very important to take into account the various features of interpersonal interaction. Researchers say that, along with verbal (verbal) communication, it is necessary to take into account the non-verbal language that people use.

Nonverbal language

It should be noted that this concept presupposes not only control of one’s behavior, the ability to interpret facial expressions and gestures of a partner, but also the zone of a person’s personal territory, its mental essence. In addition, this concept includes the national characteristics of the behavior of the interlocutors, their relative position in the communication process, the ability of partners to decipher the meaning of the use of such aids as cigarettes, glasses, lipstick, umbrella, mirror, etc.

Nonverbal behavior

When we think about communication, we think first of all about language. However, it is only part of the means of communication, and perhaps not the main one in such a process as communication. Nonverbal behavior often plays an even larger role. When communicating, we use many ways to convey our feelings, thoughts, aspirations and desires to the people around us. Such means of communication are called non-verbal. This means that no words or sentences are used in them. Communication, considered in a broad sense, occurs not only verbally.

Nonverbal communication channels

They can be divided into two categories. The first is nonverbal behavior, and the second is characteristics unrelated to it.

“Nonverbal” behavior includes all types of behavior (except the utterance of words) that take place in the process of communication. This includes:

posture, orientation and tilt of the body;
gestures and leg movements;
pitch, tone of voice and its other vocal characteristics, intonation and pauses, speed of speech;
touching;
communication distance;
gaze as well as visual attention.

Thus, nonverbal behavior includes both what we usually associate with active self-expression and what relates to more subtle and less striking manifestations.

As for non-behavioral, it covers many signals and sources of messages that cannot be inferred directly from behavior. It is interesting that interpersonal communication is influenced by such little things as the type of clothing we use, the time of day, the architectural structures where we work and live, and the cosmetic changes we make to our appearance. All this is defined as hidden. Such non-behavioral moments in the communication process convey information to the interlocutor along with non-verbal behavior and language. Verbal and nonverbal communication when we perceive a person form a single whole.

Nonverbal behavior is a rather complex and deep topic in psychology. However, some points are not at all difficult to remember and take into account in everyday life. Below are some features of nonverbal behavior, the ability to interpret which is very important for

Gestures and postures

Movements of the body and hands convey a lot of information about a person. In particular, they reveal the immediate emotional reactions of the individual and the state of his body. They allow the interlocutor to judge what kind of temperament a person has, what kind of reactions he has (strong or weak, inert or mobile, slow or fast). In addition, body movements and various postures reflect many character traits, a person’s degree of self-confidence, impetuosity or caution, looseness or tightness. The social status of the individual is also reflected in them.

Such expressions or “stand half-bent” are not just descriptions of poses. They determine what psychological state an individual is in. It should also be noted that gestures and posture are non-verbal human behavior in which the cultural norms acquired by the individual are manifested. For example, if a man is well-mannered, he will not talk while sitting if his interlocutor is a woman and she is standing. This rule applies regardless of how a man evaluates the personal merits of a given woman.

Signs that are transmitted by the body are very important during the first meeting, since aspects of the personality of the interlocutor’s character do not appear immediately. For example, if you are applying for a job, you should sit up straight during the interview. This will demonstrate your interest. You should also look your interlocutor in the eyes, but not too persistently.

The following is regarded as an aggressive body position: a person is in tension, he is ready to move. The body of such a person is moved slightly forward, as if he is preparing to throw. This pose seems to signal that aggression is possible on his part.

Gestures play a very important role in communication. To attract attention, you can wave your hand invitingly. You can make an irritable dismissive gesture, twirl your hand at your temple. Applause means gratitude or greeting. A handclap or two is a way to get attention. Interestingly, clapping was used to attract the attention of the gods in a number of pagan religions (before sacrifice or prayer). Actually, modern applause came from there. The arsenal of meanings that were and are transmitted by hand clapping is very wide. This is understandable, because this gesture is one of the few that produce sound, and quite loudly.

Facial expressions

Facial expressions are nonverbal behavior of a person, which consists in a person’s use of his face. We are able to isolate and interpret the most subtle movements of the facial muscles. Sign features have the position or movement of various features of the face. For example, we raise our eyebrows in surprise, fear, anger or greeting. It is known that Aristotle studied physiognomy.

Facial expressions in animals and primitive people

It should be noted that not only humans, but also higher animals have facial expressions as non-verbal communicative behavior. Although the grimaces of apes are similar to those of humans, they often express different meanings. In particular, grinning, which humans might mistake for a smile, conveys threat in monkeys. The animal raises its gums to show off its fangs. Many mammals (wolves, tigers, dogs, etc.) do the same.

By the way, this sign of threat, apparently, was once characteristic of humans. This confirms that a grin among a number of primitive peoples is not only a smile, but also a sign of bitterness or threat. For these peoples, fangs subconsciously still serve as military weapons. By the way, in modern culture the memory of this meaning of such a grimace has been preserved: there is a phraseological unit “show teeth”, the meaning of which is “to demonstrate a threat or resistance.”

Signals sent by the eyes

Signals sent by the eyes also relate to facial expressions. Women are known to shoot their eyes when flirting. You can say “yes” by blinking your eyelashes. An open, direct look into the eyes of the interlocutor is considered a sign of a free and strong person. This view has its biological roots. Among primitive peoples, as well as in the animal world, it is often a challenge. Gorillas, for example, tolerate people near them, but a person should not look into the eyes of the leader, since the latter will regard this as an encroachment on his leadership in the herd. There are known cases when a cameraman was attacked by a male gorilla, because the animal thought that the flashing camera lens was a challenge, a direct look into the eyes. And today in human society such non-verbal behavior is considered courageous. It is known that when people are unsure of themselves, when they are timid, they look away.

