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.
This video breaks non-verbal communication into 4 categories; aesthetic, physical, signs,and symbols.
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)
