Soc 110 - Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills Paper

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills Paper

SOC-110

Shannon Laing

March 6, 2017

Cepero

Communication represents civilization.  Without the ability to communicate, human beings couldn’t have produced civilizations or societies.  We use communication to express everything from complex ideas to primary emotions.  We communicate in several different ways, as well.  We communicate with our spoken words, with written language, with our body language, and even by such things as, how we organize/arrange things in our homes and workplaces.  With communication being such an important aspect of our lives, and with so many subtle layers and nuances, it is no surprise, that acquiring professional communication skills has become, somewhat of a commodity in the workplace environment.

How do People Communicate?

There are many types of communication: verbal, nonverbal, written and oral can all be used in business, family and interpersonal communications. Modes include text, phone, email, chat rooms, applications, etc. Thanks to technology, communication is unstoppable. You will likely receive information at all hours, and it is up to you to figure out a way to manage it.  Verbal and nonverbal communications, will be the primary components of your communication skills sets.   There are scores of illustrations of both types, the following list(s) highlights the more common ones;

• Verbal communication is the process of exchanged of information or message between two or more persons through written or oral words.
• Nonverbal communication occurs when messages or information is exchanged or communicated without using any spoken or written word.
• Oral communications are the verbal exchange of ideas and information from one person to another person or group.
• Written communication involves any type of message that makes use of the written word.

Nonverbal communications seem to be the most challenging to recognize, for the average person.  There are several cues, that if you can learn to identify them, will enable you to perceive another whole side of communications.  There are also some indirect nonverbal cues that can allow us an even deeper glimpse into the psyche of others.   Some of the indirect nonverbal cues are habits or characteristics that most people do not even realize that they are doing, whereas some are traits that they know they are doing quite well.  Following is a sample list of these such cues;

• Forgetting (a date that is important to someone else)
• Not arriving for a date/occasion/appointment when you’re expected.
• Ignoring someone
• Using someone
• Going out of your way to help someone
• Removing or exhibiting signs of your rank before talking to someone of a lower rank
• Dressing up or dressing down for an occasion or event – in an effort to fit in, stand out, impress or disrespect

There are also three newly added forms of nonverbal communication.  The first one is emoticons (the smiley faces with different facial expressions), the second one is posting photos (on Facebook or Instagram), and the third and final one is digital manipulation, which is the manipulation of images to cause a certain reaction.

Knowledge of Nonverbal Communication

Knowing what nonverbal communication is and how to use it, is key to being able to communicate effectively.  Nonverbal communication consists of several factors and characteristics.  Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, body language, and the tone or inflection used with our voices are just a few examples of nonverbal communication.