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VERBAL AND NON- VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
By: Mahnoor S. Mufti
TOPICS TO BE COVERED TODAY:
 VERBAL COMMUNICATION
 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
WHAT IS A VERBAL COMMUNICATION?
 Verbal communication is any communication that
uses words to share information with others. These
words may be both spoken and written.
 Verbal communication is the use of words to share
information with other people.
 It can therefore include both spoken and written
communication.
 However, many people use the term to describe
only spoken communication.
 The verbal element of communication is all about
the words that you choose, and how they are heard
and interpreted.
 There are a large number of different verbal
communication skills. They range from the obvious
(being able to speak clearly, or listening, for
example), to the more subtle (such as reflecting
and clarifying). This page provides a summary of
these skills, and shows where you can find out
more.
 Clarity of speech, remaining calm and focused,
being polite and following some basic rules of
etiquette will all aid the process of verbal
communication.
 It is important to remember that effective verbal
communication cannot be fully isolated
from non-verbal communication: your body
language, tone of voice, and facial expressions,
for example.
OPENING COMMUNICATION
 In many interpersonal encounters, the first few
minutes are extremely important. First impressions
have a significant impact on the success of further
and future communication.
 When you first meet someone, you form an instant
impression of them, based on how they look, sound
and behave, as well as anything you may have
heard about them from other people.
Basic Verbal
Communication
Skills: Effective
Speaking and
Listening
EFFECTIVE SPEAKING
 Effective speaking involves three main areas: the
words you choose, how you say them, and how you
reinforce them with other non-verbal
communication.
 It is worth considering your choice of words
carefully. You will probably need to use different
words in different situations, even when discussing
the same subject.
 For example, what you say to a close colleague will
be very different from how you present a subject at
a major conference.
ACTIVE LISTENING
 Active listening is an important skill. However, when
we communicate, we tend to spend far more
energy considering what we are going to say than
listening to the other person.
 Effective listening is vital for good verbal
communication. There are a number of ways that
you can ensure that you listen more effectively.
COMPONENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SPEAKING
 Be prepared to listen. Concentrate on the
speaker, and not on how you are going to reply.
 Keep an open mind and avoid making judgements
about the speaker.
 Concentrate on the main direction of the
speaker’s message. Try to understand broadly
what they are trying to say overall, as well as the
detail of the words that they are using.
 Avoid distractions if at all possible. For example, if
there is a lot of background noise, you might
suggest that you go somewhere else to talk.
 Be objective not influenced by personal feelings or
opinions in considering and representing facts.
 Do not be trying to think of your next
question while the other person is giving
information.
 Do not dwell on one or two points at the
expense of others. Try to use the overall picture
and all the information that you have.
 Do not stereotype the speaker. Try not to let
prejudices associated with, for example, gender,
ethnicity, accent, social class, appearance or dress
interfere with what is being said
IMPROVING VERBAL COMMUNICATION
o There are a number of tools and techniques that
you can use to improve the effectiveness of
your verbal communication. These include:
I. reinforcement,
II. reflection,
III. clarification,
IV. and questioning.
REINFORCEMENT
 Reinforcement is the use of encouraging words alongside
non-verbal gestures such as head nods, a warm facial
expression and maintaining eye contact.
 All these help to build rapport and are more likely to reinforce
openness in others. The use of encouragement and positive
reinforcement can:
 Encourage others to participate in discussion (particularly in
group work)
 Show interest in what other people have to say;
 Pave the way for development and/or maintenance of a
relationship;
 Allay fears and give reassurance;
 Show warmth and openness; and
 Reduce shyness or nervousness in ourselves and others.
QUESTIONING
 Questioning is broadly how we obtain
information from others on specific topics.
 Questioning is an essential way of clarifying areas
that are unclear or test your understanding. It can
also enable you to explicitly seek support from
others.
 On a more social level, questioning is also a useful
technique to start conversations, draw someone
into a conversation, or simply show interest.
Effective questioning is therefore an essential
element of verbal communication.
