The Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

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The Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Communication is an important aspect of everyday life. Any form of communication intends to help facilitate exchange of information and better understanding. As with verbal and nonverbal communication, each form is different from the other because they have varying purposes. Nonetheless, the evident difference between these two forms of communication does make one superior to the other. Rather, they are intended to complement each other.

1. Verbal Communication Components

   • Crucial components of verbal communication include language, sound, words and speaking. The emphasis in verbal communication is the act of speaking. Words alone are not enough to put across the gravity of the message or the real meaning. It's the uttering part that makes verbal communication a distinct type.

   Nonverbal Communication Components

   • Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on actions. Components comprising nonverbal communication include kinesics (posture, body movements, synching and the degree of relaxation or tension), gesture (intended movements), facial expressions, spatial relations, touch and display (appearance). It is that part of the message which cannot be expressed in words that is conveyed by nonverbal communication. The components of each type of communication also determine the difference in intent of the two.

   Intent of Verbal Communication

   • Basically, the intent or the purpose of verbal communication is to provide the necessary information and direction. When a person employs verbal communication, he delivers information. Speaking about something means clarifying or stating how things are. Thus, there is the direction part. Through verbal communication, it's possible to direct perception into certain thoughts and meaning. In verbal communication, people have the ability to manipulate things using words.

   Intent of Nonverbal Communication

   • Nonverbal communication intends to put more meaning into verbal communication. In some cases, the use of words or manipulation is not enough to emphasize the emotions or thoughts behind the message. The use of other objects, facial expressions and hand gestures provides a different kind of clarity. Nonverbal communication provides cues and hints to the real meaning behind the words used.

   Limitations/Extent of Use

   • While both verbal and nonverbal communication serve as reflections of people's thoughts, ideas and emotions, they vary in the extent of use. For instance, nonverbal communication is imprecise and limited to explaining certain things but not all complex ideas. Verbal communication can explain complex ideas because the use of words and speaking are the main forms of communication that people use to get any message across. Regardless of how complex the idea is, people can always explain it verbally. Further, nonverbal communication is only possible within a certain distance. Unless there is some form of video conversation, nonverbal communication cannot be applied over great distance. Verbal communication does not exactly need visuals to be able to convey thoughts. Verbal communication can transmit factual information but nonverbal cannot.

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