Communication & Argumentation
Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication
We communicate with far more than words. Verbal communication is what we say; nonverbal is everything else — and the two don’t always agree.
| Aspect | Verbal communication | Nonverbal communication |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The words and language used | Tone, body language, facial expression, gesture |
| Channel | Spoken or written words | Voice quality, posture, eye contact, space |
| Control | Largely deliberate and conscious | Often automatic and unconscious |
| Carries | Explicit content and information | Emotion, attitude, and relationship cues |
| When they conflict | The literal message | Often what people believe more |
When to use verbal communication
Verbal communication carries precise content — facts, instructions, arguments — anything that needs exact words to be clear.
When to use nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication carries emotion and attitude, shaping how a message feels and whether it’s believed — often more powerfully than the words.
Frequently asked questions
- Is most communication really nonverbal?
- A popular claim (from Albert Mehrabian’s research) is often quoted as "93% of communication is nonverbal," but that figure applies only to a narrow situation — communicating feelings and attitudes when words and tone conflict. It’s widely over-generalised. Nonverbal cues matter a great deal, but the exact percentage is a myth.
- What happens when words and body language disagree?
- People tend to trust the nonverbal signal. If someone says "I’m fine" through clenched teeth, the tone and expression usually win. Aligning your words and nonverbal cues makes you clearer and more credible.
- Does nonverbal communication mean the same thing everywhere?
- No. Gestures, eye contact, and personal space carry different meanings across cultures. A signal that’s friendly in one place can be rude in another, so nonverbal communication should be read with cultural context in mind.