Verbal and non-verbal communication

• Asst. Lecturer Iman Kadhim Abbood: 'Verbal And Non-verbal Communication'
• Verbal communication is a form of communication in which you use words to interchange information with other people either in the form of speech or writing
• Nonverbal communication does not use words for communicating anything, but some other modes are used, i.e. where communication takes place by way of unspoken or unwritten messages such as body language, facial expressions, sign language, and so forth
• Most communication is a mixture of verbal and nonverbal messages
• Verbal Communication


  • Communication is successful when your message is received as you intended it
  • You can speak well by organizing your thoughts in your mind or on paper before you talk, paying attention to your delivery
  • Make sure you know your main point
  • Be aware of your feelings before speaking
  • Think twice before saying anything you might later regret
• Nonverbal Communication


  • The sending and receiving of messages without the use of words
  • Examples include flags, signs, whistles, drawings, music, body movements, facial expressions, gestures
• All forms of nonverbal communication

  1. Gestures, facial expressions, posture, eye contact, physical distance, and even your appearance communicate your thoughts and feelings

  2. Can use nonverbal communication to make your message stronger

  3. Can learn to “read” other people’s nonverbal communication to help you understand their thoughts and feelings
• Body language


  • Use of gestures and other body movements to communicate
• Posture


  • Way you hold your body
• Facial expressions


  • Can encourage or discourage communication
• Eye contact


  • Looking into another person’s eyes show that you are friendly, confident, and interested in the speaker