Verbal and Non Verbal Communication, Writing by Kenza (online member)

We’re always talking and communicating every day. But what makes up the whole of our communication?

Verbal communication makes up only 7% of how we talk and express ourselves every day, while Non Verbal makes up an amazing 93% of all our communications!

Verbal communication includes the sounds and language we use in our individual community to relay a message. We’re born with the ability to speak, but we have to learn a language to communicate in. Language allows us to express what we want to say. Verbal communication doesn’t actually tell the truth of what we are thinking or feeling, though; it only gives us the words and information. For example, we could lie to someone that we weren’t scared, although actually we really are. We can’t always rely on verbal communication to tell the truth.

On the other hand, Non Verbal communication, including body language, is the tool we use to present what we really mean. We use this all the time to give out messages, although we might not even notice it. Even when we’re being silent, we’re still communicating nonverbally. It’s an unconscious language that expresses our true feelings, thoughts and intentions in any given situation.

There are many types of Non Verbal communication. There’s facial expressions, body movements and postures, gestures, eye contact, touch, physical space and tone of voice. It’s very difficult to disguise it all, because not only does Non Verbal communication make up the majority of how we talk and express things, but our body language is automatic and almost impossible to fake.

It’s been proven that our emotions or facial expressions are expressed in similar ways around the world. This includes, happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise. However, don’t muddle up gestures with emotions, because gestures aren’t always the same in other countries. In the US and UK, for example, putting your thumbs up is usually being positive, while in some other countries it may be an insult. These are cultural differences.

So, whether or not you are talking or being quiet, this won’t affect your Non Verbal communication. Whatever you do, you’re always expressing yourself in different ways that you, yourself, might not even notice. There are thousands of ways to communicate today and it is a powerful tool to help us communicate with ourselves and to interpret others.

by Kenza, Online Member