Verbal Communication

Language

Many people believe that the human ability to communicate through language is the most important faculty that sets us apart from other animals. With over 3,000 languages worldwide, not to mention the huge differences within single languages (which can take the form of either slang or dialects), there is incredible diversity when it comes to what people say and how they say it. In this way, verbal communication is more limited than nonverbal communication. If language barriers exist and there is no translator nearby, using verbal communication will not be an effective way to relay meaning.

Word Choice

The words you choose when you are speaking do much to convey your meaning and tell who you are as a person. When used effectively, word choice can increase your ability to communicate; used ineffectively, you may actually do more damage than good with your communication.

For example, if you use thousand dollar words (words that are typically longer and more complicated than those used by most people) in a speech, you can either set yourself up as an expert in the field or give the impression you are trying to appear superior to everyone else. It all depends on your audience. If you're at a professional seminar with your peers, more complex word choices might be appropriate and increase your esteem. If you're giving a speech at your best friend's wedding, it might be better to stick to word choices that everyone can relate to and understand.

Inflection

Inflection is defined as the patterns of stress in oral speech. It is unique to verbal communication and can be very effective in conveying meaning by inserting additional meaning above and beyond the definition of the word. For example, consider the following sentence.

John is going to be an hour late again.

Depending on how you stress certain syllables and words in the sentence, you could convey several different meanings.

John is going to be an hour late again.
The stress on "again" implies that John is often late, and this time is going to be no exception. The speaker is most likely irritated by the lack of punctuality.

John is going to be an hour late again.
The stress on "hour" implies that John is often late – and often to an extreme. This speaker is more put off by the length of the delay rather than John's tendency to tardiness.

It can be interesting to play with inflection in all types of sentences. Read the following sentences aloud and determine how you can change the meaning of each depending on where the stress lies.

I want to go to the car wash.

My new job is ridiculous and boring.

Her new baby was healthy, at least.