VERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. Verbal communication

"The art of communication is the language of leadership" (James C. Humes).

Verbal communication is a fundamental part of business and professional interactions and a crucial component of business itself, as every businessperson must know how to communicate effectively. The higher the position an individual holds within an organization, the more communication skills they require.

Verbal communication means using spoken words to share information, explain ideas, or express how you feel. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect with people and is used every day in conversations, meetings, and problem-solving. Speaking clearly and confidently helps others understand you and builds better relationships.

Key features of verbal communication are:

Practical assignment 2.1. Complete this short test to check your understanding of key concepts about clarity, tone, speed, volume, feedback, appropriate language, and storytelling in verbal communication.

Here are key reasons why is verbal communication important:

In essence, verbal communication means using spoken words to share ideas and feelings. It’s important to speak clearly, use a calm tone, and adjust your words to match your audience. Listening actively and asking questions helps build understanding. By planning what you say and staying friendly, you can communicate more effectively in any situation. 

Use the following tips to improve your verbal communication:

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1.1. 1. Clear communication and speaking

Clear and purposeful communication is key to making sure your message is understood and achieves the desired outcome. It requires careful thought, selecting the right words, and presenting your ideas in a straightforward way that avoids any misunderstanding.

Source: Communication Coach Alexander Lyon @YoutTube cannel

Communicating with clarity and purpose means sharing your message in a way that is straightforward, easy to understand, and focused on achieving a specific goal. This approach ensures that your message is not only heard but also understood and acted upon as intended. It’s about making every word count and delivering the right message at the right time.

To be more specific, clear communication:

Practical assignment 2.2. Flip these cards to get practical examples of clear and purposeful communication:

Practical assignment 2.3.Watch and analyse the following videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAcDhbf6SyQ&t=55s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhtSu4vT-sw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KVPlbwvAEY&t=4s

1.2. 3. Active listening for better understanding

Active listening means paying close attention to what someone is saying so you can understand them better. It’s not just about hearing the words; it’s about showing that you care, staying focused, and responding in a helpful way.

Here are some tips how you can practice your skills of active listening: 

Active listening is a skill that helps you build better relationships at work and in life. It means paying full attention to the person speaking, asking questions if you don’t understand, and showing care for their feelings. When you listen this way, you understand others better and connect with them more. Practice active listening every day to become a better communicator.

Practical assignment 2.4. View the group discussion

This task helps to consolidate theoretical material, encourages critical assessment and analysis of aspects of oral communication.

1.3. Public speaking

Public speaking is a complex skill that involves the body, mind, voice, gaze, and even hearing. Sometimes, individuals who find it difficult to speak publicly struggle with one or more of these aspects. For example, some may speak logically and manage stress but inexplicably lose their voice. Others may have a beautiful, strong voice but are hindered by the fear of the audience (public or listeners). In some cases, the speaker may not even understand the root of the problem: Why do they feel anxious? Why are they not being listened to or understood?

To achieve good results in public speaking, the following steps are necessary:

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNlsaVrexeI

1.4. Stages of Preparing for Public Speaking

When preparing for a speech, it is important to assess the audience you will be addressing, identify the purpose of the speech or presentation, organize the content of the presentation, choose appropriate methods to achieve the set objective, refine both the verbal and non-verbal components of the presentation, familiarize yourself with the audience. It is crucial to identify the main idea of the speech and determine its key points. Special attention should be given to structuring the speech text. In many ways, creating the content of a presentation is similar to writing an essay.

The essential parts of a presentation are:

Introduction 

Body

         Conclusion

Together, these components form the structure of the presentation.

Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfbKfjQXhy8  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TONzhLMgx2g

1.5. Stages of public speaking

1.6. Body of the Speech

1.7. Factors Influencing Speech

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1.8. Types of Conversations and Their Examples

The most common form of verbal communication is conversation. Here are some types of conversations: meetings, verbal presentations, speeches, conferences, phone calls, interviews, etc.

1.9. Phone Conversations

Today, life without phones is unimaginable, regardless of age, gender, or other characteristics. It is recommended to speak on the phone in a place where no one can overhear; if that is not possible, speak more quietly and briefly.

Since the person on the other end cannot see us, they judge us based on our voice and the words we use.

Guidelines for Phone Calls:

Interesting Statistic: 35% of phone calls are made at an inconvenient time for the recipient.

Essential Etiquette: the caller must always introduce themselves to set the appropriate tone for the conversation.

Learn more here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KtKNkg4j3s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJR66N4uAX0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmUGaXV40dY

1.10. Job interview

What is the essence of a job interview?

To assess your suitability for the organization and the position, employers typically invite candidates for a job interview, considering it the most effective evaluation tool.