 We use two main types of question:
CLOSED QUESTIONS
 Closed questions tend to seek only a one or two
word answer (often simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’). They
therefore limit the scope of the response. Two
examples of closed questions are:
 “Did you travel by car today?” and
“Did you see the football game yesterday?”
 These types of question allow the questioner to
remain in control of the communication. This is
often not the desired outcome when trying to
encourage verbal communication, so many people
try to focus on using open questions more often.
Nevertheless, closed questions can be useful for
focusing discussion and obtaining clear, concise
answers when needed.
OPEN QUESTIONS
 Open questions demand further discussion and
elaboration. They therefore broaden the scope for
response. They include, for example,
 “What was the traffic like this morning?”
“What do you feel you would like to gain from this
discussion?”
 Open questions will take longer to answer, but they
give the other person far more scope for self-
expression and encourage involvement in the
conversation.
REFLECTING AND CLARIFYING
 Reflecting is the process of feeding back to another
person your understanding of what has been said.
 Reflecting is a specialized skill often used within counseling,
but it can also be applied to a wide range of communication
contexts and is a useful skill to learn.
 Reflecting often involves paraphrasing the message
communicated to you by the speaker in your own words. You
need to try to capture the essence of the facts and feelings
expressed, and communicate your understanding back to the
speaker. It is a useful skill because:
I. You can check that you have understood the message
clearly.
II. The speaker gets feedback about how the message has
been received and can then clarify or expand if they wish.
III. It shows interest in, and respect for, what the other person
has to say.
IV. You are demonstrating that you are considering the other
person’s viewpoint.
SUMMARIZING
 A summary is an overview of the main points or
issues raised.
 Summarising can also serve the same purpose as
‘reflecting’. However, summarising allows both
parties to review and agree the message, and
ensure that communication has been effective.
When used effectively, summaries may also serve
as a guide to the next steps forward.
CLOSING COMMUNICATION
 The way a communication is closed or ended will, at least in part,
determine the way a conversation is remembered.
 People use both verbal and non-verbal signals to end a conversation.
 Verbal signals may include phrases such as:
“Well, I must be going,” and
“Thank you so much, that’s really helpful.”
 Non-verbal conclusions may include starting to avoid eye contact,
standing up, turning away, or behaviours such as looking at a watch or
closing notepads or books. These non-verbal actions indicate to the
other person that the initiator wishes to end the communication.
 People often use a mixture of these, but tend to start with the non-
verbal signals, especially face-to-face. On the telephone, of course,
verbal cues are essential.
 Closing an interaction too abruptly may not allow the other person to
'round off' what he or she is saying so you should ensure there is time for
winding-up. The closure of an interaction is a good time to make any
future arrangements. Last, but not least, this time will no doubt be
accompanied by a number of socially acceptable parting gestures.
WHAT IS NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION?
 A substantial portion of our communication is
nonverbal. In fact, some researchers suggest that
the percentage of nonverbal communication is four
times that of verbal communication, with 80% of
what we communicate involving our actions and
gestures versus only 20% being conveyed with the
use of words.
 Every day, we respond to thousands of nonverbal
cues and behaviors, including postures, facial
expressions, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice.
From our handshakes to our hairstyles, our
nonverbal communication reveals who we are and
impacts how we relate to other people.
9 TYPES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
 Scientific research on nonverbal communication
and behavior began with the 1872 publication of
Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions
in Man and Animals. Since that time, abundant
research has been conducted regarding the types,
effects, and expressions of unspoken
communication and behavior.
 While these signals can be so subtle that we are
not consciously aware of them, research has
identified nine types of nonverbal communication.
These nonverbal communication types are facial
expressions, gestures, paralinguistics (such as
loudness or tone of voice), body language,
proxemics or personal space, eye gaze, haptics
(touch), appearance, and artifacts.
FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
 Facial expressions are responsible for a huge
proportion of nonverbal communication. Consider
how much information can be conveyed with a
smile or a frown. The look on a person's face is
often the first thing we see, even before we hear
what they have to say.
 While nonverbal communication and behavior can
vary dramatically between cultures, the facial
expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and
fear are similar throughout the world.
GESTURES
 Deliberate movements and signals are an important
way to communicate meaning without words.
