Overview
Communication is the basis of any relationship, and good communication is the key to relationship success. Communication is the way in which messages are generated and received. Many people don’t understand the impact both verbal and nonverbal communication techniques has on those around them.
Communication
According to the National Communication Association, you have to learn and develop proper communication skills. Babies are born with the physical ability to talk, but they learn verbal skills such as speaking and nonverbal skills such as facial expressions from watching and interacting with others. The field of communication is overwhelming and has been studied by humanists and social sciences for years. Research in the field of communication is continuously improving human knowledge.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is just what the name suggests–sounds, words, speaking. Children are born with the ability to make sounds, which is the first step into the realm of verbal communication. It is through the use of sound that children enable parents and adults to understand what they want. As babies continue to develop and learn, they begin to turn their sounds into words without placing meaning on the word. It is not until the baby understands the meaning of the words they are expressing, that they come to communicate in the language of their family. Language itself is vast and can vary in meaning based on the cultural group within which you were raised.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is unspoken communication. According to Bnet, nonverbal communication is the use of signals outside of verbal communication, such as gestures, body movements, facial expressions, and even vocal tone and pitch. Eyes are the No. 1 place where nonverbal communication is displayed. To accurately understand what someone is really saying, you must be able to read and understand nonverbal signals he is sending. The problem with nonverbal communication is that people tend to misread it, or the sender sends confusing nonverbal signals. Improving your nonverbal communication skills will impact your overall emotional intelligence. It also will help you build stronger relationships and experience greater success because emotional intelligence is your ability to accurately read and react to others’ thoughts and feelings through the use of nonverbal cues.
Mixed Messages
When using verbal and nonverbal communication together, similar messages must be sent or else the receiver will become confused. The sender must have some emotional self-awareness and an ability to send the nonverbal signs that address his feelings. When engaged in communication, you must be fully aware and pay attention because if you are distracted, chances are you will miss subtle nonverbal signals.
Impact of Technology
An increase in communication over the phone and Internet through text messaging and emails impacts communication effectiveness. When communicating through these media, you are unable to experience the essential nonverbal signals and thus, you run the risk of misinterpreting any messages behind the message.
About this Author
Alia Butler holds a Masters of Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis, concentrating in mental health, and a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. Currently, Butler is a freelance writer, penning articles focusing on mental health, healthy living and issues surrounding work-life balance. She is the principle/owner of ALIA Living, LLC providing residential interior design services, professional organizing and life coaching.
