What is the Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between verbal and nonverbal communication lies in the method of conveying messages. Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written words, while nonverbal communication involves conveying messages through gestures, body language, and other non-linguistic cues. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Method of communication: Verbal communication uses speech or spoken words to exchange information, emotions, and thoughts. Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, is silent and includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Effectiveness: Research has shown that about 80% of how we converse involves nonverbal communication, while only 20% involves verbal communication. This means that nonverbal cues can convey our feelings, attitudes, and actions more effectively than speaking.
- Characteristics: Verbal communication is characterized as finite, discrete, and single-channeled. In contrast, nonverbal communication is characterized as multi-channeled, continuous, and contextual defined.
- Examples: Examples of verbal communication skills include thinking before one speaks, knowing your audience, being precise and concise, being prepared to clarify in a friendly manner, and speaking clearly. Examples of nonverbal communication skills include a firm handshake, eye contact when communicating, smiling and/or nodding when someone is talking to indicate interest, leaning forward to indicate interest and engagement, and raising one's hand to indicate a desire to speak.
In summary, verbal communication involves the use of spoken words to convey messages, while nonverbal communication uses non-linguistic cues such as body language, gestures, and facial expressions. Both forms of communication are essential for effective interaction and can complement each other to convey a clear message.
Comparative Table: Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication
Here is a table highlighting the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication:
Aspect | Verbal Communication | Nonverbal Communication |
---|---|---|
Definition | Communication using sounds, words, and languages | Communication using body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice |
Medium | Language, words, sentences, and voice | Body language, facial expressions, gestures, and visual cues |
Channels | Single channel: human voice | Multiple channels: body, face, and tone of voice |
Examples | Phone calls, face-to-face conversations, loudspeakers, audio recordings | Communication only occurs when all parties can see each other |
Mode of Comm. | Linear and voluntary | Emphasizes or contradicts spoken words |
Cultural Differences | May have cultural nuances | Can vary significantly across cultures |
Scope | Covers a broad range of topics | More effective for expressing feelings and attitudes |
Both verbal and nonverbal communication are essential for expressing emotions, feelings, and attitudes, helping to improve the overall message being conveyed.
- Verbal vs Oral
- Language vs Communication
- Oral vs Written Communication
- Formal vs Informal Communication
- Communication vs Effective Communication
- Communication vs Interaction
- Animal vs Human Communication
- Language vs Communication Skills
- Communication vs Business Communication
- Interpersonal vs Communication Skills
- Communication vs Mass Communication
- Monologic vs Dialogic Communication
- Speech vs Language
- Sign Language vs Spoken Language
- Verbal vs Written Warning
- Sound vs Voice
- Receptive vs Expressive Language
- Verbs vs Nouns
- Serial vs Parallel Communication