What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication?
Communication is a systematic flow of information from one place, person or group to another. The main types of communication are verbal, non-verbal, written and visual.
The main difference between verbal and non-verbal communication is that verbal communication is a type of communication that involve use of words in exchange of information whereas non-verbal communication involves the use of body language, facial expression and sign language to convey information.
Comparison Table (Verbal Communication vs Non-Verbal Communication)
| Basic Terms | Verbal Communication | Non-Verbal Communication |
| Meaning | It is a type of communication where the sender uses words to convey a message to the receiver | It is a type of communication where the sender and receiver uses a sign to share information |
| Types | Formal and Informal | Chronemics, Vocalists, Haptics, Kinesics, Proxemics, Artifacts. |
| Time Consuming | No | Yes |
| Future Reference | Yes especially for written communication | No documentary evidence |
| Impact of the Message | Very impactful as it can be documented | Very comprehensive as it shows the actual emotions |
| Transparency Status | Clear and Concise. | Complex and sometimes confusing. |
| Mode of Transmission | Emails, letters, notes, reports etc | Through Body posture, gestures, eye contacts, face expressions |
| Chances of Transmitting the wrong message | Quite rare | Happen most of the time |
| Importance | Message can easily be understood.
There is immediate feedback |
Quite important to understand the emotion, status, lifestyle and feeling of the sender |
What Is Verbal Communication?
It is a type of communication where the sender uses words whether written or spoken to convey the message to the receiver.
Verbal communication is the most common mode of communication and it normally results in immediate feedback.
The chances of misunderstanding the information are quite a few since the message is clear and concise.
The interchange of the information can be in the form of oral and written communication. Examples of oral communication are face to face communication, lectures, phone calls, seminars, etc. and those of written communication are Letters, Email, SMS, etc.
Type of Verbal Communication
They include:
Formal Communication which is also known as official communication. It is a form of communication where the sender follows a pre-defined channel to transmit the information to the receiver.
Informal Communication is also known as grapevine communication. It is a form of communication where the sender does not follow the pre-defined channel to transmit the information to the receiver.
What Is Non-Verbal Communication?
Non-verbal communication is a type of communication that involve the use of body gestures, sign language and facial expressions to transmit information.
There are high chances of misunderstanding the information. But the form of communication tends to complement verbal communication.
The common types of non-verbal communication are Chronemics, Vocalists, Haptics, Kinesics, Proxemics, and Artifacts.
The type of communication can only happen where both the sender and receiver understand the signs and gestures.
Read More: Difference between Formal and Informal Communication
Main Difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
- Verbal communication involves the use of words and language whereas non-verbal communication involves the use of sign language and body gestures
- Non-verbal communication requires the physical presence of the sender and receiver whereas verbal communication does not need the physical presence of sender and receiver
- Verbal communication message is a clear and concise whereas non-verbal message in complex and difficult to understand
- Verbal communication tend to be fast and there is immediate feedback whereas non-verbal communication is comparatively low and time-consuming
- Verbal communication document evidence for future use whereas non-verbal communication does not document evidence
- Verbal communication tend to be structured whereas non-verbal communication is not structured
Similarities between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
- Both tend to offer value in a different scenario
- Both tend to pass information with diluting facts
- Both are a form of communication
- Both involve a sender and a receiver
Comparison Video
Conclusion
Communication is the process of conveying information from the sender to the receiver using a pre-defined channel. It can either be in the form of verbal communication or Non-verbal communication.
Both verbal and non-verbal communication plays an important role when passing information from one party to another.
The core difference between verbal and non-verbal communication is that verbal communication is a structured method whereas non-verbal communication is not a structured method.
More Sources and References
- Nonverbal Communication. Helpful Guide
- Verbal Communication. Oxford Academic Journal