Forms of Communication Caroline Rebecca. D

Verbal Communication Non-verbal Communication

Verbal Communication Verbal communication refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message. It serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and teaching

a) Oral/Spoken Oral communication consists of all spoken exchanges. In oral communication, verbal feedback typically follows the initial message whether in the form of a question or comment. • Casual conversations among friends as well as political debates fall into this category.

b)written Another form of verbal communication which requires no speech. Written communication, while technically nonverbal, commonly falls under the umbrella of verbal communication for the use of words (language) to convey ideas. Books, letters, email, texts, memos, magazines, newspapers and personal journals are all examples of verbal communication.

Formal Meeting strangers -Within a business or legal setting. Official corporate communications such as • meetings • speeches • conferences • letters and • Memorandums

Informal Casual spoken and written exchanges. Informal conversations between : friends, co-workers and even strangers. It requires a common bond; therefore, it takes place most frequently between close friends and family members.

Characteristics of Verbal Communication Language is symbolic – By themselves, language elements usually have no meaning: the symbols are arbitrary(randomly selected). Meanings are in people not in words. Language is governed by rules Phonological rules –govern how sounds are combined to form words Semantic rules – define the meaning of specific words Syntactic rules – govern the structure of the language, the way symbols can be arranged Pragmatic rules – govern the appropriateness of words in given contexts

Functions of Verbal Communication Verbal communication satisfies basic functions such as: describing ideas Making requests solving problems Verbal Communication shapes attitudes: attitudes towards others and ourselves.

Verbal Communication reflects our attitudes: Power (feelings of control) Affiliation (establishing relationships) Attraction Responsibility

Non-verbal Communication Non-verbal communication refers to a wide array of behaviours by which we communicate messages without the use of the voice (McDermott, 2008). Non-verbal communication is when information is transferred from sender to receiver without the use of words (Lord Et. Al., 2012).

The Characteristics of Non-verbal Communication It exists It has communicative value It is primarily relational It is ambiguous It is culture –bound

Non - Verbal Communication he most obvious non-verbal behaviours are seen in our: Vocalics/paralanguage Proxemics Chronemics Artefacts Movement Use of our five senses

Vocalics/ paralanguage Refers to the use of: volume tone pitch rate of speaking to give additional meaning or emphasis to what is spoken. Eg: Say “come here” using a variety of tone, volume and pitch to highlight different meanings.

Proxemics Refers to the use of space to convey an idea or image. Our use of space or proximity is a significant indicator of how close or intimate we feel toward others. Everyone observes the space around them, this is called personal space. The concept of personal space is determined by cultures. Eg: Eastern cultures: a kiss on the cheek is a common form of greeting Western cultures: a handshake is the common form of greeting.

Chromatics This is the use of and attitude to time which discloses information about: our status relationship with others our self-concept

Being late for appointments duties and responsibilities is almost always read as a sign of disrespect or lack of commitment.

To be punctual suggests that one is: focused on and committed to the task at hand, or that one respects those with whom one is meeting.

Artifacts The things we own, use, wear and even discard all convey messages about us: Our preferences Tastes Resources Or lack of resources

Movement Posture Gestures Facial expressions and Body language are perhaps the most obvious in communicating messages about our attitudes and feelings.

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