English Communication

Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication

PreviousNext

Communication goes far beyond words. Research by Albert Mehrabian suggests that words account for only 7% of communication — 38% comes from tone of voice, and 55% from body language. This chapter covers both verbal and non-verbal dimensions.

Verbal Communication

Lecture 1 and 2

  • Tone — The attitude conveyed through voice.
    • A confident tone commands attention; a nervous tone loses credibility.
    • Example: Saying "I need this done." assertively vs. hesitantly changes the impact entirely.
  • Clarity — Speaking in an organized, structured manner.
    • Avoid filler words like "um", "uh", "you know".
    • Structure your speech: Opening → Main Point → Conclusion.
  • Articulation — Pronouncing words clearly and distinctly.
    • Poor articulation leads to misunderstandings, especially in technical contexts.
  • Pace — Speed of speaking.
    • Too fast: listener cannot process. Too slow: listener loses interest.
    • Ideal pace: 120–150 words per minute for presentations.
  • Volume — Adjusting loudness to suit the context.
    • Too soft in a large room = inaudible. Too loud in a meeting = aggressive.
  • Active Listening — A critical part of verbal communication.
    • Involves giving full attention, nodding, paraphrasing, and asking relevant questions.
    • Example: After a colleague explains a problem, say "So what you mean is..." to confirm understanding.

Non-Verbal Communication

Lecture 3 and 4

  • Body Language — Posture and movement convey confidence or nervousness.
    • Open posture (arms uncrossed, leaning forward) = engaged and confident.
    • Closed posture (arms crossed, slouching) = defensive or disinterested.
  • Facial Expressions — The face is the most expressive part of the body.
    • A smile builds rapport; a frown signals displeasure or confusion.
    • Facial expressions are largely universal across cultures.
  • Eye Contact — Maintains engagement and conveys sincerity.
    • Too little = disinterest or dishonesty. Too much = intimidating.
    • Ideal: maintain eye contact 60–70% of the time during conversations.
  • Gestures — Hand and arm movements that emphasize points.
    • Purposeful gestures add energy to speech.
    • Avoid excessive or repetitive gestures that distract the listener.
  • Appearance — Dress and grooming significantly affect first impressions.
    • Formal settings demand formal attire; casual settings allow relaxed dress.
    • Rule: always dress slightly better than the occasion requires.

Paralanguage

Lecture 5

  • Paralanguage refers to the vocal but non-verbal elements of speech.
  • Components:
    • Pitch — High pitch may indicate excitement or nervousness; low pitch conveys authority.
    • Rhythm — Varied rhythm keeps the listener engaged.
    • Pauses — Strategic pauses add emphasis and allow the listener to absorb information.
    • Filler Words — "um", "uh", "like" — should be minimized in professional speech.
    • Laughter / Sighs — Convey emotion and personality.
  • Example: The sentence "I didn't say she stole the money" changes meaning entirely depending on which word is stressed.

Proxemics — Space and Distance

Lecture 6

  • Coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, proxemics studies how space affects communication.
  • Intimate Zone (0–45 cm) — Reserved for close family and romantic partners.
  • Personal Zone (45 cm–1.2 m) — Friends and close acquaintances.
  • Social Zone (1.2–3.6 m) — Formal interactions, colleagues, and interviews.
  • Public Zone (3.6 m+) — Public speaking, lectures, and large presentations.
  • Cultural Note: Personal space preferences vary by culture — what feels comfortable in one culture may feel invasive in another.

The most effective communicators align their verbal and non-verbal signals. When words and body language contradict each other, people trust the non-verbal cues. Developing awareness of both dimensions dramatically improves your communication impact.

Written CommunicationReading Comprehension