verbal definition essay

Verbal vs. Oral – What’s the Difference?

Home » Verbal vs. Oral – What’s the Difference?

In many contexts, oral and verbal seem to be synonymous. Sometimes they are: you have probably heard people ask for both oral and verbal reports, meaning they want you to say something to them out loud .

When we look more closely at the meanings of oral and verbal , though, we discover a few nuances that make choosing one of these words a bit more difficult.

What is the Difference Between Verbal and Oral?

In this post, I will compare verbal vs. oral and use each word in several example sentences that show its use in proper context.

I will also show you a mnemonic device that makes it easy to remember whether verbal or oral is the proper adjective to describe something.

When to Use Verbal

For example, verbal abuse does not necessarily mean spoken abuse . It could be abuse from a letter, email, newspaper article, etc .

In everyday use, however, verbal is usually used to refer to spoken language. Generally speaking, when people say verbal praise , they mean praise that someone has said out loud. Likewise, verbal consent is consent that you give by speaking, rather than signing a consent form.

Here are a few examples,

• Children learn to understand and use verbal language at a very early age.
• Verbal consent is usually sufficient to begin treatment in urgent situations, but can become problematic if legal issues arise.

The narrow use of the word to mean only speech or spoken words is somewhat problematic, however.

Since verbal means related to words , not related to spoken words , verbal can be applied properly to any context where words are used.

As I already mentioned, verbal abuse is not limited to spoken words. The important takeaway is that verbal doesn’t exclusively mean spoke . It can also refer to written words.

When to Use Oral

Oral has a secondary meaning that overlaps with verbal : it describes information communicated through the spoken word. Oral is more specific than verbal , since written language is not communicated via the mouth. Thus, oral only refers to spoken language.

Therefore, oral instructions are instructions given by one person through another via speech. A culture with a rich oral tradition may pass down its history and stories via the spoken word, even if they are not written down. An oral examination is a test wherein a person speaks answers, rather than writing them.

Here are some example sentences,

• When Kirsten broke her arm, she was allowed to take oral tests instead of written tests, with the rest of the class.
• James had an oral disease that infected his gums and caused him to bleed profusely from the mouth.

As you can see, oral has a much more restrictive use that verbal . While verbal can mean spoken or written words , oral can only mean spoken words .

Trick to Remember the Difference

• Oral can only describe spoken language.
• Verbal usually describes spoken language, but could (and should) refer to written language, as well.

Oral vs. Verbal Check: Since oral and spoken both contain the letter O , you can easily remember to use oral when referring to spoken language.

Is it oral or verbal? Oral and verbal are adjectives that mean related to the mouth and related to words , respectively.

They are both used to refer to spoken language, and while both are appropriate, oral is more specific, and thus a better choice in many contexts.

What Are Verbals?

(1) Gerunds

• Cooking is an essential skill.

(2) Participles

• Where is the broken chair?
• Where is the boiling water?

(3) Infinitives

• Jack is going home to vote .

Table of Contents

The Three Types of Verbal

(1) verbals (participles), (2) verbals (gerunds), (3) verbals (infinitives), participles for verb tense, why verbals are important.

• A stirring dwarf we do allowance give before a sleeping giant. (Playwright William Shakespeare)
• Food is an important part of a balanced diet. (Author Fran Lebowitz)
• Drooling saliva over the day's mail , the barking boxer quickly singled out the parcel from the bills and junk mail.
• Baked in the oven for over six hours , the roast looked ruined .
• You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing . (Comedian Michael Pritchard)
• Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. (Biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi)
• I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting . (Author Mark Twain)
• Singing the words out loud helped him with his stammer.
• I started by photographing birds in my garden .
• To win was everything.
• Winning was everything.
• It is an appropriate saving to propose .
• It is an appropriate saving that he proposed .
• The man paid to watch .
• The man paid so he could watch .
• She needed to find a lot of money quickly .
• I showed her the best way to make a Yorkshire pudding .
• He set the camera to film whatever was eating his chickens .
• He is eating his dinner.
• He has eaten his dinner.

(Reason 1) Participle phrases let you say two things efficiently.

• Always willing to entertain others' ideas , Simon has a proven ability to build trust through regular and honest communication.
• Showing utmost diligence in everything she does , Jill is adept managing disagreements.

(Reason 2) Gerunds can reduce your word count and improve reading flow.

