What is Verbal Communication?
Verbal communication is the ability to effectively communicate your thoughts verbally, i.e. by speaking. In the business world, verbal communication skills are crucial. Verbal communication is essential in business, whether it’s a weekly meeting or a presentation to stakeholders. A person who communicates clearly, effectively, and confidently is remembered by people.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’s speech to launch the iPhone is an example of brilliant verbal communication that people still remember. Many speeches by former President Barack Obama are memorable in the same way.
An effective speaker can also connect with their audience quickly. Oprah Winfrey said, “Great communication starts with a connection.”
With practice, you too can become a great speaker. While most of us have the ability to communicate verbally, it’s crucial to learn how to make them work. Continue reading to discover more about these distinct characteristics.
Also read: Marketing and Communications: What is the Difference?
Characteristics Of Verbal Communication
Let’s start with the basics of verbal communication before we get into more detail about its defining characteristics. Verbal communication can only be done orally. Communication by oral means can include talking, laughing, and listening. Oral communication is often used to navigate emotional situations.
Written communication can also include script, alphabets acronyms logos, and graphics. Everyone involved in the interpretation of written messages must be able to understand the code (e.g. the language). This is different from verbal or spoken communication.
There are a few characteristics that are specific to verbal communication, namely
- The Message being Communicated is Directly or Indirectly Related to An Object
- We use concepts to communicate messages
- Both the sender and receiver should understand the content
- Cultural Factors Impact the Content of Messages
- Communicating emotions and feelings can influence the content of messages.
Although we communicate with our family, friends, and coworkers regularly, we might not be aware of the way we are communicating. You will benefit from mastering verbal communication in many ways. Let’s look at different forms of verbal communication, and how you can make them work for your audience.
Types Of Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is more than just words, sounds, and languages. To communicate with your audience better, you must get to know them. You can use the Pyramid Principle to start with your main argument, then move on to supporting statements. Based on the audience, you can categorize verbal communication into four types.
Intrapersonal Communication
This is your private channel for verbal communication. Talk to yourself and communicate your thoughts. Talking to yourself can help you feel more confident and clear in your thinking. This will help you organize your thoughts, make sense of your sentences, and find the right words and ways to communicate with others. This will allow you to gain the trust of your colleagues at work.
Interpersonal Communication
This can also be called one-to-one communication. This communication occurs between two people. This type of communication helps you to understand whether you are communicating your thoughts clearly. Understanding the other person’s reactions, responses, and verbal and/or nonverbal cues will help you to understand if you are being understood. Listen intently to the other person. Communication is more than just talking to someone. Communication is also about listening. Listen, think, and then respond. Be patient and thoughtful when responding.
Small Group Communication
Communication in small groups increases the number of participants. Communication with one participant can be replaced by communication with several. These small groups can be used for team meetings, board meetings, scrum meetings, or sales meetings. Because the group size is small, everyone can communicate with one another. To ensure that you keep the conversation on track, prepare a topic for small group meetings. Keep the discussion on track and give everyone enough time to express their opinions.
Public Communication
This type is also known as public speaking. This is where an individual addresses many people at once. Public communication can be used for speeches, election campaigns, and presentations. This type of communication is more difficult because the audience is greater. Make sure you use language and phrases that they can understand and organize your thoughts before speaking to the audience. You will feel more comfortable speaking in public if you are prepared.
Verbal communication is a wide topic. It is possible to organize our thoughts around this topic using a variety of elements. These elements are:
Tone
Your tone is what determines how you want your message to be understood. If your tone is sarcastic, it will affect the way you communicate your message. Tone can make a big difference in your speech.
Speed
Your audience’s reaction to your speech will be affected by the pace you speak at. It is possible that you have been to webinars or lectures where people spoke slowly and softly, which can be boring. It can be hard to understand someone speaking fast.
Volume
Volume can be described as anything from a whisper to an exclamation point. Different meanings can be given to the volume at which you speak. If you whisper in someone’s ear while speaking, it could be misinterpreted as something negative. Screaming while someone is talking is considered rude. Depending on your social context, you should always be aware of how loud you are speaking.
Language, grammar, and vocabulary are all important aspects of verbal communication. For example, a wrong message sent to a hiring manager can break your career opportunities. Verbal communication is crucial for professional success. Communication is essential for decision-making and collaboration within teams. Let’s take a look at the different types of verbal communication.
Advantages Of Verbal Communication
Communication via verbal means is the best way to communicate. Your communication skills will make it easier to build trust and lasting relationships with others. These are the benefits of having strong verbal communication skills.
- It provides complete understanding and clarifies any messages that may have been misunderstood
- It’s one of the fastest modes of communication and is time-efficient
- You can provide feedback, which allows two or more people to engage in a conversation at the same time.
- It allows speakers to exert influence and persuade listeners to agree with ideas, thoughts, and opinions
- It is flexible, that is, you can change your language and tone depending on the situation or relationship you share with an individual.
Basically, verbal communication can be described as one of the most reliable forms of communication. Its benefits also apply to work. Let’s take a look at how professionals can benefit from strong verbal communication skills.
Also read: Top 10 Communication Tools for Remote Teams
Building Relationships
Strong interpersonal relationships can be built through verbal communication. It is easier to find people with similar interests, thoughts, and outlooks. This encourages you to collaborate, and work in a team.
Persuading Someone
You need to have some influence in order to make things happen in professional settings. If you want coworkers to support your project, for example, you must be able to convince them. You must be able to convince others, even in brainstorming sessions.
Bringing Clarity
You can make your message clearer by repeating yourself, as verbal communication allows for feedback. In conflicts or arguments, for example, you can repeat the message to make sure there is no room for ambiguity.
Improving Productivity
Communication is key to effective communication with your team members and other people in the organization. Establishing relationships is key to facilitating collaboration and cooperation. Increasing productivity can be achieved through group discussions and teamwork.
Increasing Motivation
Communication is crucial in giving feedback and acknowledging individual efforts. Support and appreciation can boost confidence, no matter if it’s an email or a congratulatory speech. Managers, don’t miss out on the chance to recognize your team’s achievements and efforts. They will be encouraged to improve and it will also strengthen your relationship with them.
Effective verbal communication creates a two-way channel that allows people to interact, engage, and collaborate with one another, improving their organizational efficiency and productivity. It helps you to be more confident and well-rounded as a professional.
