In the professional context, employees with strong communication abilities are highly regarded and sought after in every company. This article explains the definition of verbal communication, the four types of verbal communication, and its importance in shaping one’s professional career. Finally, we also discuss some of the most practical tips to enhance your verbal communication skill.
Introduction
Aristotle, the famed Greek philosopher, remarked more than 2,000 years ago, “Man is by nature a social animal.”
And communication is at the centre of every social interaction.
You begin communicating the moment you step into this planet. Your first cry is an attempt to communicate verbally. And as you go, you’ll discover new ways to communicate. To communicate, you learn how to construct words and phrases. This is when verbal communication begins.
Verbal Communication
The process of conveying information between persons through speech is known as verbal communication. Verbal communication refers to any interaction that uses spoken words. It is an essential component of the corporate world. Personal talks, staff meetings, telephone discourse, official and casual interactions, and presentations are examples of oral communication practised inside an organisation. Employees with strong communication abilities are highly regarded and sought after in every company.
Types of Verbal Communication
You may communicate ideas or express emotions more successfully when you employ multiple communication methods. Knowing the many communication styles and their significance should help you become a better communicator. The four modes of verbal communication are listed below:
Intrapersonal Communication
Private conversations that are fully restricted to ourselves come under intrapersonal communication. It involves the silent talks we hold with ourselves, in which we alternate between the roles of sender and receiver as we process our thoughts and behaviours.
Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication refers to one-to-one communication that occurs when people share information in the form of words, such as thoughts or opinions. Information can be exchanged in person, over the phone, or through internet channels. Strong interpersonal communication may increase personal relationships and add value to a conversation. It is critical to be aware of your tone of voice, gestures, emotions, and body language while practising interpersonal communication since they may reflect the purpose behind your words.
Small-Group Communication
This communication is only possible when more than two individuals are engaged. Here, the group size will be small enough for each member to interact and speak with the others. Group communication can be seen at board meetings, press conferences, and team meetings. Small group talks can become chaotic and difficult to comprehend unless a focused subject is being discussed.
Public Communication
This communication occurs when one person addresses a huge group of individuals. This type of interaction includes election campaigns and public speeches. There is usually a single sender of information and a large audience being addressed in such circumstances.
The Importance of Good Verbal Communication
Effective verbal communication often extends beyond talking and may include how you convey messages as well as how you receive them. Read on to learn more about the importance of oral communication below:
Helps you express yourself
Using various forms of verbal communication may assist you in expressing your ideas, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This could benefit you in reflecting on your personal qualities. For example, you may describe yourself as ambitious, collaborative, or thoughtful. It’s critical to communicate your abilities, aspirations, and expectations to others, especially if you’re working with them. Once team members understand your working style and talents, they may be able to assist you in settling into your new job.
Organises complex ideas
You may have many thoughts regarding your duties, deadlines, and priorities as you work. Speaking your ideas out loud to a team member might help you condense a lot of information into a clear statement. Your teammates may also appreciate your ability to explain complicated concepts adequately when organising or leading a professional project. This ability may also be used to communicate ideas to clients or business partners.
Influences your mood
Your mood may be influenced by how you speak or utilise oral language. Your viewpoint and attitude regarding your present job may be affected by how you and your boss interact. When a supervisor recognises your contribution to your team, for example, you may be pleased. What you say can impact how people in your team or company feel. Praise for others’ work, for example, might make them feel happier and allow them to cherish their work more.
Increases motivation
Individual members’ confidence and productivity might be boosted by a manager’s words of acknowledgement or praise. Hearing a motivational speech is typically more authentic than reading a generic email. Your team members will feel more valued and understood if you communicate with them verbally. An in-person meeting, for example, might provide employees with the chance to express their issues to management or coworkers. Team spirit may be cultivated by regular group meetings and conversations with employees.
Saves time
When working in a group or team, the leader generally assigns duties and conveys the expectations to the staff. Giving directions verbally rather than in writing will help you adequately express the brief and objectives and clear any concerns before team members begin their task. Everyone will be able to comprehend and agree with what you’re saying, saving you time.
How to Enhance Your Verbal Communication Skills
Work requires you to connect with a wide variety of individuals, and learning how to enhance your verbal communication skills may significantly impact those relationships. Here are some of the top tips on improving verbal communication skills at work.
Think before you speak
Many unpleasant pauses that occur when speaking can be avoided by organising your thoughts beforehand. It will also assist you in conveying your facts more succinctly. While it is not always practical to write down your thoughts in impromptu discussions, it is still beneficial to take a moment to organise your ideas in your head before speaking.
Be clear and concise
Making your message clearly and simply is the most effective approach. Avoid using long, intricate sentences and strive to express your point in simple terms. “What’s the simplest method to get my point across?” ask yourself before speaking.
Speak with confidence
Speaking confidently wins you the trust and respect of your audience. Your command of the subject matter, body language, tone of voice, word choice, and skills to build direct eye contact with your audience are all factors that might affect your ability to communicate confidently.
Be mindful of your tone
In verbal interactions, the tone is critical, and how you utilise it can influence how your audience interacts with you. A friendly, warm tone combined with a smile creates a positive perception. On the other hand, communicating in a flat or monotonous tone can come across as bored, turning off listeners. Also, utilise inflexion and tone variation to accentuate key points.
Be an active listener
Listening is equally essential as speaking during encounters since it shows genuine interest in the other person and ensures you understand their requirements. Consequently, it will be much easier to establish rapport and relationships. Give the other person your full attention to ensure that you hear not just the words they say but also the messages they’re attempting to convey. Someone who feels heard is more inclined to reciprocate and listen to what you have to say.
Be authentic
While other communicators can inspire you to enhance your skills, always bring your own self to conversations. People are more captivated by presenters who appear authentic and act honestly. It also evokes feelings of ease and familiarity, allowing people to engage with you genuinely.
Conclusion
Successful verbal communication builds a two-way street that allows employees to connect, interact, and collaborate, improving business communication and enhancing efficiency and productivity. On a personal level, it assists you in becoming more self-confident and a well-rounded professional.
However, to develop that skill for most of us can appear to be a challenging feat, especially if you are inexperienced or out of practice. Leveraging a communication skills training program from a certified resource can be one of the best ways to clear the skill gap.
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