Communication, defined simply as the transmission of information, includes: the words expressing a message, or verbal communication; how the words are said, or para-verbal communication; and any meaning expressed instead of or in addition to the words, called nonverbal communication. A listener who interprets all three receives a more complete message; a smart speaker ensures consistency in all three to convey only the message intended.
Mode of Transmission
Verbal communication refers to the written or spoken word, with the latter occurring in two forms: public speaking and interpersonal communication. Building on the verbal message, para-verbal communication conveys meaning through vocal emphasis, pitch, intonation and pacing. Nonverbal communication refers to messages conveyed by more physical means, including facial expression, eye movement, use of space or time, crossed or uncrossed arms or legs, wardrobe choice, posture, gestures, touch, perspiration, trembling, flushing of skin and others.
Content
By varying word choice and sequence, verbal communication can express complex ideas, tell a story or recite facts. Para-verbal communication does not express individual ideas; it adds meaning to spoken words through voice manipulation. Even more subtle but powerful, nonverbal communication silently conveys emotion and subconscious values -- information that can supplement or even contradict the verbal message.
Ease of Interpretation
Stripped of context, verbally communicated messages are interpreted with reliable consistency. Each word, already objectively defined, combines with other words in specific sequence to convey the same message to most listeners. With para-verbal or nonverbal communication, interpretation is more subjective. Any body language or vocal change could reflect the words currently spoken, unrelated thoughts, physical distress, natural voice, personality, gender, health or the natural position of facial features.
Effectiveness
Accessing a substantial vocabulary, a speaker who verbalizes carefully chosen words can expect listeners to understand his intended message. Still, a speaker's para-verbal and nonverbal communication influence whether listeners accept that message. Most people will believe a speaker's monotone and clenched fists over any verbal message of joy. Halting speech and averted eyes suggest the speaker lies. In general, people consider it easier to speak lies than to feign appropriate body language, so they believe the non-verbal cues.
