Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills Paper

Barbara Ruiz

SOC/110

October 19, 2015

Annjela Hynes-Porter

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills Paper

There are many forms of communication used by people every day. There is face to face communication as well as cell phones or conference calls and even the more technologically advanced telecom or skype type applications, all fall under verbal communication. Nonverbal communication can be considered more telling as it usually indicates the receivers’ feedback. Body language is one form; this includes eye contact and mannerisms. Does the receiver show interest with facial expressions? Are they engaged or distracted by a cell phone or offline conversations? Does the receiver sit his/her legs & arms crossed or are they sitting or standing attentively? These are some of the ways people communicate nonverbally yet an important form not to be forgotten would be active listening. Active listening can have a tremendous effect on communication. Because a receiver can help guide the tone of the exchange positively by listening to understand rather than to respond. This can help show and convey interest, understanding and respect which in turn helps move the exchange forward productively as well.

Knowledge of nonverbal communication can help one’s communication with others because this allows one to use this feedback to change the delivery of the message appropriately. Is the person receiving the message receptive to the message, is there eye contact? The tone of the exchange is another form of feedback. These are all ways that can help the communication process. One can achieve a better idea of the level of understanding using the feedback from nonverbal communication, without the knowledge of it, this would be impossible. Therefore knowledge of nonverbal communication allowing the ability to change the way one presents the information to a better way or form.

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