Classifications of Human Communication

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken and written words; language is the privileged medium.

Non-Verbal Communication

The intentional or unintentional use of non-spoken symbols to communicate meaning.

Gender affecting Verbal Communication

Masculine and feminine language styles may differ in tone, word choice, and expression.

Age affecting Verbal Communication

Generational differences affect vocabulary, style, and language use.

Regionality/nationality affecting Verbal Communication

Words and expressions vary depending on geographic or cultural background.

Education and occupation affecting Verbal Communication

They shape vocabulary, jargon, and expression styles (e.g., lawyers vs engineers).

Ethnicity and race affecting Verbal Communication

They influence pronunciation, meanings, and usage of words.

Factors Affecting Verbal Communication

• Gender

• Age

• Regionality/nationality

• Education and occupation

• Ethnicity and race

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

• Proxemics

• Kinesics

• Chronemics

• Silence

• Paralanguage

• Clothing and Physical Appearance

• Haptics

• Territoriality

• Olfatics

Proxemics

The study of how we use space in communication. E.g., respecting personal “human bubble.”

Kinesics

Body language such as gestures, movements, facial expressions, and eye contact.

Chronemics

The use of time in communication; culture-bound (e.g., punctuality vs. flexible time perception).

What can silence communicate?

Agreement, apathy, awe, confusion, contemplation, disagreement, embarrassment, regret, respect, etc.

Paralanguage

Vocal but non-word utterances that carry meaning. E.g., “Shhh.” “Hmm,” whistling, sighs.

How does clothing and physical appearance function as communication?

It conveys identity, status, and cultural meaning (e.g., uniforms, formal wear, tattoos).

Haptics

The study of touch in communication.

Types of Haptics

• Social-polite (daily interactions)

• Friendship touch (warmth, closeness)

• Love-intimate touch (partners, family)

• Demanding touch (dominance, power)

• Professional/functional touch (doctors, hairstylists, no intimacy).

Territoriality

The space an individual claims temporarily or permanently (e.g., saving a seat with a bag.)

Olfatics

The use of smell in communication. Women are generally better at detecting, identifying, and remembering odors.

How do verbal and non-verbal communication complement each other?

Verbal conveys explicit content; non-verbal reinforces, contradicts, or substitutes meaning (e.g., saying “I’m fine” with a sad tone).

Which is harder to control: verbal or non-verbal communication?

Non-verbal is harder because many cues (facial expressions, tone, body language) are unconscious and spontaneous.

Why is non-verbal communication often considered more powerful than verbal?

It conveys emotion, attitudes, and relational messages more immediately and is often trusted more than words.

How can cultural differences affect non-verbal communication?

Cultures differ in personal space (proxemics), gestures, time orientation (chronemics), and touch norms (haptics).

How does power manifest differently in verbal vs. non-verbal communication?

Power may appear in verbal (commands authority language) or non-verbal (dominant posture, controlling space, demanding touch.)

According to the chart, what percentage of communication is verbal vs nonverbal?

Verbal = 35%, Nonverbal = 65%

Examples of nonverbal communication listed in the chart

• Facial expressions

• Tone of voice

• Movement

• Appearance

• Eye contact

• Gestures

• Posture

Functions of Nonverbal Communication

• Replacing spoken messages

• Sending uncomfortable messages

• Form impressions that guide communication

• Makes relationships clear

• Regulate interaction

• Reinforce or modify verbal messages

Replacing Spoken Messages

Using gestures or expression instead of words (e.g., nodding instead of saying “yes”.

Sending uncomfortable messages

Conveys emotions indirectly when words may be awkward (e.g., avoiding eye contact to show disapproval).

Form impressions that guide communication

Appearance, posture, and tone; these shapes how others perceive and respond to us.

Make relationships clear

Signals closeness, status, or boundaries (e.g., touch, distance, tone).

Regulates interaction

Cues like eye contact, pauses, or gestures manage turn-taking in conversation.

Reinforces or modifies verbal messages

Nonverbal signals emphasize or change meaning (e.g., saying “I’m fine” with a sarcastic tone).