Verbal Communication And Nonverbal Communication Essay Example for Free

Verbal Communication And Nonverbal Communication Essay Communication is the expression of thoughts, feelings and ideas to inform, to persuade or to entertain. In business, communication has a vital role in promoting ideas, products or services and in building partnerships. If words are uttered or spoken, basically, it is a verbal communication. But if signs, facial expressions, body language, gestures and writing compositions are used, it is called nonverbal communication. Communication depends on the cultural setting of one country, for it may have certain rules and expectations to follow. Others may underline on the verbal communication and less to written compositions, but the American audience appreciates the use of nonverbal communications and may also prefer to have simple dialogues. Indeed, even in the Bible, verbal and nonverbal communications are important. At Proverbs 10:31-32 in New King James Version (International, G. C. , 2007), King Solomon speaks, â€Å"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. † In these verses, the power of uttered words is revealed as they have always consequences when done. On the other hand, in Nehemiah 2:2-3 in New King James Version (International, G. C. , 2007), it is said that â€Å"Therefore the king said to me, â€Å"Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart. So I became dreadfully afraid, and said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire? ’† The nonverbal communication sometimes depicts the true emotions behind the deceiving words that have spoken. Basically, there are four main topics that influence the business communication of the American audience. According to Brown (2007), these are religion, etiquette, customs and politics. Issues about these topics are often argued, stressing their points and ideas, or even defend their beliefs. With verbal communication, they are sensitive to the said jargons and slang. There are still phrases which are distinctive to American language, although some words may easily translate to other language; they still have different meanings for them. Also, using acronyms for the first time must be avoided; otherwise full version should be applied. Another complexity in American language is the humor, as it has been described by non-Americans, their humors are course and heavy-handed. P. H. Brown (2007) said that â€Å"Face to face communication is rated as, nonverbal language 55%, the voice 38% and the use of words as 7%. Movement cues and face cues are invaluable aspects of your daily communication. † Nonverbal communications are effective in giving out information to Americans as it helps in creating person’s business reputation. Color, time, distance, voice, body movements and clothing are often misused and misinterpreted. Shades of colors depict different meanings from one culture to another. Time should also be considered, as the Americans respect the deadlines and set of appointments. Proximity is also sensitive but the common space for a conversation is about two feet. Usually, Americans speak too loudly and too much that they do not give enough time for the others to respond. On the other hand, their social gestures may be understood by other cultures. But eye contact is an effective tool to see the sincerity of the person. And in terms of clothing, Americans wear liberately but professionally in accordance with the occasion. Meanwhile, in writing business letters, straight to the point is important, as well as its simplicity. Usually, the Americans would like to see the point in the start of the letter, especially if it is a bad note. However, too aggressive approach are not advisable, but in a gentle and respectful tone. Verbal and nonverbal communications, according to Kotelnikoy (2007), are both important in business talks with the Americans.But, they more appreciate the nonverbal behaviors, as their culture molded them, to discern the true meaning of the messages. References: Brown, P. H. The Nassau Guardian Online Edition [Electronic Version]. Nonverbal Language is Effective. Retrieved August 29, 2007 from http://www. thenassauguardian. com/social_community/299978900121692. php. International, G. C. (2007). Bible Gateway [Electronic Version]. Passages. Retrieved August 29, 2007 from http://www. biblegateway. com/. Kotelnikoy, V. (2007). Effective Business Communication [Electronic Version]. Business Communication Defined. Retrieved August 29, 2007 from http://www. 1000ventures. com/business_guide/crosscuttings/biz_communication_main. html. Laflen, H. a. (2001). Online Writing Lab [Electronic Version]. Writing for a North American Business Audience. Retrieved August 29, 2007 from http://owl. english. purdue. edu/handouts/pw/p_ameraudience. html. Myers, R. J. , Penrose, J. M. Rasberry, R. W. (2004). Business Communication For Managers: An Advanced Approach. Mason, Ohio: South-Western.