Common gestures include waving, pointing, and
giving a "thumbs up" sign. Other gestures are
arbitrary and related to culture
 Nonverbal communication via gestures is so
powerful and influential that some judges place
limits on which ones are allowed in the courtroom,
where they can sway juror opinions. An attorney
might glance at their watch to suggest that the
opposing lawyer's argument is tedious, for instance.
Or they may roll their eyes during a witness's
testimony in an attempt to undermine that person's
credibility..
PARALINGUISTICS
 Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is
separate from actual language. This form of
nonverbal communication includes factors such as
tone of voice, loudness, inflection, and pitch.
 Consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can
have on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a
strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret a
statement as approval and enthusiasm. The same
words said in a hesitant tone can convey
disapproval and a lack of interest.
BODY LANGUAGE AND POSTURE
 Posture and movement can also provide a great
deal of information, with popular media focusing on
the over-interpretation of defensive postures such
as arm-crossing and leg-crossing, especially after
the publication of Julius Fast's book Body
Language.
 While these nonverbal communications can
indicate feelings and attitudes, research suggests
that body language is far more subtle and less
definitive than previously believed.
PROXEMICS
 People often refer to their need for "personal
space." This is known as proxemics and is another
important type of nonverbal communication.
 The amount of distance we need and the amount
of space we perceive as belonging to us are
influenced by several factors. Among them
are social norms, cultural expectations, situational
factors, personality characteristics, and level of
familiarity.
EYE GAZE
 The eyes play a role in nonverbal communication, with
such things as looking, staring, and blinking being
important cues. For example, when you encounter
people or things that you like, your rate of blinking
increases and your pupils dilate.
 People's eyes can indicate a range of emotions,
including hostility, interest, and attraction. People also
utilize eye gaze as a means to determine if someone is
being honest.
 Normal, steady eye contact is often taken as a sign that
a person is telling the truth and is trustworthy. Shifty
eyes and an inability to maintain eye contact, on the
other hand, is frequently seen as an indicator that
someone is lying or being deceptive.
APPEARANCE
 Our choice of clothing, hairstyle, and other
appearance factors are also considered a means of
nonverbal communication.10 Research on color
psychology has demonstrated that different colors
can evoke different moods. Appearance can also
alter physiological reactions, judgments, and
interpretations.
 Just think of all the subtle judgments you quickly
make about someone based on their appearance.
These first impressions are important, which is why
experts suggest that job seekers dress
appropriately for interviews with potential
employers.
 Culture is an important influence on how
appearances are judged. While thinness tends to
be valued in Western cultures, some African
cultures relate full-figured bodies to better health,
wealth, and social status.
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION EXAMPLES
Nonverbal Communication at Home:
 Greeting your child with a smile when they walk into
the room to show that you're happy to see them
 Leaning in when your loved one speaks to show
that you are listening and that you are interested in
what they're saying
 Shoving your fist into the air when you're upset that
something isn't working
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN THE
WORKPLACE
You can also find nonverbal communication in the
workplace. Examples of this include:
 Looking co-workers in the eye when speaking with
them to be fully engaged in the interaction
 Throwing your hands in the air when you are
frustrated with a project
 Using excitement in your voice when leading work
meetings to project your passion for a specific topic
 Walking down the hall with your head held high to
convey confidence in your abilities
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN OTHER
SITUATIONS
Here are a few additional examples of nonverbal
communication that say a lot without you having to
say anything at all:
 Greeting an old friend at a restaurant with a hug,
handshake, or fist bump
 Placing your hand on someone's arm when they
are talking to you at a party to convey friendliness
or concern
 Rolling your eyes at someone who is chatting
excessively with a store clerk as a line begins to
form
 Scowling at someone who has cut you off in traffic,
or "flipping them the bird"
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akfatVK5h3Y
INTERVIEW SKILLS
By: Mahnoor Shahid Mufti
WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW?
 The interview is a conversation in which you and an
employer exchange information.
OR
 An interview is a structured conversation where one
participant asks questions, and the other provides
answers. In common parlance, the word "interview"
refers to a one-on-one conversation between an
interviewer and an interviewee.
