Verbal and Nonverbal Elements of Communication

ORAL COMMUNICATION CHAPTER 3: VERBAL AND NONVERBAL ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION LANGUANGE It is the core of verbal communication. It is a collection of signs, symbols, codes, rules which are used to construct and convey messages. These elements form the medium through which we communicate our ideas, desires, and feelings. It is a productive system capable of displacement and composed of rapidly fading, orbitrary, culturally transmitted symbols. Displacement – language permits us to discuss topics that cut across time and space, reality and fantasy. Speeches delivered today can influence people and events in other times and culture. Rapid fading – means that verbal messages must be received immediately after they are sent, or they will be lost. Sign Ex: School Zone, Wear your Facemask Symbols Ex: Dog- loyal/danger DENOTATIVE AND CONNOTATIVE Denotative – is the literal meaning of a word Connotative – the subjective attachment that people associate with a word or symbol. Connotative meaning contains our judgments and evaluations. 3. Rhythm – The way a speaker talks can be a powerful tool to engage listeners. Rhythm refers to the speed and flow of a speaker’s utterances. 4. Repetition and rephrasing – Unlike in reading, a listener cannot go back to what a speaker has spoken if the speaker did not understand that particular utterance. Another way to foster understanding of a complex or difficult idea is to rephrase what has been said. 5. Tone – Tone of voice is essential in communicating effectively. The tone of voice often shows the attitude of the speaker toward the topic or the listener. 6. Appropriate Form of Language – A speaker must use the appropriate form of language to be used in a given setting. The technical term for the form of language used is register. There are different registers of any given language depending on the formality of the communication setting, participants, topic, and other factors. ELEMENTS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION 1. Kinesics – This is the study of bodily movement, hand gestures and posture. Verbal Intensifiers – “quite,””so,” “really,”. Reduces the strength of the utterance by increasing the intensity of the emotion being conveyed. 2. Eye contact and facial expression – Eye contact is how and how much we look at the people - with whom we are communicating, while our facial expression shows how we communicate our emotional states or reactions to messages through our facial muscles. Verbal Qualifiers - "perhaps," "possibly", and "I guess." Also reduces the impact of utterance. 3. Vocalics – This involves the meanings stimulated by the sound of the voice. Tag Questions – weakens the assertion of a speaker by adding a question. For confirmation. Positive statement – negative tag, negative statement – positive tag. 4. Physical appearance – Our appearance is our message code. For example, we choose how we should look by grooming or selecting clothes and accessories. The language of dress shows how we feel about ourselves. ELEMENTS OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION 1. Pause – A speaker takes pauses between utterances in order to allow listeners to process what the speaker said. 2. Loudness and Softness – emphasis can be achieved by either speaking loudly or softly. An adept speaker knows when to raise or lower their voice. 5. Proxemics – this describes how people use space to communicate. 6. Tactilics or Haptics – This is communicating by touching or putting part of the body in contact with something. ORAL COMMUNICATION CHAPTER 3: VERBAL AND NONVERBAL ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION 7. Chronemics – The study of the use of time in communication.