Verbal communication refers to the utilization of words to express ourselves in front of other people. Thus it is an inclusion of both spoken and written communication. Although most people prefer verbal communication to describe only spoken communication. The verbal part of communication refers to the words that we choose, and how they are heard and interpreted.

It is indeed crucial to learn that good oral communication cannot be fully ignored from non-oral communication in the form of our body language, tone of the sound, and expressions of the face. Speaking with clarity,  being silent and focused, being well behaved, and following some of the general rules of behavior altogether will help in the process of oral or verbal communication.

In many personal meetings between people, the starting time of conversation is very important because the first impression has an impact on further success and future communication. Listening actively is also a crucial skill. But, when we communicate, we are likely to spend much more energy on what we are going to say than what we are going to listen to other people.

• Use of words to express ourselves.
• Includes both oral and written communication.
• Nonoral communication is also very important.
• Speaking with clarity and focus are add-on in verbal communication.
• Listening actively is also a crucial skill.

What is Verbal Communication?

In many personal meetings between people, the starting time of conversation is very important because the first impression has an impact on further success and future communication. Verbal Communication is indeed crucial to learn that good oral communication cannot be fully ignored from non-oral communication in the form of our body language, tone of the sound, and expressions of the face.

Speaking with clarity,  being silent and focused, being well behaved, and following some of the general rules of behavior altogether will help in the process of oral or verbal communication. The verbal part of communication refers to the words that we choose, and how they are heard and interpreted.

• Speaking with clarity and a good choice of words is beneficial.
• How we choose words and how they are interpreted is also important.
• Nonoral communication is equally as important as oral communication.
• The overall behavior is also important.
• Being silent and focused is equally important.

Opening Communication

The opening few minutes of many interpersonal interactions are crucial. First impressions heavily influence the success of subsequent and future communication.

At least in part, your future conversations are guided by this first impression.

When you meet someone and hear them talk, for example, you make assumptions about their history and likely level of aptitude and comprehension. This might influence what you say. For example, if you hear a foreign accent, you may feel that you need to use simpler terminology. You may also realise that you’ll have to pay more attention to ensure that you comprehend what they’re saying.

Of course, you may always change your mind afterwards. When you obtain new knowledge about your contact or as you grow to know them better, you should intentionally ‘update’ your thinking.

Difference Between Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Verbal communication uses oral or written words whereas non-verbal communication will not use any kind of written words. Verbal communication is of only two types but, non-verbal is of many types like audio, visual and silent, etc. Non-verbal is difficult to understand whereas verbal is very easy to understand. In verbal communication, there is less chance for confusion and misunderstanding than nonverbal as it is conveyed through wordless cues. The degree of formality is very less in non-verbal communication and verbal is more formal.

Verbal communication	Non-verbal communication
Exchange of information by words	Exchange of information by wordless clues
Has less chance of confusion	Has high chance of confusion
It is easy to understand	It is difficult to understand
It is highly structured and formal	It lacks structure and highly informal
The presence of two persons is not necessary	The presence of two persons are necessary

---

Also read. : Non Verbal Communication

---

Examples of Verbal Communication

Most of the jobs need employees to possess verbal communication skills. This is the reason why communication skills are given high importance in the student evaluation forms used by most of the job providers.

Employees who can express the data with clarity and effectiveness are given much importance by employers. Workers who can effectively communicate with others have a high chance of excelling at their jobs.

Example:

• Oral communication: which includes what we speak to others in the form of words.
• Written communication: which includes what we write in the form of words.
• Listening skills: This includes how we listen to others.
• Mediated communication: which includes the world wide web for searching data.
• Non-verbal communication: which includes body language, confidence, etc.

Basic Verbal Communication Skills: Effective Speaking and Listening

Effective speaking : Effective speaking requires careful consideration of the words you choose, how you pronounce them, and how you reinforce them with nonverbal gestures.

All of these variables influence how your message is conveyed and received by your audience.

It’s important to think about the words you use carefully. Even when describing the same issue, you will most likely need to use various terms in different settings. What you say to a close colleague, for example, will be considerably different from how you present a topic at a large conference.

Listening : Listening actively is a valuable talent. When we communicate, though, we tend to spend significantly more time planning what we will say than listening to the other person.

For effective verbal communication, effective listening is essential. There are a lot of things you may do to improve your listening skills.

Mentioned below are some of them :

• Be ready to pay attention. Concentrate on the speaker rather than how you will respond.
• Maintain an open mind and refrain from passing judgement on the speaker.
• Pay attention to the speaker’s message’s primary point. Try to grasp both the gist of what they’re trying to communicate and the specifics of the words they’re using.
• If at all possible, stay away from distractions. If there is a lot of background noise, for example, you can advise that you discuss somewhere else.
• Keep a level head.
• While the other person is providing information, do not try to think of your next question.

Types of Verbal communication

Words, sounds, and languages are only part of verbal communication. To communicate effectively with your audience, you must first understand who they are. Remember to use the Pyramid Principle and begin with your core argument before moving on to supporting assertions. Based on your audience, you may divide verbal communication into four categories.

