What is communication called that is conducted through both verbal and nonverbal means?

When communication occurs, it typically happens in one of three ways: verbal, nonverbal and visual. People very often take communication for granted. Communicators constantly exchange information, meaning people always seem to be either receiving or giving information. Understanding the different methods of exchanging information is important especially in business and professional settings. Many adults have chosen to go back to school and pursue a communication degree online to ensure they have strong communication skills for a competitive job market.

Verbal communication seems like the most obvious of the different types of communication. It utilizes the spoken word, either face-to-face or remotely. Verbal communication is essential to most interactions, but there are other nonverbal cues that help provide additional context to the words themselves. Pairing nonverbal communication with the spoken word provides a more nuanced message.

Nonverbal communication provides some insight into a speaker’s word choice. Sarcasm, complacency, deception or genuineness occur within nonverbal communication. These things are often communicated through facial expressions, hand gestures, posture and even appearance, all of which can convey something about the speaker. For instance, a disheveled speaker with wrinkled clothes and poor posture would communicate a lack of confidence or expertise. A speaker with a nice suit, who stood up straight and spoke clearly, may appear more serious or knowledgeable.

Visual types of communication include signs, maps or drawings as well as color or graphic design. These typically reinforce verbal communication, and they help to make a point. Visual aids can help a speaker remember important topics, give the audience something to look at, and generally help convey the message being presented.

By utilizing all three types of communication, a speaker ensures he or she has the necessary tools to avoid miscommunication and misconceptions. The different types of communication are all part of a communications degree program. Adults may choose to complete their communication degree online because of the convenience and flexibility offered by the online classroom. There is no commute to and from class and no inflexible schedule to work around, and students can attend school without disrupting family or social obligations.

The best way to ensure effective communication is with a good understanding of the types of communication, which you can study and fine-tune in a communications degree program.

Learn about the Arkansas State online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program.

Sources:

http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm

http://www.study-body-language.com/Verbal-and-non-verbal-communication.html

http://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79297-comparing-various-forms-of-communication

Chapter 1: Professional Business Communication

All communication is composed of three parts that make a whole: sharing, understanding, and meaning.

Sharing means doing something together with one or more person(s). In communication, sharing occurs when you convey thoughts, feelings, ideas, or insights to others. You also share with yourself (a process called intrapersonal communication) when you bring ideas to consciousness, ponder how you feel about something, figure out the solution to a problem, or have a classic “Aha!” moment when something becomes clear.

The second key word is understanding. “To understand is to perceive, to interpret, and to relate our perception and interpretation to what we already know.” (McLean, 2003) Understanding the words and the concepts or objects they refer to is an important part of the communication process.

Finally, meaning is what you share through communication. For example, by looking at the context of a word, and by asking questions, you can discover the shared meaning of the word and better understand the message.

Watch the following 8 minute video reviewing Types of Communication

• Interpersonal communication is any message exchanged between two or more people.
• Written communication is any message using the written word.
• Verbal, or oral, communication is any message conveyed through speech.
• Nonverbal communication is any message inferred through observation of another person.

What is both verbal and nonverbal communication?

What do you call a process of exchanging verbal and non verbal messages?

How do we communicate through verbal or nonverbal language?

What is the two types of communication?