Communication is a two-way model that involves sending a message through talking and body language and receiving a message through listening.

Essentially there are three parts:

• verbal (What I say.)

• non-verbal (What I do/body language/gestures.)

• listening (How well I listen.)

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication:

When learning about communication, it is important for students to understand the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication and the important role that non-verbal communication plays in our communication.

When discussing the different types of communication, it’s good to discuss written text as a communication form. 

Some possible discussion points or journal entries relating to written communication could include:

• Do you think written communication should be considered a type of communication? Why or why not?

• What are some examples of written communication that are popular today?

• When do you think it’s a good idea to use written communication?

• What is missing from a message delivered only in writing?

• How can messages (i.e., texts, emails,…) be misinterpreted? Give an example.

Non-Verbal Communication:

It is believed that non-verbal communication is the most significant aspect of communication.

Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, conducted several studies on nonverbal communication and found that 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements (tone, pitch, etc.), and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc).

While it depends on the person or the situation, it is believed that 60 to 90% of communication is non-verbal.

Some possible discussion points or journal entries relating to non-verbal communication could include:

• Is non-verbal communication an important form of communication? Why or why not?

• What are some examples of non-verbal communication?

• How can non-verbal communication enhance or change a verbal message?

• Can you communicate only with non-verbal communication?

Examples of Non-Verbal Communication:

(Eddie Murphy  and Mr Bean – examples of non-verbal communication)