Here are the Types of Verbal Communication:

Intrapersonal Communication :
This is your own route for vocal conversation. You converse with yourself and express your ideas. You will get greater confidence and clarity in your thinking if you communicate with yourself. It will assist you in making decisions, forming sentences, finding appropriate words, and finding effective methods to communicate with others. This will aid you in obtaining your coworkers’ trust.

Interpersonal Communication :
This is also known as one-on-one verbal communication. This form of communication takes place between two people. It allows you to see if you’re communicating your ideas clearly. The other person’s reactions, comments, and verbal and nonverbal indicators will assist you figure out if you’re being understood or not. Make sure you’re paying attention to the individual on the other side of the table.You don’t have to talk to someone to communicate. It’s also about being aware of what is happening on in your immediate environment. Listen first, then think, and then answer. Take some time to consider what you’ll say and make sure you won’t offend anyone.

Small group Communication :
In small-group communication, the number of persons grows. You progress from speaking with only one person to a group of several people. Team meetings, board meetings, and sales meetings are all examples of small gatherings. The group is small enough that everyone can converse with one another. Prepare a subject for your small group sessions so you don’t get off course. Keep the discussion on track and give everyone ample time to speak.

Public Communication :
This style is also known as ‘public speaking.’ An individual speaks to a huge group of individuals at the same time. Public communication includes speeches, political campaigns, and presentations, to name a few examples. Because the number of persons in the audience is bigger in this sort of communication, make sure to use easy-to-understand terms and phrases and organise your thoughts before speaking to them. You’ll feel more confidence as a public speaker if you’re well-prepared.

Advantages of Verbal communication

Verbal communication is said to be something which is represented through words or any other communicating medium. It is generally of two types- verbal and written communication.

Verbal communication includes activities like telling, singing or question, and answering. There are also many advantages of verbal communication however they limitations too.

Here the Advantages of Verbal Communication :

1. Saves a lot of time.
2. Saves money too.
3. Get feedback quickly.
4. Most convenient method.
5. Clarity of method.
6. Ease of preparation.

---

Must read : How to improve your communication skills

---

Verbal communication skills

There are basically two communication skills widely accepted. They are known as Effective speaking and active listening. Effective speaking involves three major areas,i.e., what words we choose, how we use those words, and how we connect it with nonverbal communication.

All these factors affect the spread of our message, and how well it is received and understood by our audience.

• Effective speaking involves how well we choose our words.
• Active listening involves how patiently we hear others.
• These factors affect the transmission of messages.
• Saves a lot of time and money.
• These skills bring a positive response.

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

The most usual disadvantage to verbal communication is the regional differences between the sender and receiver. These barriers may arise because they are speaking a somewhat different language and their dialect is different.

The audience size is also a barrier to oral communication because the speaker can only address a few people at a time.

• Regional differences are the greatest barrier.
• Language difference and dialect is also a reason for the communication barrier.
• Large audience size is also an issue of communication barriers.
• Receivers may quickly forget what was said to them.
• All people cannot listen at the same pace.

How to Improve Verbal Communication Skills?

Strong skills in verbal communication are of high importance to everyone. They are very crucial in both our personal and professional life.

When we speak with clarity and confidence, along with some stoppage, then we will be able to get the respect of others and build a good image. This is of very high importance in meetings of businessmen.

• Thinking before speaking what to say.
• Being clear and precise.
• Confidently speaking.
• Active listening.
• Taking care of nonverbal communication.

---

Also read : Communication Skills

---

Verbal communication Game

There are many games on play store which involve solving English problems and various other tricks. These games will help in improving the verbal communication skills among the children who want to improve their communication capabilities for expressing themselves.

Verbal communication is said to be something which is represented through words or any other communicating medium. It is generally of two types- verbal and written communication. Verbal communication includes activities like telling, singing or question, and answering. There are also many advantages of verbal communication however they are limitations too.

Characteristics of verbal communication 

Verbal communication has some characteristics for the effective exchange of information. Some of the characteristics of verbal communication are as follows:

• Language is governed by rules 
• Meanings are in people not in words.
• Completeness in information
• Clearness in speaking 
• Self-awareness of the content
• Information is most reliable in conversation 

Barriers to verbal communication

There are many reasons for disturbances in communication verbally those are the limitations for verbal communication. These are said to be barriers of verbal communication that may cause messages get distorted and conveyed wrong. This may occur at any stage of the communication process. For effective communication one should overcome these barriers. Some of the general barriers in verbal communication are:

• Physical barriers 
• Emotional barriers 
• Language differences
• Differences in perception and viewpoint
• Use of complicated words and technical terms. 

---

Recommend read : Visual Communication

---

Components of verbal communication

For effective communication, everyone should aware of the skills of verbal communication and it has some components like the pitch of the voice, tone of the voice, the cadence of the voice which is useful for correct message delivery to other people. Some of the components of verbal communication are:

• Pitch of the voice
• Speed of the voice
• Tone
• Language 
• Grammar 

Uses of verbal communication

For interacting with one person to another one must use any kind of communication to convey the message. Verbal communication is one that kind of communication system. There are many uses of verbal communication. Some of the uses of verbal communication are:

• Understanding of massage is accurate 
• Saves time 
• Helps in interviews 
• Increases degree of formality
• Feedback comes quickly 

FAQs