• The development of the U-bend assisted with the removal of smells.
• Developing the U-bend assisted with removing smells.

(Reason 3) An infinitive can usually replace "in order to."

• Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work. (Actress Bette Davis)
• Using a participle phrase upfront lets you cram more information into your sentence.
• Replacing a normal noun with a gerund can help with creating a shorter, better-flowing sentence.
• If "in order to" adds no clarity and you're not looking for emphasis on the reason, delete "in order."

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Nonverbal Communication — Verbal And Nonverbal Communication

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

• Categories: Nonverbal Communication

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Published: Aug 16, 2019

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What Is a Verbal?

Unlike ordinary verbs, verbals are not inflected for person and tense

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In traditional grammar , a verbal is a word derived from a  verb  that functions in a sentence as a noun or modifier rather than as a verb.

Verbals include infinitives, gerunds (also known as -ing forms ), and participles (also known as -ing forms and -en forms). A word group based on a verbal is called a verbal phrase . 

Unlike ordinary verbs, verbals are not inflected for person and tense . As an adjective , the term  verbal can mean (1) relating to words (as in verbal irony ), (2) spoken rather than written (as in "a verbal agreement"), or (3) relating to or formed from a verb (as in verbal noun ).

Types and Examples of Verbals

Infinitives Infinitives are verbals (often preceded by the particle to ) that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

• "We can only learn to love by loving." (Iris Murdoch, The Bell . Viking, 1958)
• "The big thing is to try to be in position when the quarterback throws the ball, and to do that you try to work the angle with the receiver so's you can keep half an eye on the quarterback to see where he let the ball go." (George Plimpton, Paper Lion , 1966)

Gerunds Gerunds are verbals that end in -ing and function as nouns.

• "We can only learn to love by loving ." (Iris Murdoch, The Bell . Viking, 1958)
• "From the cookstove came the soft singing of burning wood and now and then a throaty bubble rose from a pot of simmering greens." (Richard Wright, Bright and Morning Star , 1939)

Participles Participles are verbals that function as adjectives.

• "I want a good sensible loving child, one to whom I can tell all my most precious candy-making secrets — while I am still alive.” (Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Alfred A. Knopf, 1964)
• "From the cookstove came the soft singing of burning wood and now and then a throaty bubble rose from a pot of simmering greens." (Richard Wright, Bright and Morning Star , 1939)
• "Our loved ones do not go on forever, in spite of what we may allow ourselves to believe." (Karen Henderson)

Usage Notes

"To write complete sentences, rather than sentence fragments , use verbs or verb phrases , not just verbals . Although a verbal is formed from a verb, it is a part of speech that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb, not as a verb." (Phyllis Goldenberg, Elaine Epstein, Carol Domblewski, and Martin Lee, Grammar for Writing . Sadlier-Oxford, 2000)

" Verbals , such as known or swimming or to go , are verb forms that act as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns. A verbal can never serve as a sentence's main verb unless it is used with one or more auxiliary verbs ( has known, should be swimming )." (Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell, The Concise Wadsworth Handbook , 2nd ed. Thomson Wadsworth, 2008)

"Because they are derived from verbs, verbals retain some of the abilities of verbs. They can carry objects or take modifiers and complements . At the same time, verbals possess abilities unknown to the typical verb, the abilities of other parts of speech . In this way, verbals may perform the duties of two parts of speech simultaneously. "In spite of these new powers, the verbal must give up one of the abilities of its original verb form. No verbal can assume the role of a true verb to express action or condition in a sentence." (Michael Strumpf and Auriel Douglas, The Grammar Bible . Owl Books, 2004)

• Predicators or Main Verbs in English Grammar
• Types of Nouns
• Verbal Noun
• Oral and Verbal
• Synthetic Compound Words Examples
• Prescriptivism
• Gerunds: Special Verbs That Are Also Nouns
• What Is Aphesis?
• What Are Expletives in English Grammar?
• Definition and Examples of a Verbless Clause in English
• Colligation
• Infinitive Phrase (Verbs)
• What Is Verbal Play?
• What Is a Participial Adjective?

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Verbal communication: an Introduction

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Definition Essay

Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

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Published on: Oct 9, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Definition Essay Outline - Format & Guide

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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.

This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.

Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay. 

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What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writer’s understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

• Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
• Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
• Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
• Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
• Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay. 

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay 

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics. 

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay 

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study. 

