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According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, Communication refers to the act or process of using
words, signs, sounds or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas,
thought feelings to someone else’s .
There are two types of communication which are verbal and non verbal.
Verbal communication refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message. It serves as
a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and
teaching. In combination with nonverbal forms of communication, verbal communication acts as
the primary tool for expression between two or more people.
The following are the components of verbal communication according to Tracy Anglada:
i. Sound.
ii. Speech.
iii. Language.
iv. Conversation.
Sound
Sound is a basic component of verbal communication. Example babies start using sound to
communicate as soon as they are born. One cry may send a message such as "I'm hungry" and
another cry may say "I hurt." Communication progresses with babbling or urgent noises until a
child is finally able to use words. Adults continue to use sounds in communication. Some noises
are a confirmation of a statement as if to say, "I agree." Others are warning sounds. These types
of "paraverbal" communications are sometimes classified as nonverbal but they do use the
component of sound. In teaching and learning process the sound must be audible to be heard by
everyone during presentation of the lesson.
Speech
Language
Proper grammar, syntax, pronunciation, and avoidance of slang terms are important
characteristics of communication with students. Verbal conversation and interaction in the
classroom as well as one-on-one English or math tutoring sessions is also a way to encourage the
exchange of ideas and opinions on varying subjects between teacher and students as well as
student and student.
Conversation
Classroom discussions are an excellent form of monitoring what students have absorbed of the
curriculum. When learners are capable of verbally expressing their points of view on a particular
subject, it demonstrates to the teacher that information has been thoroughly taught and learned.
There are many components of non-verbal communication which are grouped into at least six
main groups. In which each group is explained below;
i. Kinesics
ii. Paralinguistic/paralanguage
iii. Proxemics
iv. Hepatics
v. Clothing and artifacts
vi. Color
Kinesics
This group of non-verbal communication involves facial expression, gestures, eye movements,
posture, also rate of walk.
Facial Expressions; Smiling, frowning and grimacing are facial expressions that easily convey a
person's attitude and are universally understood. The human face is extremely expressive, able to
express countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal
communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for happiness, sadness,
anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures. In teaching it is applicable for the
teacher to obtain the feedback when delivering the lesson. As well in learning scenario it may
help the students to understand the mood of their teacher.
Eye movements; Eye movement is an important type of nonverbal communication. The way you
look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or
attraction. Eye contact is the instance when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time;
in teaching and learning processes, eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of
conversation and for gauging the teacher and student’s response.
Postures; Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while
standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and
lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during
movement or weight-bearing activities.
Paralanguage/paralinguistic
These are the messages that are sent through voices. How words are spoken in variations of
voices. Among the elements of paralanguage are pitch, volume, rate, articulation, pronunciation,
and hesitation.
Voice; In nonverbal communication in paralanguage, the way someone speaks offers as much
information as the words spoken. Mumbling and talking in a low voice convey insecurity. A
person who speaks in a loud voice implies that he is angry or powerful. It’s not just what you
say; it’s how you say it. When we speak, other people “read” our voices in addition to listening
to our words, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey
understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh- huh.” Think about how someone's tone of voice, for
example, can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence. Words said in a calm manner can
indicate an attempt to sooth or comfort someone. Talking very fast or in a high-pitched tone are
traits associated with anxiety or nervousness.
Proxemics
How space and distance are used. Proximity and distance to signal either desire to communicate
or disinterest in communicating. The closer we stand, the greater the chances are that we like
another
Hepatics
This is another kind of non-verbal communication which involves different types of touching.
We do touch for different purposes: to communicate attitude or affect, to encourage affiliation
and as therapeutic function.
Touch; touching a person while speaking to him/her can indicate many things. Someone with
romantic feelings may touch his companion's face or stroke her hair. In business settings, a
person who is trying to convince another of something may touch his/her wrist or shoulder.
Hugging a person implies affection for that person. A person who is grabbed by a stranger would
suspect aggression or danger. Also in teaching and learning hepatics has its application
especially how a teacher is allowed to touch a student during the processes of teaching and
learning.
Wearing styles to both teachers and students affects teaching and learning process whereby some
of the teachers wearing style may lead students to hate the subjects for example wearing shorts
skirts, transparent blouse affects students psychologically. On the other hand, proper dressing to
both teachers and students will facilitate learning and teaching process effectively.
Color
In teaching and learning processes, this implies various perceptions especially paying attention
during the learning process. Some of colors show various features in our environment for
example blue color shows water bodies while green color shows forestry, therefore in the whole
process of teaching and learning this simplifies the work. Clothes with black color to students
imply that there is no peace in that day which means that majority of the learners will not be
encouraged to learn even though the teacher does not have that meaning.
Barker and Turker, R.N. (1990) The Interactive Learning Revolution: Multimedia in Training.
Wood, J.T (2009) Interpersonal Communication. Chapel Hill: Lyn Uhl. USA
http://www.ehow.com/list_6885403_components-nonverbal-communication.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_7298128_components-verbal-communication.html
www.merriam-webster.com, dictionary