Elements of Communication

Elements of Communication

Verbal Communication

• Refers to the use of words, spoken or written, to convey meaning
• Includes:
  • Speech (face-to-face, phone, video conferencing)
  • Written communication (emails, letters, reports)
• Characteristics:
  • Can be formal or informal
  • Can be explicit or implicit
  • Can be influenced by tone, pitch, volume, and pace
• Importance:
  • Enables clear and precise exchange of information
  • Facilitates feedback and clarification

Nonverbal Communication

• Refers to the process of conveying information without using words
• Includes:
  • Facial expressions
  • Body language (posture, gestures, eye contact)
  • Paralinguistic cues (tone, pitch, volume, rate of speech)
  • Proxemics (personal space, distance)
  • Artifacts (clothing, accessories, personal items)
• Characteristics:
  • Can be intentional or unintentional
  • Can be culture-specific or universally understood
  • Can complement or contradict verbal communication
• Importance:
  • Can convey emotions and attitudes more effectively than verbal communication
  • Can reinforce or undermine verbal messages
  • Can influence how verbal messages are interpreted