Twice as Fun: The Two Types of Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most fundamental assets of humans. In fact, when you think about it, communication is not just a skill, it is a need. This is the reason why among God's punishments in the Bible, the curse of the tower of Babel is considered one of the most destructive.

Some studies have shown that the need for communication comes inherently in every human being. However, the same studies have shown that communication skills are actually nurtured by a person's environment.

People, when they hear the word "communication" often think about words. They feel that the term "communication" refers exclusively to the use of language. When confronted with the fact that there are two types of communication, they automatically think of oral and written communication. This article will enlighten you to the fact that there is so much more to communication skills than words.

1) Verbal – Verbal communication skills encompass all word usage. This means that both oral and written words come under this category. People use and nurture this type of communication skill actively, although it can be argued that some people do not use it as much as others.

In using verbal communication skills, people tend to be more accurate in sending their messages. This is the reason why verbal communication is used as the media of education. Through the use of verbal communication skills, people can acquire knowledge the way others meant to send them.

Verbal communication skills can be developed in a variety of ways. One way is to converse with other people constantly. Participating in conversations can help you encounter new words to enhance your verbal communication skills. Paying attention to mass media is also a good idea because you will be able to hear the correct pronunciation of words.

In the case of writing, the best way to enhance this verbal communication skill is to read a lot. Reading can give you an idea about the spelling of words and their correct usage.

2) Non-verbal – This type of communication skill makes use of symbols other than words to convey meaning. Generally, this type of communication skill depends upon the interpretation of the receiver of the message. This means that the message can be delivered accurately or not, depending on the perception of the receiver.

There are many ways where we make use of non-verbal communication skills. However, we barely notice them. We make use of non-verbal communication skills through our expressions. Whenever we laugh or cry, we are making use of non-verbal communication skills.

Of course, you might say that we do notice when we perform these actions. However, some of the ways we make use of non-verbal communication skills often come subconsciously. A twitch of an eyebrow, the rhythmic tapping of a foot and other little things we don't really consciously control send messages to other people.

Included in this type of communication skills is the other ways through which we express ourselves to the world. People try to send messages through the way they dress. People can tell what an artist wants to say through a painting. This and other situations just give you and idea of the diversity of communication.

Our ability to send messages through these communication skills often determines our status among society. So go ahead and develop your communication skills. Express yourself.

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