Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Study Notes

Definition: The process of exchanging information through spoken words
Types:
- Intrapersonal (talking to oneself)
- Interpersonal (one-on-one conversation)
- Group (small group discussion)
- Public (speaking to a large audience)
Effective verbal communication involves:
- Clarity
- Conciseness
- Audibility
- Appropriateness
- Awareness of tone and pitch

Definition: Communication that occurs through non-linguistic means
Types:
- Facial expressions
- Body language (posture, gestures, eye contact)
- Paralinguistic cues (tone of voice, pitch, volume)
- Proximity (physical distance)
- Artifacts (clothing, accessories)
Importance:
- Can convey just as much information as verbal communication
- Can reinforce or contradict verbal messages
- Can be influenced by cultural background and personal habits

Definition: The process of communicating information to a large audience
Types:
- Informative (sharing knowledge or information)
- Persuasive (convincing the audience of a point of view)
- Entertaining (engaging the audience with a story or performance)
Effective public speaking involves:
- Clear and concise language
- Confident body language and tone
- Engagement with the audience
- Organization and structure
- Practice and preparation

Definition: The process of fully concentrating on and comprehending a message
Key elements:
- Giving attention: Focusing on the speaker and avoiding distractions
- Maintaining neutrality: Avoiding judgment or bias
- Paraphrasing and summarizing: Repeating back what was heard in one's own words
- Asking open-ended questions: Encouraging the speaker to share more information
- Nonverbal cues: Using nodding, eye contact, and other nonverbal signals to show engagement
Benefits:
- Improved understanding and comprehension
- Increased empathy and rapport
- Reduced misunderstandings and conflicts

Verbal communication is the process of exchanging information through spoken words
It has four types: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and public
Effective verbal communication involves clarity, conciseness, audibility, appropriateness, and awareness of tone and pitch

Nonverbal cues are communication that occurs through non-linguistic means
Types of nonverbal cues include facial expressions, body language, paralinguistic cues, proximity, and artifacts
Nonverbal cues can convey just as much information as verbal communication and can reinforce or contradict verbal messages
They can be influenced by cultural background and personal habits

Conflict resolution is the process of resolving disagreements or disputes
The steps to resolve a conflict are: acknowledge the conflict, identify the problem, gather information, generate options, evaluate and choose, and implement and review
Effective conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy and understanding, open and honest communication, flexibility and adaptability, and respect for all parties involved

Public speaking is the process of communicating information to a large audience
There are three types of public speaking: informative, persuasive, and entertaining
Effective public speaking involves clear and concise language, confident body language and tone, engagement with the audience, organization and structure, and practice and preparation

Active listening is the process of fully concentrating on and comprehending a message
Key elements of active listening include giving attention, maintaining neutrality, paraphrasing and summarizing, asking open-ended questions, and using nonverbal cues
Benefits of active listening include improved understanding and comprehension, increased empathy and rapport, and reduced misunderstandings and conflicts