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay 

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other. 

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay 

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay 

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. 

The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Extended Definition Essay 

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation. 

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance. 

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently. 

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the term’s origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writer’s perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

• Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
• State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
• Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
• Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
• Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

• A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
• Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
• A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

• Summary of the important points.
• Restated thesis statement.
• A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure 

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept. 

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction 

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept 

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined. 

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action 

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action. 

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion 

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept. 

Understanding the Definition Essay

Definition Essay Example

Definition Essay About Friendship

Definition Essay About Love

Family Definition Essay

Success Definition Essay

Beauty Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writer’s block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

• Authenticity
• Sustainability
• Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

• Social media addiction
• Ethical implications of gene editing
• Personalized learning in the digital age
• Ecosystem services
• Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
• Sustainable fashion
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
• Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
• Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essay’s small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

• Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
• When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
• When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
• To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
• Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
• Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
• Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay. 

Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.

Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection. 

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

On the contrary, Nonverbal communication does not use words for communicating anything, but some other modes are used, i.e. where communication takes place by way of unspoken or unwritten messages such as body language, facial expressions, sign language and so forth. In this article excerpt, we’ve broken down all the important differences between verbal and non-verbal communication in detail.

Content: Verbal Communication Vs Nonverbal Communication

Comparison chart.

Definition of Verbal Communication

The communication in which the sender uses words, whether spoken or written, to transmit the message to the receiver is known as Verbal  Communication. It is the most effective form of communication that leads to the rapid interchange of information and feedback. There are fewer chances of misunderstanding as the communication between parties is clear, i.e. the parties are using words for saying anything.

The communication can be done in two ways (i) Oral – like face to face communication, lectures, phone calls, seminars, etc. (ii) Written – Letters, E- mail, SMS, etc. There are two types of communication, they are:

• Formal Communication: Also termed as official communication, it is a type of communication in which the sender follows a pre-defined channel to transmit the information to the receiver is known as formal communication.
• Informal Communication: Most commonly known as grapevine, the type of communication in which the sender does not follow any pre-defined channels to transmit the information is known as informal communication.

Video: Verbal Communication

Definition of Nonverbal Communication

Non-verbal communication is based on the understanding of the parties to communication, as the transmission of messages from the sender to receiver is wordless i.e. the communication uses signs. So, if the receiver understands the message completely and proper feedback is given afterwards, then the communication succeeds.

It complements the verbal communication many times, to understand the mindset and the status of the of the parties, which is not spoken by them, but it is an act of understanding. The types of Non-verbal communication are as under:

• Chronemics: The use of time in communication is chronemics, which speaks about the personality of the sender / receiver like punctuality, the speed of speech, etc.
• Vocalics: The volume, tone of voice and pitch used by the sender for communicating a message to the receiver is known as vocalics or paralanguage.
• Haptics: The use of touch in communication is the expression of feelings and emotions.
• Kinesics: It is the study of the body language of a person, i.e., gestures, postures, facial expressions, etc.
• Proxemics: The distance maintained by a person while communicating with others, communicates about the relationship of the person with others like intimate, personal, social and public.
• Artifacts: The appearance of a person speaks about his personality, i.e. by way of clothing, carrying jewellery, lifestyle, etc. This kind of communication is known as artifactual communication.

Video: Nonverbal Communication

Key Differences Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

The following points explain the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication in detail:

• The use of words in communication is Verbal communication. The communication which is based on signs, not on words is Non-verbal communication.
• There are very fewer chances of confusion in verbal communication between the sender and receiver. Conversely, the chances of misunderstanding and confusion in non-verbal communication are very much as the use of language is not done.
• In verbal communication, the interchange of the message is very fast which leads to rapid feedback. In opposition to this, the non-verbal communication is based more on understanding which takes time and hence it is comparatively slow.
• In verbal communication, the presence of both the parties at the place of communication is not necessary, as it can also be done if the parties are at different locations. On the other hand, for an effective non-verbal communication, both the parties must be there, at the time of communication.
• In verbal communication, the documentary evidence is maintained if the communication is formal or written. But, there is no conclusive evidence  in case of non-verbal communication.
• Verbal communication fulfils the most natural desire of humans – talk. In the case of Non-verbal communication, feelings, status, emotions, personality, etc are very easily communicated, through the acts done by the parties to the communication.

