Verbal Communication – Definition, Types, Importance and Difference from Non-Verbal

Verbal communication is a form of oral communication that happens between two or more persons in any form of speech or by using words. This speech-based communication includes spoken words, discussions, conversations group meetings, presentations, sign language, coded information, etc.

Effective verbal communication skills include more than just talking. It encompasses both how you deliver messages and how you receive them. In verbal communication, the sender uses words to share his or her feelings, ideas, thoughts, or opinions.

What is Verbal Communication?

Definition: Verbal communication is defined as communication that includes the exchange of information through spoken words, written messages, or sign language. In the corporate world, effective verbal communication is an integral part of interpersonal interactions as well as business and board meetings, and professional conversation.

Whether it’s about making phone calls, conference meetings, personal discussions, presentations, or formal & information communication, excellent verbal communication is necessary in every part of the corporate world. From the tone of your voice to tailoring messages to your audiences, verbal communication skills are one of the most important factors of accomplishing success in life.

Verbal Vs. Non-Verbal Communication

In both types of verbal communication however, the speaker uses words for transmitting the message to the receiver. In this form of small group communication, messages are understood with better clarity. While on the other hand, nonverbal communication occurs between a sender and receiver by using signs, body language, or facial expressions.

In verbal communication, face-to-face interaction is not essential but in non-verbal communication, the personal or physically present face-to-face presence of all the involved parties is essential.

Types of Verbal Communications

1. Formal

It is understood as official public communication only, and in this, a sender follows a pre-defined channel for sharing the information.

2. Informal

It is also known as grapevine, and in this, senders don’t use or follow any pre-defined channels for transmitting the information.

Importance of Verbal Communication

1) Talks a lot about the image of the company

The first and foremost point in understanding the Importance of Verbal Communication is that it helps to build a positive image of the organization in the industry as a whole. The industry covers customers, vendors, investors, partners, government authorities, competitors, and other stakeholders of the firm with whom the management and staff have to deal on a day to day basis. Hence, it is very crucial to have clear and transparent channels of verbal and written communication.

2) The flow of thoughts and ideas

Having a clear and transparent verbal communication with the high confidence levels during the team meeting or during an offsite with the managing director of your company or with your peers and contemporaries elevates the flow of thoughts and ideas. Right from the flow of novel ideas, breakthrough concepts, innovative ways of promotions, and new marketing channels; a lot is explored by realizing the Importance of Verbal Communication.

3) Ensures job satisfaction

When we talk about internal communication from the standpoint of a relationship between an employer and the employee, having a clear communication between the above mentioned two parties elevates the satisfaction and confidence level of the employee. The employer has to make his employee understand his merits and demerits at work so that he can amp up his game and iron out his flaws and work on the issues if any. It also increases the confidence levels resulting in the boost of productivity at work.

4) Awards and Acclamations

In continuation to the above mentioned point and talking about the Importance of Verbal Communication from the perspective of an employee at the firm, it is one of the mandate work ethics that he has to embrace and follow to the core. As it will result in the increased levels of productivity at work, winning the trust and faith of the management, and grabbing the eyeballs of the team members.

And this results in getting promoted year after year, salary hikes, and winning all the awards and accolades for the best performance at the workplace as one thing leads to another.

5) Breaks cultural differences

Realizing the Importance of Verbal Communication is quite very imperative for the multinational companies or the businesses dealing with international investors and stakeholders. As a clear communication barrier between the two parties from the diverse religions and cultures can have adverse effects on one’s emotional sentiments and work as a deal breaker.

Nowadays, there are quite many apps that have been solving language barriers between the two individuals elevating the fruitful communication and productivity levels at work.

6) Saves time

When a team member beats around the bush and is not clear with his communication whilst working on a project that has stringent deadline can result in wastage of time, energy, and efforts. In such situations when the time is less and work is more, each and every team member has to ensure that the communication is authentic, clear, and to the point to make a win-win situation for one and all.

