Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

We explain what verbal and non-verbal communication is, their differences and examples. Also, what is graphic communication.

verbal and non-verbal communication
Verbal and non-verbal communication can complement each other.

What is verbal and non-verbal communication?

The human being is an animal with unique communicative abilities. This is because we have a language, that is, the ability to generate signs and understand each other through them, which gives rise to both verbal and non-verbal communication.

  • Verbal communication (VC) is that which depends on linguistic signs that is, when language intervenes. This can occur orally or in writing, and using whatever code (language or language), although verbal communication is commonly identified with oral communication.
  • Non-verbal communication (NVC) is that which dispenses with linguistic signs that is, in which the word does not take part, and therefore is produced through gestures, movements or other types of signs.

However, we must note that these two types of communication do not form worlds apart, since when speaking we usually resort to non-verbal communication to qualify, accompany, emphasize or contradict what we are saying with language, such as when we use facial gestures to include in what has been said information that is not made explicit through words.

Both verbal communication and non-verbal communication are part of the information transmission capabilities between human beings, something intrinsic to our species.

See also: Interpersonal communication

Difference between verbal and non-verbal communication

The differences between verbal and non-verbal communication can be summarized this way:

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Verbal communication (CV) Non-verbal communication (NVC)
Use linguistic signs, either orally or in writing. It does not use linguistic signs, but signs of another type, or gestures, etc.
It responds to a social convention, since it depends on the code used (language) so that the sender and receiver can understand each other. It tends to be universal, that is, to serve regardless of the cultural tradition or language used by the sender and receiver.
It is precise and concrete: it says what it means, and you can always add more words to clarify it. It is less precise, tends to be vague, ambiguous and allows for a much lower level of detail.
It can occur across distances, with the help of technology or writing. It is totally direct and contextual, if we take it out of its moment of production it loses all meaning.
It depends on the conscious and voluntary emission of the word, so that if there is silence it is not communicated. It occurs constantly, whether conscious or unconscious, voluntary or involuntary, even while speaking.
It is unique and exclusive to the human being. It is shared by humans and animals.

Examples of verbal and non-verbal communication

They are examples of verbal communication:

  • A conversation street with the neighbor.
  • A phone call.
  • A letter sent by postal mail.
  • An instant message on a chat.
  • a news in the local newspaper.
  • A discussion to shouts between two drivers who almost collided on the corner.
  • A declaration of love during a serenade.
  • a novel or any book we read.
  • a conference given to a specialized audience.
  • A defense statement from a lawyer in court.
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For their part, they are examples of nonverbal communication:

  • Ask a seller abroad for three loaves, raising three fingers of the hand.
  • Greet a friend from a distance with a hand gesture.
  • Smile at him to that person we like.
  • Telling a deaf where to walk pointing with the finger.
  • Cross your arms in a discussion.
  • Applaud when the function has finished.
  • teach him a closed fist to a person with whom we are about to fight.
  • make a disgusted face when someone suggests we eat something unpleasant.
  • Whistle at a dog to come to meet us.
  • When one cat growls at another so that he does not get close to him.

Graphic communication

graphic verbal and non-verbal communication
Graphic communication can use illustrations, drawings, photographs and more.

For its part, we speak of graphic communication to refer to what It is carried out without linguistic signs, but through graphic or visual content. This means that it is a form of non-verbal, but indirect, communication, mediated by illustrations, drawings, maps, logos, icons or even photographs and paintings, instead of by the body or gestures.

Graphic communication It is an important complement to verbal communication, especially in advertising and artistic fields. You may or may not build your own sign languages, as is the case with traffic signs: they are not verbal signs, but graphic ones, but they must be learned and are part of a closed communication system.

Continue with: Elements of communication

References

  • “Verbal communication” at https://es.wikipedia.org/
  • “Non-verbal communication” at https://es.wikipedia.org/
  • “Verbal and non-verbal communication” at https://www.ceupe.com/
  • “Discover more about verbal and non-verbal communication” at https://www.universia.net/
  • “Verbal and non-verbal communication” (video) at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain). https://www.youtube.com/
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