Video: Verbal Vs Nonverbal Communication

Verbal and Non-verbal communication are not contradictory to each other, but they are complementary as somebody has rightly said, ” Actions are louder than words.” In short, both goes side by side and helps a human being, to interact and respond to other human beings.

Verbal communication is obviously an important part of life as we use words to communicate. But have you ever thought, that a small baby cannot use language or words to speak, but he chooses signs to show his anger, happiness, and sorrow. Similarly, deaf and dumb persons also use sign language for communicating with other people. So, this is the significance of Non-verbal communication in many lives.

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Definition of verbally

Examples of verbally in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'verbally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Dictionary Entries Near verbally

verbal note

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“Verbally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbally. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

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What Is Verbal Communication?

“Man is by nature a social animal,” the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote more than 2,000 years ago. And communication…

“Man is by nature a social animal,” the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote more than 2,000 years ago.

And communication lies at the heart of all social relationships.

From the time you enter this world, you start communicating. Your first cry is your first attempt at verbal communication. And as you start growing, you find newer ways of communication. You learn to form words and sentences to communicate.

This is the beginning of verbal communication.

What Is Verbal Communication? 

Characteristics of verbal communication, types of verbal communication, advantages of verbal communication.

Verbal communication means effectively presenting your thoughts in verbal format i.e., by talking. Verbal communication skills are essential in the world of business. Be it a weekly meeting or presentation to stakeholders, the importance of verbal communication is unparalleled. People always remember a person who speaks clearly, effectively, confidently, and charismatically.

For instance, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’s speech launching the iPhone is a classic example of brilliant verbal communication that people remember even today. Similarly, many speeches made by former US President Barack Obama are also unforgettable.

A powerful speaker is also able to connect with their audience easily. Like Oprah Winfrey says, “Great communication begins with a connection.”

You too can be a great speaker with practice. Most of us possess the means of verbal communication, what’s important is to recognize how to maximize them. Read on to learn more about its distinct characteristics.

Before we explore the various defining features of verbal communication, let’s look at its primary form. Verbal communication is oral in nature. Oral communication encompasses various activities such as talking, laughing or listening. We often navigate different emotional situations through oral forms of communication.

We also have written communication that includes script, alphabets, acronyms, logos and graphics. To interpret written messages, everyone involved must understand the code (e.g., the language). This is different from verbal or spoken communication.

There are several characteristics that are specific to verbal communication, namely:

The message being communicated is directly or indirectly related to an object

We use concepts to communicate messages

The content should be understood by both the sender and receiver

Cultural factors influence the content of messages

While communicating emotions and feelings, a sender’s state of mind influences the content of messages

Even though we talk to our friends, family and coworkers on a regular basis, we may not always be aware of how we’re communicating. Mastering the art of verbal communication will help you in more ways than one. Let’s explore different types of verbal communication and how your audience factors into it.

Verbal communication goes beyond words, sounds and languages. You need to know your audience to talk to them better. Remember that you can follow the Pyramid Principle and start with your main argument and then follow up with supporting statements. You can classify verbal communication into four types based on your audience.

Intrapersonal Communication

This is your private verbal communication channel. You talk to yourself and articulate your thoughts. Communicating with yourself will give you more confidence and clarity in your thoughts. It’ll help you make up your mind, form your sentences, find suitable words and effective ways to connect with other people. This will help you gain your colleagues’ trust in the workplace.

Interpersonal Communication

You can also call this one-to-one verbal communication. This type of communication happens between two individuals. It helps you understand if you’re getting your thoughts across clearly. Reactions, responses and verbal and nonverbal cues from the other person will help you understand whether you’re being understood or not. Make sure that you listen to the other person intently. Communication doesn’t just mean to talk to someone. It’s also about listening. So, listen, think and then respond. Take time to think and make sure you don’t offend people with your response.

Small Group Communication 

The number of people increases in small group communication. You move from communicating with a single participant to a few more. These small groups could be team meetings, board meetings or sales meetings. The number of participants is small enough for everyone to communicate with each other. When you attend small group meetings, be prepared with a topic to make sure you stay on track. Stay on topic and allow enough time for everyone to present their thoughts.

Public Communication 

You may also know this type as ‘ public speaking ’. Here, an individual addresses a large number of people at once. Speeches, election campaigns and presentations are a few examples of public communication. Since the number of people in the audience is larger in this type of communication, be sure to use words and phrases they’ll understand easily and structure your thoughts before addressing the audience. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel like a public speaker.

