Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one

place, person or group to another.

Every communication involves (at least) one sender, a message and a recipient.
This may sound simple, but communication is actually a very complex subject.

The transmission of the message from sender to recipient can be affected by a huge
range of things. These include our emotions, the cultural situation, the medium
used to communicate, and even our location.

What is Verbal Communication?

Definition: Verbal communication is defined as communication that includes the

exchange of information through spoken words, written messages, or sign
language. In the corporate world, effective verbal communication is an integral
part of interpersonal interactions as well as business and professional conversation.

Whether it’s about making phone calls, conference meetings, personal discussions,
presentations, or formal & information communication, excellent verbal
communication is necessary in every part of the corporate world. From the tone of
your voice to tailoring messages to your audiences, verbal communication skills
are one of the most important factors of accomplishing success in life.

Types of Verbal Communications

1. Formal

It is understood as official communication, and in this, a sender follows a pre-

defined channel for sharing the information.

2. Informal

It is also known as grapevine, and in this, senders don’t use or follow any pre-
defined channels for transmitting the information.

Importance of Verbal Communication

The flow of thoughts and ideas

Having a clear and transparent verbal communication with the high confidence
levels during the team meeting or during an offsite with the managing director of
your company or with your peers and contemporaries elevates the flow of thoughts
and ideas. Right from the flow of novel ideas, breakthrough concepts, innovative
ways of promotions, and new marketing channels; a lot is explored by realizing the
Importance of Verbal Communication.

Saves time.

When a team member beats around the bush and is not clear with his
communication whilst working on a project that has stringent deadline can result in
wastage of time, energy, and efforts. In such situations when the time is less and
work is more, each and every team member has to ensure that the communication
is authentic, clear, and to the point to make a win-win situation for one and all.

Mark of Confidence

When a person is crystal clear and confident the way he communicates with
someone verbally and non-verbally, it showcases his mark of confidence. And this
quality and ethics make him embark on the journey of success, glory, and fame at
each and every endeavor of personal and professional life.

Helps to persuade

When you have strong verbal communication skills, you automatically gain to
power to persuade or influence someone at your workplace as well as in your
personal life. It is also regarded as a great marketing technique and is a must to be
possessed by the ones who in the stream of sales.

How to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills?

Having excellent verbal communication skills does not come overnight. It needs
practice and knowledge. Any person who wants to have an excellent and growing
career in the corporate world should be excellent with his verbal communication
skills. In the following ways, a person can improve his verbal communication
skills.
1. Reading

Reading helps an individual to learn more words and thereby to increase the
vocabulary. When an individual reads more, he/she then knows the right way to
communicate in a particular language. The weakness of the language skills gets
eliminated through this method. It is recommended to read more about the field in
which you are currently working. This is more effective.

2. Listening

Listening can also make your verbal communication better. It is so because when
you listen correctly, you understand things properly. So, try to make eye contact
with the other person and listen more rather than talking.

Prepare yourself for every possible situation

Before any formal verbal communication (e.g. presentation), make sure that you
have prepared yourself for every question that may get asked by the top
management. To make your verbal communication effective, you should know
what you have to say in a particular situation. Prepare every possible answer to
avoid problems at the last moment.

Think from the listener’s perspective

Before speaking anything, think what a listener will think. It is an effective way to
improve verbal communication. This method is effective because it helps a person
to think from the listener’s perspective and to speak accordingly. It is not necessary
that what you mean is clearly understood by the other person.

Develop your verbal skills

If, in any case, you feel that you need extra help to have excellent verbal
communication, then you can go for some online communication courses or
workshops. These kinds of techniques are beneficial in developing verbal skills.

Non-Verbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through body language,

facial expressions, gestures, created space and more. For example, smiling when
you meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance and openness. Everyone uses
nonverbal communication all the time whether they know it or not.

Nonverbal communication is dependent on seeing and analyzing physical

movements as opposed to verbal communication, or the use of language to transfer
information through written text, speaking or sign language.

Why is nonverbal communication important?

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives us valuable information

about a situation, including how a person might be feeling, how someone receives
information and how to approach a person or group of people. Paying attention to
and developing the ability to read nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill
you can leverage at every stage of your career.

Why is nonverbal communication important?

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives us valuable information

about a situation, including how a person might be feeling, how someone receives
information and how to approach a person or group of people. Paying attention to
and developing the ability to read nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill
you can leverage at every stage of your career.

Related: Observation Skills: Definition and Examples

Types of nonverbal communication

There are several types of nonverbal communications you should be aware of,
including:

1. Body language

Body language is the way someone situates their body depending on the situation,
the environment and how they are feeling.

Example: Someone might cross their arms if they are feeling angry or nervous.
2. Movement

The way you move your arms and legs such as walking quickly or slowly,
standing, sitting or fidgeting, can all convey different messages to onlookers.

Example: Sitting still and paying attention in a meeting conveys respect and
attention.
3. Posture

The way you sit or stand can also communicate your comfort level,
professionalism and general disposition towards a person or conversation.

Example: Someone might slouch their shoulders if they feel tired, frustrated or
disappointed.
4. Gestures

While gestures vary widely across communities, they are generally used both
intentionally and unintentionally to convey information to others.

Example: Someone might display a “thumbs up” to communicate confirmation or

that they feel positive about something.

5. Space

Creating or closing distance between yourself and the people around you can also
convey messages about your comfort level, the importance of the conversation,
your desire to support or connect with others and more.

Example: You might stand two to three feet away from a new contact to respect
their boundaries.
6. Paralanguage

Paralanguage includes the non-language elements of speech, such as your talking

speed, pitch, intonation, volume and more.
Exa mple: You might speak quickly if you are excited about something.
7. Facial expressions

One of the most common forms of nonverbal communication is facial expressions.

Using the eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to convey emotion or
information can be very effective.

Example: Someone might raise their eyebrows and open their eyes widely if they
feel surprised.
8. Eye contact

Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye contact) is an extremely effective
way to communicate your attention and interest.

Example: Looking away from someone and at the ground or your phone may
convey disinterest or disrespect.
9. Touch

Some people also use touch as a form of communication. Most commonly, it is

used to communicate support or comfort. This form of communication should be
used sparingly and only when you know the receiving party is okay with it. It
should never be used to convey anger, frustration or any other negative emotions.

Example: Placing your hand on a friend’s shoulder may convey support or

empathy.