Communicating with Nonverbal and Verbal Communication

One thing we all have in common is that we must all communicate in one form or another. Everyone communicates even if they know it or not. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is used during conversations. Using both forms helps convey and support the message you are trying to send. Up to 90% of all communication is nonverbal. Most communicators use body language, gestures, and facial expressions during conversations as well as using words. Nonverbal communication is more likely to be used than verbal. Most people perceive people by their first appearances without conversing. An example of this would be if Susie wore dress shirts and skirts to class while Betty wore t-shirts and pajama pants. On first sight someone may perceive that based on Susie 's outfit she is prepared and ready for class. While on the other hand someone may perceive that based on Betty 's outfit that she just woke up and came to class unprepared. Aware of it or not, both girls outfits are communicating with nonverbal communication. Another example is the light that controls traffic. No one has to be reminded that you are supposed to go on green because it is a memorized action. The green light on the traffic light is just nonverbally reiterates you to accelerate. Sometimes nonverbal communication may be perceived in ways it was not intended to be. Often this type of communication has one or more meanings. An example would be at a wedding, guests may not be crying because they are sad but they may be happy. Everyone recognizes nonverbal messages in different ways. In order to verbally communicate language is needed. Using the English language we use sounds, words, and grammar to send a message to another person. The words have meaning and use grammar to set guidelines on the structure. We learn how to use sounds to form words that have definitions. We use these words to form sentences to help explain the thoughts and ideas we want to send to another person.

Cited: Beall, M. & Seiler, W., et al. (2002). Communication: Making Connections. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Bennet, C. (2003). Comprehensive Multicultural Education. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.