Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Phyllis E. Adams
HCA 230
02/17/2013
Robert Feightner
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
What is communication? By definition communication is; “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” (Merriam-Webster, 2013) Although this definition does not mention verbal, communication can be verbal, as well as non-verbal. The first principle of verbal communication is that all language has value. (Cheeseboro, O"connor, & Rios, 2010) No one language is superior to another, and all are equally important as it a connection to people and give them identity, culturally, and spiritually. The second principle of verbal communication is; “everyone culture speaks a dialect, with unique pronunciation vocabulary, and grammar.” (Cheeseboro, O"Connor, & Rios, 2010) There are several different dialects in this country alone, not to mention around the world. For example, there is a distinctive accent between a person who lives in the United States, and people who live in England, yet English is the primary language in both countries. The key is to listen, and to give acknowledgement that you understand, or not. If you have problems understanding one’s accent, be sensitive, and respectful when asking questions, and don’t buy into negative stereotypes. Our differences should be celebrated, and viewed as an opportunity to learn about others. “The third prnciple is to understand that words do not mean the same to all people.” (Cheeseboro, O"connor, & Rios, 2010) In the southern United States the word “tote”, can mean to carry something, while in the northern United states people assume you are referring to a “bag”, or an “umbrella.” Therefore, it is always a good practice to refrain from using “slang”, unless you are certain the reciever understands it. The fourth principle of verbal communication is to recognize variations on how spoken
Phyllis E. Adams
HCA 230
02/17/2013
Robert Feightner
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
What is communication? By definition communication is; “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” (Merriam-Webster, 2013) Although this definition does not mention verbal, communication can be verbal, as well as non-verbal. The first principle of verbal communication is that all language has value. (Cheeseboro, O"connor, & Rios, 2010) No one language is superior to another, and all are equally important as it a connection to people and give them identity, culturally, and spiritually. The second principle of verbal communication is; “everyone culture speaks a dialect, with unique pronunciation vocabulary, and grammar.” (Cheeseboro, O"Connor, & Rios, 2010) There are several different dialects in this country alone, not to mention around the world. For example, there is a distinctive accent between a person who lives in the United States, and people who live in England, yet English is the primary language in both countries. The key is to listen, and to give acknowledgement that you understand, or not. If you have problems understanding one’s accent, be sensitive, and respectful when asking questions, and don’t buy into negative stereotypes. Our differences should be celebrated, and viewed as an opportunity to learn about others. “The third prnciple is to understand that words do not mean the same to all people.” (Cheeseboro, O"connor, & Rios, 2010) In the southern United States the word “tote”, can mean to carry something, while in the northern United states people assume you are referring to a “bag”, or an “umbrella.” Therefore, it is always a good practice to refrain from using “slang”, unless you are certain the reciever understands it. The fourth principle of verbal communication is to recognize variations on how spoken
References: Cheeseboro, T., O"connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communication in the Workplace. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/Pearson Educatio, Inc. Merriam-Webster. (2013). Merriam-Webster Unabridged. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from Merriam-Webster online Dictionary: www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/communicationSharea Mosby. (2009). Mosby 's Medical Dicionary. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from Free Dictionary Online: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com Thompson, J. (2013). Beyond Words. Retrieved February 15, 2013, from Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beyond-words/201109/is-nonverbal-communication-numbers-game