For you, a job interview provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate your compatibility with the organization and the role, as well as to demonstrate to the employer the value you can bring.

Thus, a job interview is a two-way process where both the employer and the candidate gather information to make an informed decision.

2. 2. Adjusting tone for different situations

The tone of your voice is how you sound when you speak, and it can change the meaning of your words. It’s important to use the right tone for different situations so people understand you correctly.

For example, in a workplace meeting, a calm and professional tone shows respect and seriousness. But when talking to a friend, you can use a casual and friendly tone to make the conversation relaxed. If your tone doesn’t match the situation, people might misunderstand your message or think you’re upset when you’re not.

In difficult situations, like solving a disagreement, it’s best to use a calm and respectful tone to avoid making things worse. Raising your voice or sounding angry can make people defensive and less likely to listen.

On the other hand, when motivating a team, you can use an enthusiastic and encouraging tone to inspire confidence. Learning to adjust your tone helps you communicate better, build stronger relationships, and make sure your message is understood the way you intended.

The tone of your voice can change how your message is received. Adjusting your tone to fit different situations is an important part of effective communication. The right tone helps convey your message clearly and ensures that the listener understands your intent.

Why is it important to control your voice tone?

How to adjust your voice tone?

Flip the cards to understand the adjustment of the voice tone in practical situations better:

Getting better at using the right tone takes time and practice. Start by paying attention to how you sound when you talk. Ask yourself, “Does my tone match what I’m trying to say?” For example, are you calm and polite when talking to your boss? Are you friendly and relaxed when speaking to a friend? Noticing your tone is the first step to improving it.

You can also learn by watching others. Listen to how good speakers change their tone in different situations. Try using what you learn in your own conversations. You can also ask someone you trust, like a friend or co-worker, for feedback. With practice and small changes, you can improve your tone and make it easier for people to understand and connect with you.

3. Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication is the transmission of information without using conventional verbal messages. It can also be defined as an unconscious "supplement" to verbal communication, providing the listener with more authentic information within the content of the message. In other words, it is communication without words.

Our non-verbal signals can be either conscious (learned) or unconscious (intuitive). In non-verbal communication, it is crucial to consider what the sender intends to convey through non-verbal cues and how the receiver interprets them.

People from different cultures may interpret the same communicative signs differently, depending on their history, traditions, and customs. This can lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Non-verbal communication can be categorized as follows:

• Visually received information: Signals seen by the receiver, such as posture, gestures, facial expressions, smiles, eye contact, etc.
• Signals perceived through touch: Examples include a handshake, pat on the shoulder, kiss, etc.
• Signals received through other sources: Such as distance, smell, time, environment, etc.

Learn more here:

https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/mokslas/19-triuku-padesianciu-suprasti-zmoniu-kuno-kalba-78925239

2.4.1. Dimensions of Non-verbal Communication

All nuances surrounding words—voice characteristics, speaking style—are also part of non-verbal communication. Mastering these aspects aids in successful communication or better understanding the partner you are communicating with.

Seven dimensions of non-verbal communication can be distinguished:

o   Body movement and kinesics: Includes gestures, body movements, limbs, facial expressions, eye movements, posture, etc.

o   Physical characteristics: Such as body shape, overall attractiveness, body scents, height, weight, hair, and skin color.

o   Touch: Examples include stroking, hitting, holding, handshakes, and farewells.

o   Non-verbal vocal signals (paralinguistics): Voice characteristics and vocalizations such as laughter, whispering, sighing, crying, vocal pauses, etc.

o   Proxemics: The perception of space, including personal space and distance between individuals.

o   Artifacts: Manipulation of objects that could stimulate particular behaviors or reactions, such as wigs, false eyelashes, cosmetics, etc.

o   Environmental factors: Furniture, architectural styles, interior design, lighting, sounds, colors, and temperature, which can convey specific information.

2.4.2. The significance of non-verbal communication for personal status

Information about influence and position is usually communicated non-verbally, i.e. manners, speech, sitting, etc. People in higher positions tend to observe less of those in lower positions. The latter spend a lot of time watching the former. Superiors feel entitled to dictate the topic of conversation. A superior can easily interrupt a subordinate and change the subject of the conversation, but it is difficult to imagine a subordinate doing the same unless it is an emergency.

2.4.3. Information derived from gestures and movements

Hand position, eye expression, appearance, physical data are important in the communication process. Our appearance, attractiveness and makeup have a big impact on communication. It is more pleasant for everyone to communicate with a person of good appearance and cultured manners. Some data can be changed: dyeing or cutting hair, changing accessories, cosmetics, etc.