Communication can vary depending on how the information is transmitted and how it is received by the receiver. According to this, communication can be classified into two large groups: verbal and non verbal.
The Verbal communication is the one where the message is verbalized, since the verbal languagewords, either orally or in writing. A greeting card or a WhatsApp audio is examples of verbal communication.
while the non-verbal communication It is one that occurs without the use of words, gestures, looks, body movements, and other expressions of the nonverbal language. A wink or crossing your arms are examples of non-verbal communication.
Many times, these two types of communication are used simultaneously when transmitting a message, forming a mixed communication. This can be seen in movies, comics, and advertisements, to name just a few examples.
Verbal communication Non-verbal communication Definition Communication that uses verbal language in the process of transmitting information between sender and receiver. It does not use words to transmit information from sender to receiver. Oral and written types. Paralinguistics, kinesics and proxemics Senses used Hearing and sight. Hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste. Examples Conversations, interviews, books, letters, emails, among others. Gestures, looks, postures, facial expressions, among others.
What is verbal communication?
It is the process by which two or more people interact by sharing information through the word.
Verbal communication is often complemented by non-verbal communication to reinforce the message and give a clearer idea of what is meant. Although sometimes these two types of communication can contradict each other during the transmission of the message.
Verbal communication involves the use of words to build sentences that convey thoughts. These words can be issued orally or through writing.
Types of verbal communication
oral communication
It is the one where the spoken words or sounds are emitted verbally. Intonation and vocalization play a fundamental role in this type of communication so that the message arrives effectively and can be interpreted by the receiver.
Throughout history, oral communication has developed with the origin of languages and the linguistic characteristics of each population.
Examples of Oral Communication they would be a conversation between colleagues, a cry of surprise or a telephone conversation. Here is an example of a telephone conversation:
-Who is it?
-Hello Beatriz. I’m Ruben. How are you?
-Hello Ruben. How long without knowing about you! Well look, you caught me on vacation. And you? What about your life?
-What luck, on vacation! I’m fine, why am I going to be bad? Ha ha. I wanted to let you know that I’ll be in town for the next two weeks, in case we can grab a coffee.
-Brilliant! You don’t know how excited it makes me to see you. I’ll call you next week and we’ll set a date and time. Seem to you?
Perfect, Beatrice. So we talk. A kiss!
Bye, Ruben. A hug!
Written communication
It is one that is done through written codes. Unlike oral communication, written communication can last over time. This means that the interaction with the receiver does not occur immediately.
Written communication has developed over time with the creation of new media, and will be constantly evolving as science and technology continue to create new communication channels.
Examples of Written Communication it would be hieroglyphs, letters, emails or chats. This would be an example email:
Dear Customer.
We are contacting you to inform you that the receipt corresponding to the month of October is pending payment. We remind you that you have 30 business days, starting today, to pay the fee.
In case of not paying the amount in the marked period, the service will be terminated.
For any clarification, do not hesitate to contact our customer service, at this email address or by phone 7053456021.
Receive a cordial greeting.
See also:
What is nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication is that which transmits messages using non-linguistic signs. It is the oldest type of communication, since it was the way in which people communicated when there was no language.
Nonverbal messages can be transmitted unconscious, becoming an ambiguous communication, since it is not always possible to control what is transmitted with the personal image or the corporal expressions. In the same way, many times the receiver does not interpret these messages in the correct way.
Nonverbal communication generally seeks beef up the message that is transmitted verbally. Thus, the receiver can do a better decoding of the message.
Types of nonverbal communication
paralinguistics
Although it is part of non-verbal communication, paralanguage is closely linked to verbal communication. Indicates emotions and feelings while speaking, with the emission of tones, silences, and sounds that indicate fear, surprise, interest, or disinterest, among others.
The volume of the voice, the tone used, the speed at which one speaks, the level of perfection in pronunciation, are aspects considered by paralinguistics.
examples:
Someone is speaking very quickly, with a high tone of voice, we deduce that that person is angry or angry.
A person who speaks slowly, with an almost imperceptible tone of voice and many silences between sentences, we could interpret as sad, pensive or tired.
kinesics
It is a discipline that deals with body language, the movements that we can perform with a specific part, a limb or with the entire body. We will use the previous examples to illustrate this part of non-verbal communication.
examples:
The angry person, who speaks quickly and with a high tone of voice, also moves his hands violently, moves from one side to the other and his posture leans forward.
The individual who appears sad, has his shoulders slumped and his head bowed, looking at the ground. The corners of his lips are slightly drooping, his eyes are irritated and his brow is slightly contracted.
proxemics
It studies the relationship of spatial proximity and the attitude that exists between the interlocutors in a communicative act. Let’s see how proxemics manifests itself in the examples we have been giving.
examples:
The distance between the angry person and his interlocutor is short, resulting almost invasive. As his speech stirs, his faces are closer.
The sad subject, on the other hand, stays away from his listener, barely directing his gaze, as if he wanted to protect himself from any approach. Vulnerability is evident in his attitude.
See also Nonverbal communication explained with examples
Other types of communication
Unilateral
It is carried out when the receiver does not also act as sender. For example: on traffic signs or in advertisements.
Bilateral
It occurs when the sender can also become a receiver. This happens in any conversation between two people.
Audiovisual
This includes the messages that are transmitted through traditional audiovisual media such as cinema, radio and television.
printed
This type of written communication includes newspapers, magazines, brochures, posters, leaflets, among others.
Digital
Digital communication is possible thanks to technology, this includes emails, social networks such as Facebook or Instagram, and other platforms that allow the mass distribution of information such as YouTube, Podcast or Blogspot.
Currently, the traditional media, both audiovisual and written, also have a digital presence.