Verbal communication

Verbal communication

In Verbal communication the communicator uses words as the medium of communication. Communicator uses language that has been designed, developed and propagated by humans. An effective verbal communication is a two way process that means speaking and listening both are done at the same time. Further verbal communication can be divided into two groups:

(i) Oral Communication

Oral communications are the messages that come through words from the mouth of the speaker. It is a very convenient form of expression and presentation. It is almost instantaneous, quick and least expensive. Example of oral communication is – face to face communication, speech, meeting, telephonic conversation etc.

(ii) Written Communication

The communication which we do by means of written symbols or words is called written communication. This requires preparation and one has to plan it properly before writing for technical, legal and most diplomatic communications.
In tourism industry communicating in writing is also popular form of communication .It can take various forms such as letters, circulars, office memorandums, fax messages, newsletter, brochures, bulletins, reports, manuals, reports, house journals, magazines, etc. Also in this age of technology new types of written messages like emails, short messaging service (SMS) on mobile phones, instant messaging etc. have become very common and popular.

Elements of Verbal Communication:

When we communicate verbally not only the words which we used are listened but also vocal elements of speech play very important role. These vocal elements are voice inflections, rate of speech, volume, and tone. These add interest and meaning to our messages. For example the line “See you later” said respectfully has a different meaning and same line said in anger has totally different meaning. We can use these vocal elements to make our verbal communication more effective. These are:
1. Change the speed of your voice: A consistent pace of voice can make your speech dull and ineffective. Thus we should vary our speed of voice depending upon the audience and purpose of our communication. When you have to gain attention and excite your audience speak quickly and enthusiastically. When you want that audience pay attention to your words speak slowly.
2. Shift the pitch of your voice: Frequency of speech is called pitch of voice. Again depending upon the aim of the speech you can use high and low pitches at times .Using extremes can tarnish the success of your verbal communication.
3. Control the volume of your voice: Volume of voice creates a direct impact on the audience .One should use an average volume in general .But again depending upon the aim of your communication you can be loud or soft. When you use a combination of loudness and softness in your communication it adds special effect to your communication.
4. Punctuate with pauses: It is important in your communication to break the flow of information so that listeners can comprehend what they have listened .Generally pause in communication is taken when you have conveyed an important point or you want that now listeners should anticipate.
5. Articulate clearly: It is very important that what you communicate is clear to the audience. For this you should have expertise in pronunciation and articulate each word clearly .When you speak in such a manner you gain more confidence and clarity.