Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

3/31/23, 1:31 PM Verbal and Nonverbal Communication | Business Communication S…
Business Communication Skills for Managers
Module 1: Communicating in Business
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-businesscommunicationmgrs/chapter/verbal-and-… 1/7
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Discuss verbal communication and its role in business
Discuss nonverbal communication and its role in

business
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is perhaps the most obvious and understood

mode of communication, and it is certainly a powerful tool in your com-
munication toolbox. Put simply, verbal communication is the sharing of
information between two individuals using words.
Spoken versus Written Communication
While we typically focus on speech while talking about verbal communi-

cation, it’s important to remember that writing is also a form of verbal
communication. After all, writing uses words too!
Imagine for a moment that you’re a college student who is struggling

with material in a class. Rather than simply giving up, you decide that
you’re going to ask your instructor for the guidance you need to make it
through the end of the semester. Now, you have a few choices for using
verbal communication to do this. You might choose to call your instruc-
tor, if they’ve provided contact information, or talk to them in person after
class or during office hours. You may take a different approach and send
them an email. You can probably identify your own list of pros and cons
for each of these approaches. But really, what’s the difference between
writing and talking in these situations? Let’s look at four of the major dif-
ferences between the two:
1. Formal versus Informal: We generally use spoken

communication informally while we use written
communication formally.
2. Synchronous versus Asynchronous: Synchronous communication

is communication that takes place in real time, such as a conversa-
tion with a friend. In contrast, asynchronous communication
is communication that is not immediate and occurs over longer pe-
riods of time, such as letters, email, or even text messages.
3. Recorded versus Unrecorded: Written communication is

generally archived and recorded for later retrieval while spoken
communication is generally not recorded.
Benefits of Spoken Communication
Spoken communication can be a conversation, a meeting, or even a

speech. Spoken communication is powerful in that it allows for input
from every part of the social communication model. You encode your
thoughts into the spoken word and look to your audience to decode and
take the message in. You can ask for feedback directly to confirm under-
standing of your message.
In a world where we do most of our talking by email and text, spoken

communication is a breath of fresh air. Leverage the power of spoken
communication to create relationships—you can establish a rapport and
a sense of trust with your audience when you speak with them. Spoken
communication allows you to bond on a more emotional level with your
listeners.
Spoken communication also makes it easier to ensure understanding by

addressing objections and clearing up misunderstandings: you can ad-
just your message as you communicate it, based on the feedback you’re
getting from your audience. Spoken communication allows you to walk
away from a conversation with a higher degree of certainty that your
message was received.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Couldn't load https://items-

va.learnosity.com/v1.113.6/dist/api.js, Code: , Action:
ITEM_BANK_REQUESTED
Verbal communication is a powerful tool, and it’s made even more pow-
erful when paired with listening and nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal Communication
We’ve already employed a little bit of nonverbal communication with the

active listening skills we’ve previously discussed: nodding, facial expres-
sions, leaning toward the speaker to show interest—all of those are
forms of nonverbal communication. Body language can reinforce your
spoken message or it can contradict it entirely.
There’s a myth that says that when you speak, only 35 percent of your
communication is verbal and 65 percent of it is nonverbal. That’s not en-
tirely true because so much depends on the context and situation. It is,
however, absolutely true that nonverbal communication can make or
break your message.
Here are some types of nonverbal communication and the effects they
can have on the success of your communication:
Facial expressions: Your teenage cousin we referred to at the be-

ginning of this section might have told you he was happy, but his
apathetic facial expression may have communicated different infor-
mation. Facial expressions—happy, sad, angry—help you convey
your message. Be aware of your facial expression when you talk
and particularly when you listen, which is when it’s easy to forget.
Gestures: When you speak, a gesture can make your message

stronger. Pointing out something you want your listener to look at
more closely is an example of nonverbal communication that
makes your message understood. Motioning warmly toward a co-
worker who deserves special recognition, making a fist to show
frustration or anger, such gestures help further engage your audi-
ence when you speak.
Proximity: How close you are to your audience when you speak
sends a nonverbal message. If your size is imposing and you leave
a very small distance between you and your listener, it’s likely your
nonverbal communication will be a bit threatening. On the other
hand, giving someone too much space is an awkward nonverbal
communication that might confuse your listener.
Touch: Shaking an audience member’s hand, putting your hand on

his shoulder: these are nonverbal cues that can affect the success
of your message. Touch communicates affection, but it also com-
municates power. You can think about what kind of messages a job
applicant may send through a weak handshake versus a firm one
after having a job interview.
Eye contact: Making and maintaining eye contact with an audience

when you’re verbally communicating or listening communicates to
the other party that you’re interested and engaged in the conver-
sation. Good eye contact often conveys the trait of honesty to the
other party.
Appearance: Your clothing, hair, and jewelry are also a part of non-
verbal communication. If you put a dachshund pin on your lapel
each morning (because you have a pet dachshund), that says

something about you as a person. Similarly, the quality and condi-
tion of your clothing, how it fits, if it’s appropriate for the season—
all of these things speak nonverbally about you as a communicator.
Nonverbal communication reveals a lot about you as a communicator

and how you relate to other people. It pays to be aware of the elements
of your nonverbal communication so you can maximize the impact of
your message.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Couldn't load https://items-

va.learnosity.com/v1.113.6/dist/api.js, Code: , Action:
ITEM_BANK_REQUESTED
Contribute!
Did you have an idea for improving this content? We’d love
your input.
Improve this page Learn More
Previous Next

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication - Business Communication Skills For Managers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication - Business Communication Skills For Managers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication - Business Communication Skills For Managers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3/31/23, 1:31 PM Verbal and Nonverbal Communication | Business Communication S…

Business Communication Skills for Managers

Module 1: Communicating in Business

Discuss verbal communication and its role in business

Discuss nonverbal communication and its role in

Verbal communication is perhaps the most obvious and understood

Spoken versus Written Communication

While we typically focus on speech while talking about verbal communi-

Imagine for a moment that you’re a college student who is struggling

1. Formal versus Informal: We generally use spoken

2. Synchronous versus Asynchronous: Synchronous communication

3. Recorded versus Unrecorded: Written communication is

Benefits of Spoken Communication

Spoken communication can be a conversation, a meeting, or even a

In a world where we do most of our talking by email and text, spoken

Spoken communication also makes it easier to ensure understanding by

Couldn't load https://items-

We’ve already employed a little bit of nonverbal communication with the

Facial expressions: Your teenage cousin we referred to at the be-

Gestures: When you speak, a gesture can make your message

Touch: Shaking an audience member’s hand, putting your hand on

Eye contact: Making and maintaining eye contact with an audience

each morning (because you have a pet dachshund), that says

Nonverbal communication reveals a lot about you as a communicator

Couldn't load https://items-

You might also like