Difference Between Verbal Communication and Nonverbal Communication

Communication is one of the fundamental processes in our lives, through which thoughts, information, feelings and much more can be exchanged. The means of communication change with the advancement of technology, for example in the 90s phones were mainly used for communication, today smartphones are widely used for communication. Basically, communication can be of two types; verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is the type of communication that includes words for the purpose of sharing information, messages, and feelings, while nonverbal communication is communication without words that takes place through body language, eye contact, touch, or facial expressions.

Comparison chart

What is verbal communication?

Verbal communication includes all types of communication that are made using words; it can be a phone call, a face-to-face conversation, or email. When the use of words comes without the transfer of data, information, or feelings, it becomes verbal communication. Verbal communication can even be preserved as evidence, if it is done in written form. Through this type of communication, both the sender and the receiver get the communication done quickly without any delay. Since the message through formal communication is reliable and much clearer, the feedback comes immediately. For verbal communication the presence of the sender and the receiver is not mandatory as it can even be done through the person sitting in California to the person sitting in New York. Verbal communication becomes more effective when done face-to-face or in writing. Furthermore, verbal communication is of two types; formal communication and informal communication. Communication in the office or organization that takes place through the officially designated channel or predefined channel is known as formal communication, while informal communication also takes place in the workplace between employees, though not through the designated channel. officially. formal communication and informal communication. Communication in the office or organization that takes place through the officially designated channel or predefined channel is known as formal communication, while informal communication also takes place in the workplace between employees, though not through the designated channel. officially. formal communication and informal communication. Communication in the office or organization that takes place through the officially designated channel or predefined channel is known as formal communication, while informal communication also takes place in the workplace between employees, though not through the designated channel. officially.

What is Nonverbal Communication?

Non-verbal communication is the type of communication that does not require a word or in other words we can say that it is communication without words. For this type of communication, the presence of both the sender and the receiver of the message in the same place is mandatory, since this type of communication only takes place face to face. This type of communication is not reliable in any of the cases, since the receiver in the case can perceive the symbol completely opposite to what the sender was transmitting it. Nonverbal communication can take place between facial expressions, body movements, gestures, eye contact, and even through touch. Most of the time, this type of communication takes place between two of the strangers present in the same place.

Verbal communication versus non-verbal communication

• Verbal communication is the type of communication that is done using words, while non-verbal communication is communication without words.
• The elements of verbal communication are oral or written, while the elements of nonverbal communication are facial expressions, body movements, gestures, and eye contact.
• The types of verbal communication are formal and informal communication, while the types of nonverbal communication are chromemic, vocalic, kinesic, haptic, proxemic, and artifact.
• Verbal communication is a more reliable source compared to non-verbal communication.
• The sender and receiver do not require face-to-face presence in verbal communication, while in non-verbal communication, the sender and receiver must present themselves in a similar place.