Verbal communication is a broad topic. There are various elements that help us organize our thoughts around it. They are:

When you express yourself your tone determines the message to be interpreted. For example, you can be saying something nice but if your tone is a sarcastic tone, the message will be conveyed differently. Your tone makes a huge difference to your speech.

The pace at which you speak is important as it determines the reaction of your audience. You may have attended lectures or webinars where people speaking slowly and softly can get boring. Similarly, it may be difficult to understand someone speaking at a rapid pace.

Volume ranges from a whisper to a scream. The volume at which you talk can convey various meanings. For example, if you whisper into someone’s ears in the presence of multiple people, it can be misconstrued as something negative. On the other hand, screaming while someone is talking is rude. Always monitor your volume depending on the social context you’re in.

Additionally, language, grammar and vocabulary are critical aspects of verbal communication. An erroneous message to a hiring manager, for example, can make or break your career opportunity. This is why verbal communication is a critical skill for success in professional settings as well. Effective communication helps with decision-making and increases collaboration in teams. Let’s look at the benefits of different types of verbal communication.

Verbal communication is one of the most important mediums of communication. The stronger your communication skills are, the easier it is for you to establish trust and build lasting relationships with others. Here are some benefits of strong verbal communication skills:

It provides complete understanding and there’s room to clarify any messages that may have been misunderstood

It’s one of the fastest modes of communication and is time-efficient

There is space for providing feedback, which allows two or more people to engage in a conversation at the same time

It allows speakers to exercise influence and persuade listeners to agree with ideas, thoughts and opinions

It’s flexible, that is, you can change your language and tone depending on the situation you’re in or the relationship you share with an individual

In short, verbal communication is one of the most reliable methods of communication. Its benefits apply to the world of work as well. Let’s look at the various ways in which strong verbal communication skills can be beneficial for professionals:

Building Relationships

Verbal communication allows you to build strong interpersonal relationships. It’s easier when you find like-minded people who share similar interests, ideas and outlooks. This further encourages you to cooperate, collaborate and engage in teamwork.

Persuading Someone

In professional settings, you need to exert a certain amount of influence to get things going. For example, if you want your coworkers to join your project, you need to be able to convince them first. Even in brainstorming sessions, you need to be able to convince others of your ideas and perspectives.

Bringing Clarity

As verbal communication enables feedback, you can provide clarity to your message by repeating yourself. For example, in conflicts or arguments, you can repeat your message so that there’s no room for ambiguity.

Improving Productivity

With proper communication in place, you can communicate effectively with team members and people across the organization. Well-established relationships enhance the process, allowing you to cooperate and collaborate quickly. Group discussions and teamwork maximize output, therefore increasing productivity.

Increasing Motivation

Verbal communication plays a crucial role in providing feedback and recognizing individual effort. Whether it’s a congratulatory speech or email, words of support and appreciation boosts confidence levels. If you’re a manager, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your team’s success and efforts. Not only will they get encouraged to do better, but it also cements your relationship with them.

Therefore, effective verbal communication opens up a two-way street that allows individuals to interact, engage and collaborate with each other, improving organizational efficiency and productivity. On an individual level, it helps you become more confident and a well-rounded professional.

Harappa offers two courses to build your communication skills— Writing Proficiently and Speaking Effectively . They’ll help you break the barriers and connect with your colleagues and the people around you. With key frameworks like the Pyramid Principle and PAM (Purpose-Audience-Message), you’ll learn how to communicate with impact.

Explore blogs on topics such as effective communication , the 7 barriers of communication ,  types of nonverbal communication , the different types of communication , and verbal and nonverbal communication on Harappa Diaries to make your world of work better.

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Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

C ommunication is a vital aspect of human beings. Simply, it is an act of passing information from one person, group, or place to another, and it can be divided into verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is the most available mode of communication as it uses words to convey information and can be subclassified into oral or written communication. Written communication includes using letters and typed electronic documents, texting, and emails. On the contrary, nonverbal communication describes a mode of communication that conveys the message through emotions, thoughts, attitudes, intentions, and needs without using verbal language. Therefore, this paper compares and contrasts verbal and non-verbal cues.

