How Non-Verbal Communication Affects Verbal Communication
When speaking to another person, or addressing large crowds, the words you choose are not the only important factors. The way you present those words can change your entire message. The best way to be sure you are representing your thoughts and feelings accurately are to understand the ways in which non-verbal communication can affect your verbal communication.
Verbal communication is fairly straightforward. This is the actual spoken words that you use either when speaking to someone directly, or when speaking through a medium such as the telephone. This can be either a one-on-one conversation with someone, a speech in front of a crowd, or a presentation that you are giving at work or school.
Non-verbal communication is a bit more complex. This communication involves your body language, gestures, facial expressions, and even the tone of voice that you use. These actions show the listeners the emotions, thoughts, and confidence that you have behind the words.
You must be careful with your non-verbal communication choices because they can either reinforce your verbal communication, or completely contradict what you are saying. For example, if you are fidgeting and not making eye contact while you are speaking, the speaking may not find you confident in the point that you are making. If you wink while you are speaking, your listener might think that your words have a completely different meaning.
Non-verbal communication can completely change the way other people receive your messages. The body language and tone of voice that you use can mean the difference between having no body believe your words, or becoming a hugely motivational speaker. For example, if you are planning on giving a rousing public address to the people of Sydney, you better have the right confidence and emotions in your voice and body language to inspire the crowd or your words will fall on deaf ears.
