Communication is a multifaceted process that occurs in many ways: verbal, non-verbal, and written. This week's pearl focuses on improving your verbal and non-verbal communication practices to ensure your message is received as intended.

Verbal communication involves using words and language to convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It's a powerful tool for sharing information and expressing complex concepts.

On the other hand, non-verbal communication encompasses a wide range of cues and signals we use to communicate without words. Non-verbal communication can be just as powerful as verbal communication. Awareness of the power of non-verbal cues and their potential to send unintended messages is critical to becoming a more effective communicator.

Types of non-verbal communication include:

1. Body Language: Our posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact convey important information about our feelings, attitudes, and intentions.
2. The Tone of Voice: How we say something, including our pitch, intonation, and rhythm, can significantly affect the message we're trying to convey. For example, a simple sentence can sound enthusiastic, sarcastic, or indifferent, depending on how it's said.
3. Facial Expressions: Our faces can convey many emotions, from happiness and surprise to anger and sadness. These expressions are often universal, transcending language barriers.
4. Eye Contact: The amount and type of eye contact can communicate interest, attentiveness, confidence, or discomfort. It can also establish rapport and trust.
5. Posture and Gestures: How we carry ourselves and our movements with our hands and body can provide additional context to our words. For example, crossing one's arms may signal defensiveness, while an open, relaxed posture can indicate receptivity.

In many situations, non-verbal communication can be just as impactful, if not more so, than verbal communication. For instance, a firm handshake and confident body language in a job interview can leave a positive impression, while nervous fidgeting or avoiding eye contact may have the opposite effect.

Understanding verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial for effective interpersonal relationships, professionally and personally, as it allows us to interpret the intentions and emotions of others better and convey our messages more accurately.

Check out this short video from TedEd on How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it). In this video, you will learn how communication can be misinterpreted and ways to ensure your message is received as intended.

Got time for more? Complete this 15 minute course from the folks at Skillsoft, The Art and Science of Communication.