WHAT ARE INTERVIEW SKILLS?
 Interview skills are skills or actions that allow a
person to be more effective throughout the
interview process for a new position. Not all
interview skills are conventional; rather, many
interview skills help candidates prepare for the
interview and guide them as they participate in job
interviews. Acing job interviews requires in-depth
preparation as well as the ability to feel comfortable
and confident when discussing your skills,
experience and qualifications with hiring managers.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERVIEW
 Your objective is to get an offer of a job, and the
employer's objective is to find out the following:
i. What you have to offer (your skills, abilities, basic
knowledge).
ii. Who you are (your personality, character,
interests).
iii. Why you should be hired (you have what they are
seeking). The interviewer will try to determine
whether you will be an asset to the organization.
 Your goal is to present yourself as the best
candidate for the position and also to learn more
about the position and the interviewer's
organization to determine whether both are well
suited for you and your career goals. Thus, the
interview is a two-way discussion rather than an
interrogation, as it is often perceived to be.
 The interview is a vital step to obtaining a career
position and often depends on your skills in
marketing your potential.
 You need to be ready to answer questions about
your career goals and background.
 You will also want to develop intelligent questions of
your own to help you obtain the necessary
information for making an informed decision.
 Furthermore, preparation helps build your self
confidence in your interview skills and is the key to
successful interviewing
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
 You need to get your goals in focus.
 You need to know what you want, where you want
to be, who can employ you and, most importantly,
why you will be good at the job you seek.
 If you are undecided or unsure about the jobs that
best match your skills, interests, and background,
take time now to assess yourself and explore
various career fields.
 It is very difficult and can be frustrating to conduct a
job search if you are unsure about your career
options.
KNOW YOURSELF
 Most interviews include questions regarding your
qualifications, education, campus and community
activities, prior work experience, personal
characteristics, skills, and career interests. To
prepare for answering questions about yourself,
think about the following questions:
 Which personality characteristics and skills do I
want to talk about?
 What job experiences are most relevant to this
position?
 What did I gain from my college education?
 Focus on those experiences that best sell you for
the position for which you are interviewing.
 Identify your three main strengths.
 Be able to cite specific examples and apply these
strengths directly to the requirements of the position
you are seeking.
 You should also be prepared to state the reasons
why you should be hired, what you have to offer the
employer, and your interests in the position.
RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER AND INDUSTRY
 It is important to learn as much as you can about
the employer before you interview. By adequately
researching the organization, you will have a much
better chance of creating a positive impression. The
following questions can help guide your research:
 What are the organization's philosophy and goals?
 What are the size and structure of the
organization?
 What are the organization's products and services?
 What is the organization known for?
 What are the geographical locations of its plants,
stores, or sales outlets?
 How well is the organization doing? (growth
patterns)
 Who are the organization's clientele or customers
and major competitors?
 What are the organization's entry-level positions
and career paths?
 What type of training does the organization offer its
employees?
 To obtain information about the employer, read
company annual reports, recruiting brochures,
promotional materials, job descriptions, trade
journals, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Business
Week, and other business publications. Faculty,
alumni, friends, and present employees can also be
helpful sources of information.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
First Impressions Count!
 Be on time. Find out when and where the interview will
take place and how to get there. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes
early so you can relax.
 Dress appropriately; that is, according to the standards
of the organization. Your appearance should project a
conservative, businesslike image and should
communicate that you are ready for a professional
career.
 Greet the interviewer by name, with a smile and a firm
handshake. Treat secretaries and receptionists in a
polite and professional manner.
 Show your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm, energy, and a
sense of humor can help create a good impression. Do
not be passive or indifferent.
PREPARATION
 You should avoid going into an interview unprepared.
Doing so may reflect negatively on you as a candidate,
and most hiring managers can easily detect applicants
who are not prepared. Set aside at least an hour to
prepare the day before or on the day of the interview.
Here are a few actions to take when preparing:
 Re-read the job description and determine the most
relevant responsibilities and requirements for the
position.
 Come up with several specific answers to potential
questions related to the position you're applying for and
the duties that will be expected of you.
