Types of Communication: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
The different types of communication come in many shapes and forms, but can be defined into two very distinct components. Verbal and nonverbal communication are the two main types of communication that we use every single day of our life, which then makes it necessary for us to understand their intricacies if we want to be effective communicators.
But before we get into the details of the discussion, just what are these verbal and nonverbal types of communication about?
Types of Communication: The Verbal Approach
When it comes to the different types of communication, the most explicit of them all would be verbal communication.
Verbal communication is exemplified by different types of communication, and not just by words. Whatever we have to say is said clearly and explicitly via symbols and sounds and that explicitly state our intent. The important factor to remember here is that words are primarily used here, and this is what separates the verbal approach from other types of communication.
Types of Communication: The Nonverbal Approach
The nonverbal approach is the more subtle types of communication, but could be even more powerful than a verbal approach.
Nonverbal communication is perhaps the most refined method among the different types of communication. Everything from the tone of our voice to the slight motions of our facial muscles to the hand gestures we unconsciously do when talking all contain subtle nonverbal messages, which requires a great degree of understanding and perception to notice in the first place.
Synergy Between the Two Types of Communication
These two types of communication are essential when you are in a face-to-face conversation with another person, and their combination can either make or break your success.
This is because the verbal types of communication, the words you speak, convey the message you want to say while the nonverbal types of communication, the gestures you show with them, will subtly affect the efficiency of the message you convey to your audience. If one does not match the other, you can expect to lose the impact of your message to your audience. People will notice the discrepancies between the two types of communication, and they will receive the message with suspicion.
Combining the Two Types of Communication
It is quite simple: learn how to match your words with your actions, and you will be able to deliver your message with greater efficiency.
Between the two types of communication, nonverbal gestures need especially more care and attention than verbal gestures. Words can easily be said and manipulated even before you speak, but these gestures are things that occur naturally and often without any significant amount of thought added to them.
It is for this reason that self-esteem and cultural understanding become essential to improving your nonverbal skills. Your confidence will naturally leak over to your bodily gestures, while cultural understanding will allow you to avoid offending your audience with unspoken meanings hidden in your body.
Understand all this and you will grasp the basic effect that these two types of communication have on your ability to convince and influence others.
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