7) Mark of Confidence

When a person is crystal clear and confident the way he communicates with someone verbally and non-verbally, it showcases his mark of confidence. And this quality and ethics make him embark on the journey of success, glory, and fame at each and every endeavor of personal and professional life.

8) Helps to persuade

When you have strong verbal communication skills, you automatically gain to power to persuade or influence someone at your workplace as well as in your personal life. It is also regarded as a great marketing technique and is a must to be possessed by the ones who in the stream of sales.

9) Positive Environment

 

If each and every team member duly understands the Importance of Verbal Communication as a part of his duty can have a huge impact on the overall environment. There are always big or small glitches and hitches between the team members at work or even between inter departments, but a clear verbal communication has an innate power to solve even the biggest of the issue with ease. It also helps to build strong and fruitful relationships with your workmates even in personal life.

10) Expands your horizons

When you follow the rules and Importance of Verbal Communication, you are not confined to one job role and responsibility or a single industry domain. For example, if you are able to sell a real estate apartment in an effective manner, you can also sell luxury watches through your efficient verbal communication skills. Always make a note that it is your interpersonal communication skills and passion to excel make you go places and attain the pinnacle of success and glory.

Here is a video by Marketing91 on Verbal Communication.

Examples of Verbal Communication Skills

Verbal communication skills are important, because they help you to be heard and understood. They are also helpful in terms of communication, which is a big part of socializing, working with others, and making friends. The following are examples of verbal communication skills:

1. Listening: listening is the first step in effective verbal communication. If you’re not listening to what someone else has to say, then it’s impossible for them to understand what you’re saying back!

2. Speaking clearly: if someone can’t understand what you’re trying to say or read your text messages because they’re full of typos or misused punctuation marks (or even just plain gibberish), then it’s not going to be very effective at communicating what you need them to know!

3. Public speaking: public speaking is one of the most common situations we find ourselves in where verbal communication skills are required–and it’s a good thing that we practice this skill as much as possible so that when we get called upon in an emergency situation (like giving a presentation at work), we don’t completely freak out!

4. Writing clearly: writing clearly means using proper grammar and spelling—two things that are often overlooked by many people who don’t value these skills as much as they should.

How to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills?

Having excellent verbal communication skills does not come overnight. It needs practice and knowledge. Any person who wants to have an excellent and growing career in the corporate world should be excellent with his verbal communication skills. In the following ways, a person can improve his verbal communication skills:

1. Reading

Reading helps an individual to learn more words and thereby to increase the vocabulary. When an individual reads more, he/she then knows the right way to communicate in a particular language. The weakness of the language skills gets eliminated through this method. It is recommended to read more about the field in which you are currently working. This is more effective communication.

2. Listening

Listening can also make your verbal communication better. It is so because when you listen correctly, you understand things properly. So, try to make eye contact with the other person and listen more rather than talking.

3. Prepare yourself for every possible situation

Before any formal verbal communication (e.g. presentation), make sure that you have prepared yourself for every question that may get asked by the top management. To make your verbal communication effective, you should know what you have to say in a particular situation. Prepare every possible answer to avoid problems at the last moment.

4. Think from the listener’s perspective

Before speaking anything, think what a listener will think. It is an effective way to improve verbal communication. This method is effective because it helps a person to think from the listener’s perspective and to speak accordingly. It is not necessary that what you mean is clearly understood by the other person.

5. Develop your verbal skills

If, in any case, you feel that you need extra help to have excellent verbal communication, then you can go for some online communication courses, training sessions or workshops. These kinds of techniques are beneficial in developing verbal skills.

Conclusion

Excellent verbal communication is one of the most important factors for maintaining a successful business relationship. It helps in increasing productivity, decreasing errors, and making operations smoother and more effective.

Organizations whose employees have excellent verbal communication skills foster productive business relationships with clients, customers, suppliers, and other organizations. A workforce with diverse backgrounds has to have good verbal skills, as it reduces the barriers that might occur because of language or cultural differences. All in all, effective verbal communication is one of the most important factors that optimize job satisfaction levels.

So, what are your thoughts about the importance of verbal communications in an organization?