The 5 differences between verbal and nonverbal communication

Summary of the characteristics that allow us to differentiate between these types of communication.

Communication is a process through which two or more people exchange information, and there are multiple ways to exercise it. Among this range of possibilities are verbal and nonverbal communication.

In this article we will look at the main differences between verbal and nonverbal communication, examine their characteristics, and give an overview of the different forms of communication.We will examine their characteristics, and we will give some examples of both modalities.

What is verbal communication?

Verbal communication is all communication that occurs through linguistic dialogue between peopleIt requires the exchange of words orally and aurally, which is in itself one of the main differences between verbal and nonverbal communication.

It does not matter whether the conversation takes place in person or at a distance, by means of a communication device. The indispensable feature of this mode of communication is that it is carried out by means of linguistic rules, therefore there must be speakers and interlocutors exchange words with each other..

In this type of communication there are certain rules that must be followed for the process to be carried out in the best way, these rules are known as the rules of the good listener and the good speaker. Let's review them.

1. Rules of the good speaker (speaker)

This is an outline of the communication principles to be followed by the speaker.

• Think carefully about what you are going to say.
• Look attentively at the person you are talking to.
• Proper pronunciation of words.
• Maintain an appropriate tone of voice..
• Give others a chance to speak.
• Be polite and courteous when speaking.

2. Rules of the good listener (interlocutor)

As for the rules of the receiver or interlocutor, they are as follows.

• Listen to the person who is speaking.
• Look attentively at the person who is speaking.
• Avoid interrupting the speaker..
• Speak after the other person has finished his or her idea.

What is nonverbal communication?

Non-verbal communication focuses on everything related to the movements we make with our muscles when expressing the thoughts and emotions of the moment..

This type of communication can occur voluntarily or involuntarily. For example, while talking to a person we could make a gesture of astonishment with our facial features, due to the surprise caused by the content of the conversation.

On the other hand, it is also possible to to make movements and modulate the voice to express ideas and emotions in a voluntary way..

Some of the communicative rules of verbal communication also apply in this case, with the exception of the gaze, which in this case must be attentive to the gestures made by the sender.

Specific differences between verbal and non-verbal communication

In the following lines we will see a summary of the differences between verbal and nonverbal communication.

1. Predominance

Under normal conditions, verbal communication is the first to be used. Considering that in the first stages of life we communicate by sounds, it is usually a mixture of crying and rough gestures, but the predominance is always in the sounds we emit.

2. The channels used

As mentioned above, verbal communication requires that the information be directed through words, which will be interpreted by the interlocutor, while nonverbal communication is purely bodily. nonverbal communication is purely bodily..

3. The level of consciousness

Another difference between verbal communication and non-verbal communication is that in the former, the level of awareness and attention used is much higher than in the nonverbal one.. The tendency is that we think more about what we are going to say than about the gestures we may make while speaking.

4. emotionality

In general, non-verbal language conveys emotions that the subject does not intend to express; that is, through the language of our body, emotions find a direct form of expression, which does not always go through the higher levels of the brain. does not always pass through the higher levels of consciousness. and are often beyond our control.

5. The level of inclusion

This point refers to the fact that verbal communication is more considered at all social levels. Currently, in educational centers the importance of nonverbal communication is not taught within society, being relevant for many essential aspects of people's daily lives.

Some examples of contexts in which it is important to use nonverbal communication can be; job interviews, presentations of projects before the public, etc.etc.

Conclusion

By way of conclusion we can say that nonverbal communication, despite not being the most relevant within society, has a fundamental importance within it and should be taken more into account within the formation of individuals, from the young stages of development.

Bibliographical references:

• Berlo, D.K. (1960). The process of communication. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
• Olivar Zúñiga, A. (2006). Fundamentos teóricos de la comunicación.