Firstly, the channels of communication differ in the two modes of communication. Interestingly when analyzing verbal communication, it is easier to note that it uses a single communication channel whereby the human voice speaks one word at a time. For instance, when in a phone call, callers talk while the receiver waits for their turn to convey information understandable (Vogel et al., 15). On the other hand, non-verbal communication utilizes multiple channels to deliver the message. These channels include tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, touch, and humor.

Secondly, it is essential to understand the consciousness of both communication channels. Consciousness describes awareness or sentience of external and internal environment, sensations, feelings, and thoughts. Verbal communication in away involves a conscious process incorporating the aspects of processing, thinking, and articulating (Purnell, 134). Before communicating, people tend to think about what they will say and its impacts on the receiver. On the contrary, non-verbal communication fundamentally occurs at an unconscious level where an individual does not engage in active thinking. 

Additionally, a key theme to consider is on decoding communication . Usually, decoding involves the ease with which a receiver interprets the words or signs sent by a sender. In verbal communication, interpreting the message is fairly easier when one understands the language being used. Also, even without understanding the language, an individual can quickly pay attention to the speaker and understand the message. Moreover, in non-verbal communication, it is somehow harder to decode the message being conveyed (Paranduk & Karisi, 147). This is because a person has to be keen and attentive to several factors, including facial expressions, body language, and tonal variation, to understand the meaning. 

Despite that, the mode of communication differentiates the two channels. This is because verbal communication is voluntary and linear. An individual has to gather thoughts together, formulate relevant words then deliver the message. In a way, it is a well-thought protocol that a speaker has to focus clearly (Spencer et al, 150). On the other hand, verbal communication entails a continuous process that is involuntary. Also, it is not well thought out and is nonlinear. This mostly depends on how people use their bodies to respond to external stimuli. 

Besides, verbal and non-verbal communication are similar in a unique manner. Both channels aid in sending and receiving information, and more importantly, they combine or coexist to deliver the message effectively. For instance: reacting to bitter medicine, an individual would combine both modes of communication. Non-verbal communication reinforces, regulates, and substitutes communication.

In conclusion, people must master verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication can be enhanced through various activities like reading more on communication techniques, listening to other people, and practicing speaking. Similarly, it is easier to learn nonverbal communication by practicing appropriate body language, facial expression, and interacting with other people. Besides, it is essential to observe how people respond to things to master non-verbal cues effectively. 

Works Cited

Paranduk, Rida, And Yofri Karisi. “The Effectiveness Of Non-Verbal Communication In Teaching And Learning English: A Systematic Review.”  Journal Of English Culture, Language, Literature And Education , Vol. 8, No. 2, 2021, Pp. 145-159.

Purnell, Larry. “Cross Cultural Communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Interpretation and Translation.”  Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice , 2018, pp. 131-142.

Spencer, Trina D., and Douglas B. Petersen. “Bridging Oral and Written Language: An Oral Narrative Language Intervention Study With Writing Outcomes.”  Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools , vol. 49, no. 3, 2018, pp. 569-581.

Vogel, Daniela, et al. “Verbal and non-verbal communication skills including empathy during history taking of undergraduate medical students.”  BMC Medical Education , vol. 18, no. 1, 2018.

• Tags Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

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• What Is Verbal Irony? | Definition & Examples

What Is Verbal Irony? | Definition & Examples

Published on May 26, 2024 by Magedah Shabo .

Verbal irony involves using language in an indirect, non-literal manner, with an intended meaning that is different from (and often opposite to) the literal meanings of the words. This rhetorical technique can serve various purposes, including humor, sarcasm, and persuasion.

Table of contents

What is verbal irony, types of verbal irony, verbal irony examples, frequently asked questions about verbal irony.

Verbal irony involves using words to convey a meaning that is opposite to or markedly different from their literal interpretation, often to emphasize a point, express humor, or level a sharp criticism. When using verbal irony, writers must carefully consider the context, tone, and audience to avoid being misunderstood.

The judicious use of verbal irony can deepen the impact of a message, adding layers of meaning that enrich communication. Irony invites listeners and readers to engage more actively with a text or speech, interpreting nuances and insights beyond the superficial meanings of words.

There are several types of verbal irony:

Ironic similes

Understatement, overstatement.

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony in which the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, often spoken with a mocking or critical tone. Sardonic comments are similar but typically even darker or more disdainful. Delivery and context are typically used to signal that the intent differs from the literal words. The result can be humorous, scathingly critical, or somewhere in between.

