Communication involves multiple levels of meaning. Your posture, attitude and eye contact affect a listener as much as your word choice and diction. If you develop an understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication, you will be a better listener and speaker. Knowing the basics of communication helps you interpret what others are saying more readily and teaches you how to package your meaning in the clearest way.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the use of spoken language to relate meaning to others. A language involves words and grammatical rules. It can also involve more subtle aspects, such as knowing which words are inappropriate in certain cultural situations. Language development in humans begins early. A child quickly learns to match meanings with the sounds it hears and how to form sounds on its own, according to the University of Louisville.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication includes the volume and tone of a speaking voice, bodily behaviors and physical methods of communication. One powerful aspect of nonverbal communication is facial expression, which can convey happiness, warmth, anger, amusement and many other emotions. Other signals include averted gaze, finger tapping and fidgeting, which convey boredom or inattention. Direct eye contact, on the other hand, indicates engagement with another person.
Other Types
Nonverbal communication also includes sounds that are not words with specific meanings but still act as a message. For example, whistling in the direction of passersby signals that you wish to gain their attention. Clearing your throat indicates an intention to speak. Sighing indicates frustration or tiredness. A "shhh" sound tells people to be quiet. Clapping announces approval. Note that the exact meanings of nonverbal communications vary among different cultures. Some communications that are acceptable in one culture are highly offensive in others.
Function
Although verbal communication is a powerful means of expression by itself, it usually works in concert with nonverbal communication. For example, a speaker giving a speech to a large group of people uses word choice, eye contact, hand gestures, volume changes and a host of other techniques to relate a specific message. Interpersonal communication, such as occurs among family members and friends, involves high levels of listening, comprehension and etiquette.
Considerations
Physical signals that accompany verbal communication can alter the meaning of the message. For example, holding both hands near your mouth while you talk indicates that you wish to make yourself heard over background noise. Smirking while answering a question indicates playfulness or disrespect. Raising your eyebrow indicates disbelief or amusement. Shaking your head tells the other person that you disagree with whatever is happening. Nodding indicates acceptance or agreement.
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