Assignment:

Verbal Communication - When messages or information is exchanged or communicated through words is

called verbal communication. Verbal communication may be two types: written and oral communication.
Verbal communication takes place through face-to-face conversations, group discussions, counseling, interview,
radio, television, calls, memos, letters, reports, notes, email etc. some definitions of verbal communications are
as follows:

According to Bovee and others: Verbal communication is the expression of information through language
which is composed of words and grammar.”

According to Penrose and others, “Verbal communication consists of sharing thoughts thought the meaning of
words.”

So, verbal communication is the process of exchanged of information or message between two or more persons
through written or oral words.

Non – Verbal Communication - When messages or information is exchanged or communicated without using
any spoken or written word is known as nonverbal communication. Non-verbal communication (NVC) is
usually understood as the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless messages.

Non-verbal communication is a powerful arsenal in the face-to-face communication encounters, expressed

consciously in the presence of others and perceived either consciously or unconsciously. Much of non-verbal
communication is unintentional people are not even aware that they are sending messages. Non-verbal
communication takes place though gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, physical proximity, touching etc.
some important definitions of non-verbal communication are as follows:

According to L. C. Bove and others, “Non-verbal communication is communication that takes place through
non-verbal cues: through such form of non-verbal communication as gesture, eye contact, facial expression,
clothing and space; and through the non-verbal vocal communication known as Para-language.”

According to Lesikar and Pettit, “Nonverbal communication means all communication that occurs without
words (body movements, space, time, touch, voice patterns, color, layout, design of surroundings.)”

According to Himstreet and Baty, “Non-verbal communication includes any communication occurring without
the use of words.”

So, non-verbal communication is the exchanged of information or message between two or more persons
through gestures, facial expressions eye contact, proximity, touching etc. and without using any spoken or
written word.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communication is any information that is communicated without using words. The important
characteristics of non-verbal communication are as follows:

 No use of words: Non-verbal communication is a communication without words or language like oral or
written communication. It uses gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, physical proximity, touching etc.
for communicating with others.

 Culturally determined: Non-verbal communication is learnt in childhood, passed on to you by your

parents and others with whom you associate. Through this process of growing up in a particular society,
you adopt the taints and mannerisms of your cultural group.

 Different meaning: Non-verbal symbols can many meanings. Cross-culture aspects give various meanings
to same expression in respect of non-verbal communication.
 Vague and imprecise: Non-verbal communication is quite vague and imprecise. Since in this
communication there is no use of words or language which expresses clear meaning to the receiver.

 May conflict with verbal message: Non-verbal communication is so deeply rooted, so unconscious, that
you can express a verbal message and then directly contradict it with a nonverbal message.

 Largely unconscious: Non-verbal communication is unconscious in the sense that it is usually not planned
nor rehearsed. It comes almost instantaneously.

 Shows feelings and attitudes: Facial expressions, gestures, body movements, the way you use your eyes –
all communicate your feelings and emotions to others.

 Informality: Non verbal communication does not follow any rules, formality or structure like other
communication. Most of the cases people unconsciously and habitually engaged in non-verbal
communication by moving the various parts of the body.

9 Effective Communication Skills

Effective Communication doesn’t happen overnight, it is a skill that has to be cultivated and nurtured.

1. Active Listening – some ways to actively listen include: listen twice as much as you speak, listen with
your whole body, be alert and interested in the other person, refrain from interacting and reflecting back
what you have heard.
2. Non – Verbal Communication – we transmit information using words, gestures and body language,
subsequently active listening also involves non-verbal communication. Sometimes you can be unaware of
the messages you are sending none-verbally. Examples of non-verbal signals include tone of voice, eye
contact, facial expressions, silence and hand, arm and legs postures.
3. Asking Questions – when you are in conversation with someone, asking questions shows you are
interested in them. There are many types of questions you can ask including – open (i.e. questions that start
with What and How), closed (i.e. questions that start with Did, Do, Would, Will, Should, Could, Have,
Must and Is), specific (e.g. questions that are specific can start with When, Where, Who, Which, How
much, How many and How often) or visionary (e.g. What are your dreams?).
4. Being Clear and Succinct – when you are speaking, be clear, articulate and consice. Less is more when it
comes to speaking and speak plain English.
5. Clarifying and Summarizing – to ensure you are hearing correctly you can reflect back to clarify what
you have heard and summarize from the person. This shows you are listening to the other person and also
checks you have the message correct that they are trying to get across.
6. Being Empathetic – having empathy for another person is the ability to understand and share the feelings
of another.
7. Providing Feedback – it doesn’t matter whether you are giving or receiving feedback, the feedback
process is a vulnerable place to be. If you are providing feedback, you may like to use the Engaging
Feedback Checklist that was developed by Dr Bren e Brown.
8. Developing Trust and Rapport – what is trust for you? How do you build trust with your friends, family
and colleagues? Is it about doing what you say you are going to do and building relationships on honesty
and integrity? How do you build trust in your relationships? As Ralph Waldo Emerson stated – “The glory
of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the
spiritual inspiration that comes else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.”
9. Being present – being present links to many of the above skills. Some of the words that relate to being
present include being accepting of the other person you are communicating with, allowing life to be as it is,
cultivating compassion and having a beginner’s mind.
 Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication skills are those required to communicate, or share information, with people from
other cultures and social groups.

While language skills may be an important part of intercultural communication, they are by no means the only
requirement.

Intercultural communication also requires an understanding that different cultures have different customs,
standards, social mores, and even thought patterns.

Finally, good intercultural communication skills requires a willingness to accept differences these and adapt to
them.

A Starting Point for Intercultural Communication

A desire for intercultural communication starts from the point of view that communication is better if it is
constructive, and does not suffer from misunderstandings and breakdowns.
Intercultural communication requires both knowledge and skills. It also requires understanding and empathy.
Effective intercultural communication is a vital skill for anyone working across countries or continents,
including those working for multinational companies either in their home country or abroad (expatriates).

It is also crucial for anyone working with people from other cultures to avoid misunderstandings and even
offence. Those studying languages often encounter issues of intercultural communication.

Knowledge for Intercultural Communication

Key areas of knowledge for those wanting to improve their intercultural communication are:

 Some knowledge of the cultures, organisations and institutions, history and general way of living of different
communities and nations.
 Recognition that these aspects affect behavioural norms. For example, there is considerable ‘history’ between
the Greeks and Turks, and therefore it may be considered potentially a problem to serve Turkish food to a Greek
person.
 An understanding of how culture can affect communication and language. For example, people from Nordic
countries are often said to speak more directly than native English speakers who tend to use more ‘polite’
language. Scandinavians in the UK have reported causing offence to English people by failing to say ‘please’
and ‘thank you’ enough.
 Some understanding of the conventions that may govern behaviour in certain specific intercultural
environments, such as views on the role of women, or the licence (or otherwise) permitted to children.
 Crucially, awareness of your own and other people’s beliefs and values, and a willingness to recognise when
these may clash.
 Sensitivity towards cultural stereotypes that may affect and interfere with intercultural communication.