Communication Skills: Verbal And Nonverbal Communication And Listening Skills

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills

Communication is truly complex, indeed, as there is a multitude of various methods in which to converse with other individuals. For instance, sociologist Anne Donnellon devised a technique (pertinent to groups and teams), which she refers to as "team talk." Moreover, Donnellon created the concept as an ideal form of discourse amongst team members. Exemplifying, Engleberg & Wynn (2013) provide insight into the six dimensions of team talk, which include the following:

1. Identification: (Use plural pronouns rather than singular, such as we; us; and, our);

2. Interdependence: (Use collective language by expressing shared, in contrast to individual needs);

3. Minimal Power Differentiation:

21).

• Physical expression:

 Gestures;

 Posture;

 Touch. (Engleberg & Wynn, 2013, p. 145).

Knowledge of Nonverbal Communication Notably, the book Nonverbal Behavior in Interpersonal Relations expounds the significance of the essential nonverbal element of communication: “Generally, verbal messages express the literal content of messages, while nonverbal messages express the emotional meaning” (Richmond, McCroskey, & Hickson, III, 2008, p. 5). Equally important, knowledge of nonverbal communication is extremely advantageous, as it assists with improving conversation skills with others, including:

• Understanding others more easily (and, as a result, optimal proficiency in communication skills);

• Improves your competency for reading others;

• Inspires maximum awareness of the messages you convey to others;

• Prevents sending mixed or confusing messages when we engage in conversations with people;

• Relieves negative emotions;

• Has a positive effect on, “… how we act and react to others, and how they react to us,” according to MindTools (2016).

Listening Skills: Student Listening Inventory - Results