verbal and non-verbal communication

Texts

2022

We explain what is verbal and non-verbal communication, their differences and examples. Also, what is graphic communication.

Verbal and non-verbal communication can complement each other.

What is verbal and non-verbal communication?

The human being is an animal with capabilities unique communicative. This is because we have a language, that is, the ability to generate signs and understand each other through them, which gives rise to having both verbal and non-verbal communication.

  • Verbal communication (CV) is one that depends on the linguistic signs, that is, when language intervenes. This can be given orally or written, and using the code (language or language) whatever, although the verbal is commonly identified with the oral communication.
  • The non-verbal communication (CNV) is the one that dispenses with linguistic signs, that is, in which the word, and therefore occurs through gestures, movements or other types of signs.

However, we must note that these two types of communication do not form separate worlds, since when we speak we usually resort to non-verbal communication to qualify, accompany, emphasize or contradict what we are saying with language, as when we use facial gestures to include In what has been said, information that is not made explicit through words.

Both verbal communication and non-verbal communication are part of the transmission capabilities of information among human beings, something intrinsic to our species.

Difference between verbal and non-verbal communication

The differences between verbal and non-verbal communication can be summarized as follows:

Verbal communication (CV) Non-verbal communication (CNV)
Use linguistic signs, either orally or in writing. He does not use linguistic signs, but signs of another type, or gestures, etc.
Respond to a convention social, since it depends on the code used (language) so that the sender and receiver can understand each other. It tends to be universal, that is, to serve independently of the tradition culture or the language used by the sender and receiver.
It is precise and concrete: you say what you want to say, and you can always add more words to clarify it. It is less precise, tends to be vague, ambiguous, and allows for a much lower level of detail.
It can occur across distances, with the help of technology Or the writing. It is totally direct and contextual, if we take it out of its very moment of production it loses all meaning.
It depends on the conscious and voluntary emission of the word, so that if there is silence it is not communicated. It occurs constantly, whether conscious or unconscious, voluntary or involuntary, even while speaking.
It is unique and exclusive to the human being. It is shared by humans with animals.

Examples of verbal and non-verbal communication

Examples of verbal communication are:

  • A street conversation with the neighbor.
  • A phone call.
  • A letter sent by post.
  • An instant message in a chat.
  • A News in the local newspaper.
  • A shouting match between two drivers who nearly collided on the corner.
  • A declaration of love during a serenade.
  • A novel or any book we read.
  • A conference given to a specialized audience.
  • A defense plea from an attorney in court.

For their part, they are examples of non-verbal communication:

  • Asking a vendor abroad for three loaves of bread, raising three fingers of the hand.
  • Greet a friend in the distance with a wave of the hand.
  • Smile at that person we like.
  • Indicate to a deaf-mute where to walk by pointing with your finger.
  • Cross your arms in an argument.
  • Clap when the show is over.
  • Show a closed fist to a person with whom we are about to fight.
  • Make a disgusted face when someone suggests eating something unpleasant.
  • Whistle for a dog to come meet us.
  • When a cat growls at another so that it does not approach it.

Graphic communication

Graphic communication can use illustrations, drawings, photographs, and more.

For its part, we speak of graphic communication to refer to that which is carried out without linguistic signs, but through graphic or visual content. This means that it is a form of non-verbal, but indirect communication, mediated by illustrations, drawings, maps, logos, icons or even Photographs Y paintings, instead of by the body or the gestures.

Graphic communication is an important complement to verbal communication, especially in the advertising and artistic fields. It may or may not build its own sign languages, as is the case with traffic signs: they are not verbal signs, but graphics, but they must be learned and are part of a closed communication system.

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