Tactile communication

This includes patting, touching, etc. The use of such elements of communication indicates status, mutual relations, as well as the degree of friendship between the interlocutors. Relationships between close people are expressed in stroking, hugging, kissing. Relationships between friends often involve pats on the shoulder and handshakes. Teenagers, like baby animals, sometimes imitate fights. This is how they fight for leadership in a playful way. Such relationships between teenagers are expressed in kicks, pokes or grabs.

It should be noted that the signs conveyed by nonverbal means of communication (touch, posture, facial expressions, etc.) are not as unambiguous as the words we pronounce. Most often they are interpreted taking into account the situation, that is, the conditions in which they are observed.

Clothing as a way of nonverbal communication

In communication between people, some other methods of non-verbal communication are known. For example, these include jewelry and clothing. Let's say if an employee came to work in smart clothes, we can assume from this sign that today is his birthday or he has an important meeting ahead. The use of clothing as a means of communication is often practiced in politics. For example, the cap of Luzhkov, the former mayor of Moscow, announced that he was a mayor “of the people,” a “hard worker” mayor.

Thus, nonverbal behavior of a person in psychology can be considered in many aspects. This phenomenon is of interest not only to scientists, but also to ordinary people. It is not surprising, because the culture of nonverbal behavior, like the culture of speech, is used in everyday life. The ability to correctly interpret words and gestures is useful to everyone. A deep understanding of the meaning of people's verbal/non-verbal behavior contributes to effective communication.

It is no secret that gestures, facial expressions, postures, and glances are full-fledged means of communication. After all, all of them, along with speech and writing, allow people to exchange information with each other. But, alas, not every one of us can recognize and correctly interpret such signals.

Definitions

Verbal communication

Verbal communication– a type of interpersonal speech communication. Can be oral and written. The main requirements are clarity of content, clarity of pronunciation and accessibility of the presentation of thoughts. Language as a system for encoding information is the most important tool of communication. With its help, a person describes various things and events, expresses his own opinion, demonstrates feelings and emotions. However, this communication tool becomes meaningful only when it is included in some activity. That is, all kinds of signs that increase the efficiency of interaction are mandatory additions to words. It is worth noting that dactylic speech, used during a “conversation” between two deaf and mute people, also belongs to the category of verbal communication. After all, gestures in it act as a replacement for letters.

Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication– a type of communication interaction without the use of words. It is the process of transmitting information through images, facial expressions, gestures, postures, touches, etc. That is, the human body is the instrument of such communication. It has a wide range of methods and means of messaging, including any form of self-expression. It is quite obvious that the most important condition for effective nonverbal interaction is the correct interpretation of signals. Knowing body language not only helps you better understand your interlocutor, but also allows you to predict his reaction to a subsequent statement. According to scientists, nonverbal communication accounts for more than 50% of all transmitted information. Whereas words are allocated about 7%. The intermediate link between them is occupied by sound means (voice timbre, intonation). By the way, handshakes, hugs, touches are also means of communication interaction.

Comparison

As follows from the definitions, the main difference between types of communication lies in the method of transmitting information. Verbal communication refers to the use of spoken or written language. That is, interlocutors exchange information, putting it into words. This type of interaction is typical only for people. The basis of nonverbal communication is body language. The main tools of communication in this case are gestures, postures, facial expressions, and touches. With their help, a person can say a lot without even using speech. At the same time, the language of facial expressions and gestures is inherent in both people and animals. For example, a dog expresses its joy by wagging its tail, while a cat, on the contrary, expresses irritation. An animal grin is a warning signal, and a guilty glance from under his brows is a sign of repentance. And there can be many such examples.

Surprisingly, nonverbal communication is much more truthful than verbal communication. The fact is that often we are simply not able to control our gestures and facial expressions. They seem to come from within and become a reflection of our true feelings and experiences. Oral and written speech can be deliberately false. It is much easier to deceive a person during a telephone conversation or online communication than when talking with him in person. Indeed, in the latter case, it is possible to follow the opponent’s facial expressions and gestures and notice their discrepancies with speech. For example, if the interlocutor presents his version of events without looking you in the eye and nervously fiddling with an object in his hands, it means that he has something to hide. Thus, it is much easier to deceive with words than with facial expressions and gestures.

Another difference between verbal and nonverbal communication is the perception of information. For example, in order to correctly grasp the meaning of the interlocutor’s speech, we need to use our mind and logic. Whereas when recognizing gestures and facial expressions, intuition comes to the rescue. One more point: if during verbal interaction between people a speech barrier may arise in the form of cultural or national differences, misunderstanding of the meaning of certain terms, then in the case of non-verbal communication this rarely happens. After all, regardless of a person’s location, his open, wide smile will be perceived as a sign of cordiality and friendliness, and a wave of his hand will become a symbol of greeting. Of course, overcoming the speech barrier can sometimes be very difficult. But once in a foreign country, we can always communicate with local residents using gestures, which indicates the high efficiency of such communication.

To summarize, what is the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication.

Verbal communication	Non-verbal communication
Involves the use of spoken or written language	It's all about body language
Words are the main instrument	Built on facial expressions, gestures, touches
Can be deceitful and insincere	Becomes a reflection of our true feelings and experiences
Can be controlled by humans	Often acts as an unconscious manifestation
To perceive information you need to use your mind and logic	When recognizing gestures, intuition comes to the rescue
A speech barrier often arises between people due to a lack of understanding of the meaning of what was said.	Highly effective and easy to interpret
Only human	Characteristic of both humans and animals