 Make a list of the essential aspects of the job so you
have it on hand when answering and asking questions
during the job interview.
 Spend several minutes or even hours researching
possible interview questions related to the position
you're applying for and the industry the company is
part of.
 Look up less specific interview questions that aren't
directly related to the job, but may still be asked.
For example, practice a few behavioral and
situational interview questions.
 Go over your cover letter and resume you provided
to the company to ensure you remember how you
initially presented yourself.
 Practice answering interview questions with a friend
or family member so you feel comfortable when
answering questions during the actual interview.
 Prepare several specific examples from your
previous job experience, including milestones,
challenges and successes. These will support your
interview answers and help strengthen your
responses.
 Look over your notes you prepared on the company
during the research process to ensure the
information is fresh in your mind when going into
the interview.
COMMUNICATION
 Good communication skills are crucial during the job interview
process. This includes written, verbal and nonverbal
communication skills. A few key tips to keep in mind when
communicating with others during an interview include:
 Address the interview by name and ensure you pronounce the
name or names correctly.
 Begin the interview with appropriate small talk. It's best to
come prepared with a few conversation starters that are
professional and conducive to an interview setting.
 Match your communication style to the hiring manager. For
example, if the hiring manager is communicating in a
professional way, try to match your tone to theirs. If they are
more upbeat and offer jokes here and there, don't be afraid to
do the same as long as they're appropriate.
 Avoid interrupting the person you are interviewing
when they are speaking.
 Don't use jargon or abbreviated language when
speaking with the interviewer.
 Try to avoid using speech fillers like "um" and "like."
 Be aware of your own non-verbal cues to ensure
you are presenting yourself in a professional and
positive way.
LISTENING
 Listening skills are another important component of
a successful interview experience. It's easy to listen
to a person speak, and while doing so to think to
yourself how you will respond.
 Listen attentively when the hiring manager is
speaking, paraphrase what they said either in your
mind or out loud when appropriate and use
nonverbal cues such as nodding, making eye
contact and leaning in when the other person is
talking.
 You should also ask for clarification if you
misunderstand something that was said to ensure
communication is effective. Avoid quickly changing
the subject and take note of any nonverbal cues the
interviewer is giving you, such as facial expressions
and tone of voice, to further understand what's
being said.
ASK QUESTIONS
 Hiring managers often ask candidates if they have
any questions during or after the interview.
Interviewers look for candidates who ask genuine
questions to help them gain a better understanding
of the company and the role.
 Arrive at the interview prepared with a few
questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrates
a genuine interest in the opportunity and provides a
chance to further discuss elements of the job that
may not have been covered.
PROFESSIONALISM
 There are several aspects that go into professionalism, and all
of them are important when attending a job interview. To
begin, ensure your attire is professional and tasteful and is
neatly pressed and clean.
 Avoid wearing clothes that are too casual, too large or small,
too revealing or too flamboyant. Aim for an outfit with neutral
colors that match and are not distracting or offensive. If you
are unsure of the dress code requirements for the interview,
dress in a more formal way to avoid dressing too casually.
 When arriving at the interview location, use professional
language when checking in and greeting the interviewer. Be
polite to everyone you come into contact with, including other
employees and receptionists.
 The more polite and professional you are in your actions and
words, the more kind and pleasant you can come off to
employers.
CONFIDENCE
 Confidence has a significant impact on how you are
perceived by interviewers.
 Arrive at the interview ready to discuss your
experience, accomplishments and abilities in a
confident way that conveys your own belief in
yourself to perform the duties of the position you
applied for.
 Work to exude a balanced and kind sense of
confidence rather than simply boasting about your
qualifications.
SHOWING INTEREST
 It's important to convey your genuine interest in the
position during a job interview. If you give off a
sense of disinterest or apathy, the interviewer may
think you don't truly want the position or care about
the outcome of the interview.
 Work to show earnest interest in the organization
and position and a passion for your work and your
abilities to complete the duties of the job.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2GNRzcyklk
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TBsZBX9GWw
Verbal and Non- Verbal Communication-1.pptx