Difference Between Verbal And Non Verbal Communication

Difference Between Verbal And Non-Verbal Communication: Communication is the act of exchanging information, thoughts, or ideas with others. Effective communication takes place when this exchange is meaningful and clearly understood by all parties involved. In other words, communication happens when people perceive and comprehend the meaning behind words, sentences, or even physical actions.

Did you know that whether you're speaking or not, you're still sending a message to others? This is because communication can happen in two main forms: verbal and non-verbal.

Let us briefly explore both:

• Verbal communication involves the use of words, either spoken or written, to share information.

• Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, conveys meaning without the use of words. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, eye contact, tone of voice, and other non-written, non-spoken cues.

In this article, we’ve outlined the key differences between verbal and non-verbal communication to help you better understand how both play a role in everyday interactions.

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Difference Between Verbal And Non Verbal Communication:

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Let us now talk about the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication in detail-

Difference Between Verbal And Non-Verbal Communication: Verbal Communication

What is verbal communication can be answered by saying that it is any form of communication in which the speaker utilises words, either spoken or written, to convey their message to the recipient. It is the most efficient method of communication for facilitating the quick exchange of data and feedback. Because the parties' communication is straightforward and they use words to explain everything, there are fewer risks of miscommunication.

After learning what verbal communication is, let us talk about the 2 types of verbal communication:

• Formal Communication: Also known as official communication, it is a kind of information exchange in which the sender uses a pre-established channel to deliver information to the recipient.

• Informal Communication: Also known as grapevine communication, informal communication is any exchange of information in which the sender does not use any established channels to deliver the information.

While informal communication may not always adhere to the structured framework of rules and guidelines, formal communication is carried out in a structured manner utilising clearly established rules and criteria.

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Example for Verbal Communication: To receive more information on a prescription that was written for her, Vatsya calls the doctor. She clearly mentions her name and the reason she is calling. She makes sure to utilise appropriate medical jargon appropriate for her target audience, the doctor. She uses a loud voice and speaks clearly so the doctor can understand her.

Difference Between Verbal And Non-Verbal Communication: Non-Verbal Communication

Since non-verbal communication employs signs to transmit messages from sender to receiver instead of words, it depends on the mutual comprehension of the people involved. So, if the recipient fully comprehends the information and then provides appropriate feedback, the communication is successful.

When parties do not speak, this communication often serves as a supplement to verbal communication to grasp their attitudes and positions. This is an act of understanding. For instance, when an HR recruiter revises a wage offer after making one and attempt to analyse the candidate's facial expression throughout the interview. The following are several components of non-verbal communication:

• Chronemics: Chronemics is the use of time in communication. It speaks about the sender's or receiver's characteristics, such as punctuality, speech pace, etc.

• Vocals: The volume, tone, and pitch the sender uses to convey information to the recipient is referred to as vocals.

• Haptics: The expression of thoughts and feelings through touch in communication.

• Kinesics: The study of a person's body language, including their motions, postures, and facial expressions, among other things.

• Proxemics: The distance that a person keeps when speaking to others sends information about the type of relationship they have with those people, including social, personal, intimate, and public.

• Artefacts: A person's look, including the clothes they wear, the jewellery they wear, their manner of life, etc., can reveal a lot about who they are.

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Example For Non-verbal Communication: Manav claims to be thrilled about the new class he has recently started, but he consistently arrives to class late, unprepared, and exhausted. His eyes are always darting about, he has not dressed appropriately for the class, and he sits with a lousy leaned-back posture. His verbal and nonverbal communication is inconsistent.

As someone once remarked, "Actions speak louder than words", verbal and non-verbal communication do not conflict with one another; rather, they complement one another. In other words, both work together to enable a person to engage with and connect to other people.

We utilise words to communicate, thus verbal communication is obviously vital to daily life. But have you ever considered the fact that a young child, unable to express himself verbally or through language, instead uses signals to express his joy, happiness, and sorrow? Thus, non-verbal communication is important in many people's lives.

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