Verbal & Nonverbal Communication: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Sep 11, 2024 in Law & Jurisprudence

Verbal Communication

Berlo’s Model of Communication

David K. Berlo’s model allows analysis and adaptation to receivers. It consists of:

  • Source (Encoder)
  • Message
  • Channel (Decoder)
  • Receiver

The message has several elements (content, structure, code, processing, verbal elements). The channel can be:

  • Technical (media)
  • Sensory (interpersonal communication)

The source, transmitter, and receiver have characteristics like:

  • Communication Skills: Does the audience receive the message? What preparation does the audience require?
  • Attitude: Is the audience against, indifferent, or in favor?
  • Knowledge: Does the audience know the topic?
  • Socio-cultural Context: In what circumstances is the message presented? Where is it exposed?

These factors can determine the success or failure of communication.

Choosing a Topic

When choosing a topic, consider available materials, time constraints, and the format (e.g., presentation or exhibition). If the topic is assigned, ensure it’s not vague or trivial to maintain professional credibility and audience relevance.

Purpose

The message’s purpose must be clear, concise, and impactful. There are three types of purposes:

  • To entertain
  • To inform (data, facts, events)
  • To persuade (convince, encourage, lead to action)

These purposes can be combined.

Critical Considerations

  • Beginning and ending style
  • Headlines
  • Target audience
  • Time available for writing
  • Purpose
  • Materials

Personal Testimony

Sentences that give credibility to the speaker/writer. Demonstrate competence, data mastery, and knowledge of the subject. Show authority, a positive attitude towards the topic, and the audience.

Development

The central part of the message. Uses rational appeals based on arguments to convince the recipient of the statement’s truth or correctness. A rational appeal examines all evidence, dispels doubts, and has internal consistency. Materials are either created or discovered.

Created Materials
  • Repetition (using the same words)
  • Paraphrasing (expressing the same idea in different words or codes)
  • Comparison (highlighting differences)
  • Reasoning (using arguments with the same data)
  • Contrasting (presenting similarities and differences)
Discovered Materials
  • Direct Evidence: Information directly related to the proposition.
  • Indirect Evidence: Information not directly linked but supports the proposition; requires a lot to convince (circumstantial evidence).
  • Negative Evidence: Data that doesn’t prove the statement but shows the opposite is impossible (fallacies).
  • Verbal Evidence: Statements from authority figures to support or lend credibility.

Experience

Facts that attract and sustain audience interest. Examples include:

  • Telling a story
  • Describing an action, object, or person
  • Using figures of speech (metaphors)
  • Presenting an issue impressionistically

Motivational Appeals

Encourage the audience to accept the proposal by addressing their needs. Positive appeals focus on rewards and accomplishments, while negative appeals highlight fears, punishments, and potential problems.

Organizing Materials

Consider these four blocks:

  1. Define the communication purpose.
  2. Use a single sentence to indicate the audience and refer to it throughout the text.
  3. Present all arguments in the development section. Organize them in a pyramid or inverted pyramid (journalistic) structure.

Guidelines for Argument Organization

  • Temporal: Explain a process with different stages chronologically or rearranged.
  • Spatial/Geographical: Study a problem in different locations.
  • Inductive/Deductive: Use logic to move from specific data to a general statement or vice versa.
  • Cause-Effect: Report present causes and future effects or vice versa.
  • Thematic: Divide the topic into subtopics and categories.
  • Motivated Sequence: For persuasive messages.

Structuring an Informational Message (ABC Method)

  • Accurate: Precise use of data and facts.
  • Brief: Short and simple.
  • Clear: Use understandable language.
  • Images: Use action verbs and avoid passive voice to help visualize concepts.
  • Repetition: Repeat the message in different ways, use summaries, and establish an order.
  • Feedback: Seek feedback in interpersonal communication.
  • Organizational Pattern: Choose an appropriate pattern.

Organizing a Persuasive Message (Monroe’s Motivated Sequence)

  1. Attention: Capture the audience’s attention.
  2. Need: Show a gap or need that can be solved.
  3. Satisfaction: Provide the means to meet the need.
  4. Visualization: Give examples of the solution’s benefits.
  5. Action: Provide instructions on implementing the solution.

Toulmin Model of Argument

  1. Claim: The conclusion the speaker wants the audience to accept.
  2. Data: Facts supporting the claim (direct, indirect, negative).
  3. Warrant: A general statement connecting data and claim.
  4. Backing: Strengthens the warrant.
  5. Rebuttal/Reservation: Addresses potential objections.
  6. Qualifier: Adjective or adverb qualifying the claim (e.g., maybe, probably).

Ending a Message

  • Align with the purpose (inform, entertain, persuade).
  • Use a brief summary if needed.
  • Consider an authoritative quote.
  • Express personal commitment in persuasive messages.

Starting a Message

  • Address the audience.
  • Include personal testimony and an abstract/outline.
  • Indicate the duration and if questions are allowed (for public speaking).
  • Use keywords and storytelling for memorization.

Nonverbal Communication

Three areas of nonverbal communication:

  • Kinesics: Gestures (hands, feet, eyes, mouth, body), style, posture.
  • Proxemics: Use of space and distance.
  • Paralanguage: Correct use of voice.