What Is the Meaning of Verbal Communication?
When people typically define verbal communication, they
tend to refer to spoken language. However, verbal
communication refers to any exchange that uses words to communicate information.
In this way, writing is also a form of verbal communication. Both writing and
speaking rely on the speaker, and the listener has the same understanding of
what words and sounds mean.
Verbal communication requires that the speaker and the
listener both speak the same language. However, even within the same language,
there are opportunities for errors. Slang
or dialect that ascribes different meanings to words can be confusing.
Additionally, not sharing a vocabulary can make it difficult for people to
understand one another through verbal communication.
Since communication is the act of passing information
between individuals, the act of transmitting the information and the act of
receiving it are of equal importance. Verbal communication delivered in speech
is also accompanied by nonverbal communication. Written verbal communication
has nonverbal cues on which to rely, so clarity is even more important in this
case. Tone and intention must be clear in the words.
Four Types of Verbal Communication
Verbal communication include sounds, words, language, and
speech. Speaking is an effective way of communicating and helps in expressing
our emotions in words. This form of communication is further classified into
four types, which are:
1. Intrapersonal Communication
This form of communication is extremely private and
restricted to ourselves. It includes the silent conversations we have with
ourselves, wherein we juggle roles between the sender and receiver who are
processing our thoughts and actions. This process of communication when
analyzed can either be conveyed verbally to someone or stay confined as
thoughts.
2. Interpersonal Communication
This form of communication takes place between two
individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation. Here, the two individuals
involved will swap their roles of sender and receiver in order to communicate
in a clearer manner.
3. Small Group Communication
This type of communication can take place only when there
are more than two people involved. Here the number of people will be small
enough to allow each participant to interact and converse with the rest. Press
conferences, board meetings, and team meetings are examples of group
communication. Unless a specific issue is being discussed, small group
discussions can become chaotic and difficult to interpret by everybody. This
lag in understanding information completely can result in miscommunication.
4. Public Communication
This type of communication takes place when
one individual addresses a large gathering of people. Election campaigns and
public speeches are example of this type of communication. In such cases, there
is usually a single sender of information and several receivers who are being
addressed.