I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And, sure, he is an honorable man.

Ironic similes compare two things in an unconventional way, often highlighting unexpected similarities or emphasizing contrasts to create humor or underscore absurdity.

Combining understatement with verbal irony involves deliberately downplaying the significance of something in a way that highlights its true importance or absurdity. This technique can subtly emphasize the contrast between the situation’s reality and the description given, often resulting in humor.

Combining overstatement with verbal irony involves exaggerating aspects of a situation to an absurd degree. This exaggeration highlights the disparity between the actual circumstances and the described scenario, often to humorous or critical effect, by making the contrast starkly evident.

Examples of verbal irony are abundant in both literature and everyday communication.

Verbal irony in literature

Verbal irony plays a versatile role in literature. Its functions include developing themes and characters, provoking philosophical reflection, introducing humor, and satirizing societal issues.

Joseph Heller famously used verbal irony in Catch-22 to underscore a central theme of the novel: the absurdity of war.

Oscar Wilde is known for using complex rhetorical devices such as verbal irony and paradox to express social critiques and philosophical observations.

Verbal irony in everyday life

Verbal irony is a common element of everyday conversations, especially in friendly banter that employs playful misrepresentation or exaggeration for amusement rather than harm. An example of this facetious approach to humor is an employee who often works overtime jokingly asking, “What’s time off?”

Sarcastic or sardonic comments, in contrast, have more potential to be hurtful. Often referred to as “snark,” this style of humor is especially popular online. An example of Internet snark is the meme expression “Sure, Jan,” used with an ironic tone to express skepticism.

“Tell us how you really feel.” [This phrase is used in jest to call out another person’s emphatic or uninhibited negative reaction]

Verbal irony involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite, while Socratic irony involves feigning ignorance to provoke critical thinking in others.

• Verbal irony example: A person arrives late to a meeting, and someone says, “Well, look who decided to join us!”
• Socratic irony example: In a classroom discussion, a teacher asks seemingly naive questions to lead students to reconsider their assumptions or explore complex concepts further.

In Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” he uses verbal irony to create tension and dark humor.

For example, Montresor offers Fortunato wine, saying, “It will help to keep us warm.” This statement is ironic because Montresor is leading Fortunato to a cold, damp catacomb, where he plans to kill him. Later, Fortunado says, “I drink to the dead who lie sleeping around us.” Montresor responds, “And I, Fortunato—I drink to your long life,” though he means the opposite.

The verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado” complements the story’s dramatic irony, building tension for the reader, who is aware of Montresor’s true intentions.

The opposite of verbal irony is straightforwardness—expressing one’s intended meaning directly without any hint of a hidden meaning. “Literalness” or “directness” also express the opposite of “irony.” The word “sincerity” is another antonym for “irony,” emphasizing that the speaker lacks any sarcastic or sardonic intent.

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Human interaction through the use of words, or messages in linguistic form. Colloquial usage refers to speech (oral communication), especially face-to-face, but academic usage includes mediated forms, written communication, and sometimes sign language. Logically, as distinguished from nonverbal communication, though in much communication these are complementary modes.

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Verbal Communication: Understanding the Power of Words

Categories Social Psychology

As human beings, we rely on communication to express our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Verbal communication, in particular, involves using words to convey a message to another person. It is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and is crucial in our daily lives and relationships.

In this article, we will explore the importance of verbal communication, the different types of verbal communication, and some tips on improving your verbal communication skills.

Table of Contents

Importance of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is essential because it is the primary means of interacting with others. It lets us express our thoughts and feelings, convey information, and build relationships. It is a powerful tool for connecting with others and forming social bonds.

By communicating meaning verbally, others are able to understand your needs, interests, and beliefs.

Effective verbal communication is essential in many contexts, including personal relationships, social interactions, and professional settings. In personal relationships, it can help build trust, foster intimacy, and resolve conflicts. Lack of communication can lead to serious problems, including conflicts and the breakdown of relationships.

Social interactions can help establish common ground, build rapport, and create a sense of community. For example, discussions can help people with different needs understand one another and find ways to ensure each person achieves their goals.

In the workplace, it can help to convey ideas, influence others, and achieve goals.

Types of Verbal Communication

There are two main forms of verbal communication: spoken and written communication.

