Verbal and Nonverbal communication.

Oral and Non-Verbal Communication.

What is oral Communication? Oral or verbal communication is the use of any linguistic symbols- spoken, sign, or written language- to accomplish message goals.

Types of Oral Communication Face to face conversation Interview Meeting Oral briefing Public address Oral presentation Telephone call Conference

Advantages of Oral Communication Direct medium of communication Advantages of physical proximity Instant interchange of opinion, views and attitudes. Instantaneous feedback Easier to convince or persuade Allows for contribution and participation from all present

Disadvantages of Oral Communication More difficult to hold ground in face of opposition More difficult to control when a number of people take part. Lack of time to think things out. Quality of decision making maybe inferior. Often no written record of what was said.

Disadvantages Continued. Sometimes disputes result over what was agreed.

What is written communication? Written communication is information conveyed through writing.

Types of Written Communication Memorandum Report Abstract Minutes Article Press Release Proposal Letters

Advantages of Written Communication Provides written record Capable of relaying complex ideas Provides analysis, evaluation and summary Disseminates information to dispersed receivers Confirms, interprets and clarifies oral communication Forms basis of contract or agreement

Disadvantages of Written Communication Can take time to produce Can be expensive Communication tends to be more formal and distant Can cause problems of interpretation Instant feedback is not possible Once dispatched, difficult to modify message

Disadvantages Continued It does not allow for exchange of opinion, views or attitudes except over period of time

Non-Verbal Communication: Messages without words. “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Definition of non verbal communication. Nonverbal communication refers to body movements or vocal variations that communicate without words. “Messages expressed by other than linguistic means.” (Adler& Towne, 228)

What have you learned? Communication exists- there are other languages besides words that convey messages. All nonverbal behaviour has communicative value. Nonverbal communication is primarily relational- it defines the relationship we want to have with others.

Types of nonverbal communication. Non-verbal communication maybe divided into three main areas: Kinesics Proxemics Para-linguistics Chronemics Haptics

Kinesics Kinesics are the body movements we use to communicate. Kinesic behaviours such as leaning or pressing your index finger to your lips to signal others to be quiet, can regulate conversation, illustrate verbal points, reduce anxiety and express emotion.

Picture This!!

Examples of Kinesics Facial expressions- smiles, frowns, narrowed eyes transmitting emotions; Gestures- pointing fingers, shakes of the head; Movements- quick pacing up and down, finger drumming, leisurely strolling.

Proxemics This is the study of how people use space and distance. Different cultures have different rules about what distance to maintain.

Examples of Proxemics Physical contact- shaking hands, clapping on the back, transmitting greetings, insistence or friendship. Posture- standing straight and erect, lounging, leaning forward, transmitting alertness and care, self confidence, nervousness or ease. Positioning- keeping a respectful distance, looking over someone's shoulder, transmitting awareness of differing status, a close working relationship or relaxed mutual trust.

Para- linguistics This involves vocal sounds other than words. It is how you say something rather than what the words mean. In our interactions with others vocal pitch (highness or lowness of tone), speech rate (speed), volume (loudness) and rhythm (timing and emphasis) can express a variety of meanings.

Para-linguistics continued. For example, you present a speech to your class and your speech is hesitant, your rate of speech is slow, and you repeatedly use vocal interferences such’ as “um,” “er,” “uh,” and “like, you know” to fill some of the dead air. Your classmates may interpret this paralanguage as insecurity or limited knowledge of the subject matter.

Chronemics This is the study of how people use and perceive time. Time is of great significance in North American culture. In the United States, time equals money, so the focus is on adherence to deadlines, schedules, promptness, and alacrity when making points, all facets of monochronic time.

Chronemics Continued From a monochronic time perspective, arriving 10 minutes late to a job interview may convey a message to the employer that the applicant is unreliable and may cost the company valuable time. It is not unusual for business meetings in the United States and England to begin exactly at the scheduled time.

Chronemics Continued In many Latin American and Middle Eastern cultures the focus is on interpersonal relationships and a perception that everything has its own time. In this polychronic time orientation, schedules are not strictly observed and expectations about arrival and departure times are less rigid. Being 20 to 30 minutes late is acceptable because the pace is more relaxed.

Haptics Haptics involves touching behaviours. Touch can communicate a wide variety of messages. If you inadvertently bump into someone at work or school, you may apologize and feel a bit embarrassed because you did not intend to touch the person and touch can imply intimacy.

Advantages of Non-verbal Communication Repeating- instructions can be repeated by using non-verbal expressions, for example pointing is a on-verbal behaviour that social scientists call emblems- deliberate non-verbal behaviours that have a precise meaning. Substituting- emblems also replace a verbal message.

Advantages continued Complementing- non- verbal behaviours that accompany and support spoken words. Accenting- Just as we use italics to highlight an idea in print, we use non-verbal devices to emphasize oral messages. Pointing an accusing finger adds emphasis to criticism. Regulating- controlling the flow of verbal messages.

Disadvantages of Non-verbal Communication Ambiguity- although non-verbal behaviour can be very revealing, it can have so many possible meanings. Multiple channels- unlike the spoken word, nonverbal messages don’t arrive in a sequential manner, instead, they bombard us simultaneously from a multitude of channels. Continuous- it is continuous and never ending.

Disadvantages continued Contradicting- the unconscious nature of nonverbal behaviour (smiles, frown, slumping shoulders) might convey contradicting messages.

Let’s recap! What is oral and written communication? Do you remember the types of oral and written communication? List five of each.