With that in mind, let\u2019s start our journey of enlightenment by answering a deceptively simple question \u2014 what is verbal communication, anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"What-is-Verbal-Communication-Definition-Types-Examples-cover\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/What-is-Verbal-Communication-Definition-Types-Examples-cover-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat is verbal communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Verbal communication is any exchange that uses spoken words to convey information.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some people also consider written messaging to be a part of verbal communication simply because it relies on words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who subscribe to this broader verbal communication definition interpret the term \u201cverbal\u201d as signifying any communication using words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, for the purposes of our overview, we\u2019ll stick to the narrower definition of verbal communication as oral communication, focusing only on spoken language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means that we see written and verbal communication as two distinct types of communication<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to those, there are two more types of communication that can be used to further enhance and clarify our verbal exchanges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having said that, let\u2019s take a moment to consider the ways verbal and nonverbal communication influence each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n As we have established, verbal and nonverbal communication are two of the 4 types of communication we use in our day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some might even say these two types of communication exist on opposite ends of the communication spectrum, since nonverbal communication is used to convey information <\/strong>without<\/em><\/strong> the use of words<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, nonverbal communication relies on an individual\u2019s physicality to transmit messages through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, these aspects of a person\u2019s physical presence can influence the way we perceive the words they are saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Erin Christie, Ph.D.<\/a>, Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication at Rutgers School of Communication and Information, verbal and nonverbal communication go hand in hand<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEffective verbal communication is essential for success. However, nonverbal communication is a vital companion, since eye contact and body language can either reinforce or contradict verbal messages.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In other words, people who don\u2019t pay attention to the nonverbal cues they are using may put their primary message in jeopardy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a candidate might show up for a job interview after memorizing an embellished version of their career history and accomplishments. Yet, a discerning hiring manager would still be able to spot the inconsistencies by paying attention to their body language<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the interview, the HR employees present might comment on those contradictory messages amongst themselves, as seen in the Pumble<\/a> exchange below.<\/p>\n\n\n Touch base with your coworkers on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the more narrow verbal communication definition we have provided, this type of communication requires interlocutors to be able to hear each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past, that would have meant that oral communication was contained to in-person encounters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in the past century, technological advances have facilitated mediated verbal communication<\/strong>, revolutionizing the way we speak to each other at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, we have the ability to talk to each other through various channels \u2014 phones, voice calls<\/a>, and even through video messages<\/a> and online conferencing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of verbal communication in the workplace include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Record and send video messages on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, these 5 verbal communication examples are just the tip of the iceberg when we take into account the different types of verbal communication we can engage in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of that, oral communication is undeniably one of the most important types of communication we use at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But why is that the case? What are the benefits of practicing verbal communication in the workplace?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether we focus on the more narrow definition of verbal communication or opt to use the word as an umbrella term that includes written communication, we can confidently state that verbal communication is one of the most frequently used types of communication in the workplace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of that, it is widely recognized as the foundation of professional success<\/strong>, as noted by linguistic researcher Martina Cola<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVerbal communication is a cornerstone of professional success, and understanding its nuances can significantly enhance workplace interactions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Encouraging your coworkers to improve their verbal communication skills can have numerous benefits for the team<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, not all forms of oral communication will allow your team to reap these benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To put it simply, some styles and types of verbal communication are more effective than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that in mind, let\u2019s take a look at how the different types of verbal communication may affect our workplace conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience the benefits of verbal communication with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Types and styles of verbal communication are two different things, though they may appear similar at first glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key difference to remember is that styles explain how<\/strong> we use verbal communication, whereas types note where<\/strong> and with whom<\/strong> we are communicating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Martina Cola would put it, the 5 types of verbal communication can be a good jumping-off point for navigating various communication situations<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe 5 types of verbal communication \u2014 intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, public, and mass communication \u2014 provide a valuable framework for navigating various contexts. Tailoring verbal communication to fit these contexts ensures the message resonates with the intended audience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s see how these types of verbal communication change the way we speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intrapersonal verbal communication only requires one person<\/strong> \u2014 yourself \u2014 and consists of the messages you tell yourself \u2014 or rather, your internal monologue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, most people don\u2019t actually vocalize these messages<\/strong>, so this type of communication doesn\u2019t usually fit the narrow version of our verbal communication definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then again, there are certain forms of written and verbal communication that are meant for the speaker\u2019s ears only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of intrapersonal verbal communication in the workplace may include personal reminders and voice notes one might keep on the \u201cMe\u201d page in Pumble, as shown below.<\/p>\n\n\n Note to self: give Pumble a try<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if we exclude examples of intrapersonal communication that fit into our definition of verbal communication, this type of communication still fits into the broader definition we mentioned, since most people\u2019s thoughts are expressed through words and sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any case, since intrapersonal communication is a private experience for most people, it can be pretty introspective, as Martina Cola noted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIntrapersonal communication fosters self-awareness by helping individuals process their thoughts and emotions.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, the purpose of this type of communication is to deepen our understanding of ourselves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n Dyadic or <\/strong>interpersonal communication<\/strong><\/a> is a type of verbal communication that happens between two parties<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, this kind of one-on-one communication serves the purpose of sharing information<\/a> between a message sender and a receiver<\/strong>, though two people usually naturally switch between these roles throughout the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, interpersonal communication can also be used to build trust in teams<\/strong><\/a>, as Martina Cola told us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cInterpersonal communication builds strong one-on-one relationships, vital for professional rapport.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As we have established, this type of communication can also be facilitated by technology, as in the example below, which shows a video call between two coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n Collaborate effortlessly \u2014 enjoy video calls on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference between interpersonal communication and group communication<\/a> is in the number of people involved. Group verbal communication occurs when there are 3 or more individuals involved<\/strong> in an exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same rules apply, as participants still have to use clear communication and active listening skills to decode and convey information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Martina Cola, the main purpose of small group communication in professional settings is to promote <\/strong>teamwork and collaboration<\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmall group communication, essential for collaboration and teamwork, ensures ideas flow effectively during meetings.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Once again, this type of communication can take place in person or be mediated by technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the internal communication app, Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a>, this type of communication can be enabled through group conferencing, which can either be scheduled ahead of time by using meeting links<\/a> or initiated at the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the example below, we see that a group of managers has just finished an impromptu video call, which was started within their private channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nThe difference between verbal and nonverbal communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Erin](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"HR](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/HR-employees-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-1.png\")
Examples of verbal communication in the workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/An-example-of-a-video-message-on-Pumble-a-team-communication-app-min.png\")
The importance of verbal communication in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Martina](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Martina-Cola.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
5 Types of verbal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nType #1: Intrapersonal verbal communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Examples](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Examples-of-intrapersonal-communication-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nType #2: Interpersonal verbal communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The-team-communication-app-Pumble-facilitates-interpersonal-communication-min.png\")
Type #3: Small group verbal communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/A-group-of-managers-just-finished-a-video-call-on-Pumble-a-business-messaging-app-min-1.png\")
![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/An-announcement-in-the-general-channel-on-Pumble-a-team-communication-app-min-1.png\")