Effective Communication: The Importance Of Verbal Communication

Peter F. Drucker, a successful businessman, once said, “the most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” He is describing communicating nonverbally. Everyone knows how being deaf works, right? I hope so. Well they have to communicate without speaking. Nonverbal communication provides an essential component to human communication. One reason we need nonverbal communication is because it supports verbal communication. “According to the Edward G. Wertheim, author of The Importance of Effective Communication, there are five main effects that nonverbal communication can have: Repetition – They can reinforce what is already being said. Contradiction – They can contradict the message and make the speaker seem untruthful.

An example of emphasizing is, if someone tries to flirt, well or badly, most of it tends to be body language. Moving closer, looking more interesting in the conversation than they normally would, smiling a lot, and generally being more touchy-feely are some of the most common signs of flirting, all of which aren’t done through talking. “Body language can include gestures, movements, and even posture, that is used to send messages about what you mean. … Sometimes body language doesn't match what is being said, and having an understanding of how to read it can be very helpful in determining what another person really wants or needs” (Universal class). Nonverbal communication also reinstates what is spoken by someone. It is the most used and influential form of communication. The nonverbal group explained that “One of the most frequently quoted statistics on nonverbal communication is that 93% of all daily communication is nonverbal. Popular science magazines, students and media outlets frequently quote this specific number. So where does the number come from? Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, conducted several

He found that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc). Subtracting the 7% for actual vocal content leaves one with the 93% statistic. … The fact of the matter is that the exact number is irrelevant. Knowing that communication is specifically 75% nonverbal or 90% nonverbal holds no practical applications. The important part is that most communication is nonverbal. In fact, nonverbal behavior is the most crucial aspect of communication.” It can emphasize, but can also contradict. They reveal so much about you. Susan M. Heathfield, a writer for the balance, said in an article “If you want to mask your feelings or your immediate reaction to information, pay close attention to your nonverbal behavior. You may have your voice and words under control, but your body language including the tiniest facial expressions and movement can give your true thoughts and feelings away. Especially to a skilled reader of nonverbal cues, most of us are really open books.” She also gave us a helpful reminder that “No matter your position at work, improving your skill in interpreting nonverbal communication will add to