Verbal Communication: The Types and How to Improve Them

Verbal Communication: Master the Types

Verbal communication comes in several forms. Each has unique characteristics that makes the communication different from other forms of communication.

*Formal communication

*Business communication

Verbal communication is an essential part of business communication.

Successful business communication involves understanding cultural diversity.

*Health care communication

*Interpersonal communication

*Informal communication

*Public Speaking

Communicating verbally involves the use of the human voice. We communicate verbally to family, friends, strangers and neighbors, colleagues and coworkers. Verbal communication can be to people or pets. Verbal communication can involve private speaking and public speaking. Thus, it is divided into the two categories; interpersonal speaking and public speaking.

It should be noted that public speaking in this sense is not always speaking on the podium and in front of a large audience. Public speaking can be one on one.

Verbal communication is not limited to words. It can also include sounds, as some trainers use to command animals and as a parent shushes to get their children to be quite.

There is also public speaking where a public address is made in front of an audience or group assembled specifically to hear the public talk.

Types of Verbal Communication

Telephone Communication

Virtually everyone has used the telephone. Years ago the telephone had what were called party lines. Anyone who was on the same telephone line (usually several people) could simply pick up the phone and listen to what everyone else was saying.

If you suspected someone was listening you would say....there is a dead cat on the line.... to the person you were speaking to. Cordless phones do malfunction allowing others to listen in on your communication.

Telephone Communication Tips If you have ever been in a noisy area and tried to speak on a phone, this is for you. People will often put a finger over their other ear. Unfortunately it does little to help with the challenge you face because of two factors.

Human hearing comes equipped with the ability to differentiate. This means you can pick out and listen to one person speaking in a group of 100 speakers if they are near enough. What our ears cannot do is differentiate 100 voices all coming into the same ear.

The mouth piece on most phones picks up the 99 other voices as well as noise an feeds it into the mouth piece and back up to your ear. Covering the other ear has little benefit to eliminate the noise being fed into the ear piece as you listen to the voice from your caller.

Simple solution: Put your finger or hand over the mouth piece to listen. It may make the phone so quiet that the person on the other side may wonder if you are there, so a simple...un-huh...will let them know you are there and listening.

Business Voice Mail

Business Voice Mail Etiquette reviews the important aspects of business voice mail that business people should use. These are the essentials to avoid business voice mail fail.

Personal Voice Mail

Personal Voice Mail Etiquette reviews some of the basics to help avoid voice mail fail.

Voice Mail Tips

Identify yourself, the time of your call, and briefly state what you want. Do not limit what you want to just calling you back. State the reason for calling back so the receiving person can be prepared.

Enunciate words. Remember that the letter S is often poorly transmitted so be careful with words that begin with S. Slow down when leaving a phone number. Even take the time to repeat it.