If You Only Focus on What You Say, You Don’t Really Understand What Communication Is

Communication is the backbone of human civilization. Without it, the world would become bizarre. Since the ancient times, communication has been playing a key role in deciding the fate of humans.

Today, communication is vital especially in the corporate culture, workplaces and various industries etc.

An effective communication directly relates to how well you have conveyed or received a message from other people. Success of every individual relates to his/her ability to effectively communicate both verbally and non-verbally.

Verbal communication helps clarification.

Verbal communication involves words, signal, spoken and written languages. Conversations with your friends, colleagues, seniors at college, office or in a meeting, reading newspaper in the morning or watching morning news or texting via mobile are all different kinds of verbal communications.

Verbal communication is required when it comes to providing information to others. In verbal communication, the most important aspect is clarification. Clarification helps in resolving issues when someone’s words and actions are misconstrued. So verbal communication assists in clarifying misunderstanding and provides missing information.

Non-verbal communication is an integral part of verbal communication.

Non-verbal communication involves body language, hand gestures, eye contact and tone that help to convey a verbal message.^[1]

A person standing relaxed with an open stance and friendly tone appears more approachable than a rigid person. A person who makes eye contact with another person while having a conversation demonstrates that they’re focused and undiverted. While a firm handshake or a warm hug can indicate friendliness; a timid handshake or a loose pat on the back can imply shyness. All these different types of non-verbal gestures shape people’s impression on others quickly.

How can I enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication?

To improve verbal communication, one needs to be a good listener because it indicates that you are paying attention to the speaker.^[2] No one likes to talk with people who only care about expressing their own views without listening to others. In order to be a successful communicator, practice active listening.

To improve non-verbal communication, pay attention to the posture, stance, hand gestures, pitch and tone of voice while having a conversation. Your body gestures tell it all and directly affect your involvement in the conversation.

You can further improve your communication by following these aspects:

1. Friendliness: It’s very important to be nice and polite in every conversation, be it at work or at home.
2. Confidence: Confidence makes people believe in what you are saying.
3. Empathy: Even though you don’t agree with others at some points, it is important to respect and understand others’ point of view.
4. Open-Mindedness: Good communicators always engage in conversations with an open mind.
5. Respect: Conveying respect to others will encourage others to communicate with you.