Verbal communication occurs between two parties. It can be from one person to another, or it can be from one person to a group. Verbal communication can occur either orally, through the act of speaking, or through writing, such as e-mails, books and articles. Some characteristics of verbal communication include words, language and vocal tone, according to the University of Louisville College of Business.
Words
Verbal communication involves giving and receiving verbal messages between yourself and another individual or among a group of people, according to the University of Pittsburgh. Words are the tools for verbal communication between two parties, according to the University of Louisville College of Business.
Language
The term “language” in reference to verbal communication does not apply to just the language of a particular nation or culture, but includes the meaning that different people can attribute to different words. Even within the same language, two people may experience a misunderstanding depending on the meaning they attribute to certain words, according to the University of Louisville College of Business. Robert M. Krauss of Columbia University, in his article, "The Psychology of Communication," offers as an example the sentence "Can you close the door?" A listener can interpret that as a request to shut the door;, an inquiry into whether the listener is physically able to close the door; or a question about whether closing the door is allowed in that place. The speaker may intend only one of these meanings, but a difference in language between the two individuals can result in an inadvertent miscommunication.
Tone
The tone of a person’s voice helps to communicate emotions without an explicit verbal statement of that emotion. Vocal tone can enhance a statement if the words and the tone are congruent, such as saying “I‘m happy“ in a lively and exuberant tone. However, vocal tone can also contradict a person’s words such as saying "I'm happy" using a listless and subdued vocal tone. The tone combined with the pacing of a person’s words helps to convey meaning, and the University of Pittsburgh suggests that a concise manner of speaking is more likely to keep the attention of listeners.
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