Verbal and nonverbal communication

Verbal and nonverbal communication

Communication can be verbal or non-verbal. Verbal communication consists of words, sentences and phrases that we use to talk to people. They form the language that we use in our everyday lives. Many of us prefer talking to the others face to face. There are different kinds of conversation such as formal, informal, gossiping...

Most of us find it embarassing to remain silent in company. However, silence can sometimes communicate ideas more powerfully than speech. Non-verbal communication consists of a complex of body language such as gestures, postures and facial expression. We are able to understand non-verbal performers like mime artists. A certain type of communication is sometimes kissing and hugging.   Gestures can mean very different things in different cultures. For instance, the „thumbs up“ sign in England is  a positive sign of success, whereas in Australia it is rather insulting. Even posture can communicate an ambiguous message. For example, leaning back with arms folded across the chest might seem to you as a relaxing way of sitting while listening to someone, but your friend may take it as a sign of boredom.

Our faces „speak“ but they do not always say what we are thinking or feeling. A smile can communicate pleasure, scorn, amusement, welcome, etc. Without these non-verbal means of expression, our communication would be lifeless, but  they can be easily misinterpreted, even by members of the same culture.