• Spoken Communication : Spoken communication is the most common form of verbal communication. It involves using words, tone of voice, and body language to convey a message. Spoken communication can take many different forms, including conversations, speeches, and presentations.
• Written Communication : Written communication is using written words to convey a message. It includes emails, letters, memos, and reports. Written communication is often used in professional settings to document information and convey messages to others.

There are four main types of verbal communication, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes:

• Intrapersonal communication : Intrapersonal communication is the process of talking to oneself, either out loud or internally. This type of communication is often used for self-reflection, problem-solving, and decision-making. Intrapersonal communication can help us better understand our own thoughts and feelings, and can be a valuable tool for personal growth and development.
• Interpersonal communication : Interpersonal communication is the process of communication between two or more people. This type of communication is often used for social interaction, relationship-building, and collaboration. Interpersonal communication can involve a range of verbal communication modes, such as face-to-face communication, telephone communication, and video conferencing.
• Small group communication : Small group communication involves communication between three to ten people, typically in a group setting such as a meeting or a discussion. This type of communication is often used for decision-making, problem-solving, and brainstorming. Small group communication requires effective listening and speaking skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Public communication : Public communication is communicating to a large audience, typically through a speech or a presentation. This type of communication is often used for persuasive purposes, such as advocating for a cause or presenting information to an audience. Public communication requires effective public speaking skills, including the ability to engage and connect with the audience, use effective visual aids, and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.

Other Types of Communication

In addition to verbal communication, other important forms of communication can convey meaning, including:

Nonverbal communication : Nonverbal communication is the use of body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to convey a message. It can be used to emphasize a point, show emotion, or convey meaning. Nonverbal communication can be just as powerful as spoken communication and can often convey a message more effectively than words alone.

Visual communication : Visual communication is the use of images, charts, and graphs to convey a message. It is often used in professional settings to present data and information in a way that is easy to understand.

Components of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is a complex process that involves not only the words we use, but also how we say them. Tone of voice, inflection, and other vocal cues can greatly impact the meaning of our message. Here are some important aspects of verbal communication and how they convey meaning:

• Tone of voice : Tone of voice refers to the way we use our voice to convey meaning. It can be described as the emotional quality of our voice. For example, a sarcastic tone of voice can convey that the speaker is not being sincere, while a warm and friendly tone can convey that the speaker is approachable and trustworthy.
• Inflection : Inflection refers to the rise and fall of our voice as we speak. It can convey emphasis and emotion. For example, a rising inflection at the end of a sentence can indicate a question, while a falling inflection can indicate a statement.
• Volume : Volume refers to how loudly or softly we speak. It can convey confidence, authority, and assertiveness. For example, speaking loudly can convey confidence and authority, while speaking softly can convey intimacy and vulnerability.
• Pace : Pace refers to the speed at which we speak. It can convey excitement, urgency, and impatience. For example, speaking quickly can convey excitement and urgency, while speaking slowly can convey thoughtfulness and deliberation.
• Intensity : Intensity refers to the level of emotional energy that we put into our words. It can convey passion, enthusiasm, and conviction. For example, speaking with intensity can convey a strong belief in something, while speaking with low intensity can convey ambivalence or lack of interest.
• Pitch : Pitch refers to the highness or lowness of our voice. It can convey age, gender, and emotion. For example, a high-pitched voice can convey youthfulness or excitement, while a low-pitched voice can convey authority or seriousness.

It’s important to note that these aspects of verbal communication can vary greatly depending on context, culture, and personal preference. What may be considered a confident tone of voice in one culture may be perceived as aggressive in another. 

Understanding these nuances is essential for effective verbal communication. By paying attention to these aspects of verbal communication, we can convey our message more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Modes of Verbal Communication

Verbal communication can occur through different modes, each with their own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the different ways verbal communication may occur:

Face-to-Face Verbal Communication

Face-to-face communication occurs when two or more people are in the same physical space and communicate verbally. This mode of communication allows for the use of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, which can help convey meaning and emotion. It also allows for immediate feedback and clarification of misunderstandings.

Telephone Communication

Telephone communication occurs when two or more people communicate verbally over a telephone line. This mode of communication allows for immediate verbal communication over long distances but does not allow for the use of nonverbal cues, which can sometimes make it difficult to convey meaning and emotion.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing occurs when two or more people communicate verbally over a video conferencing platform, such as Zoom or Skype. This mode of communication combines the benefits of face-to-face and telephone communication, allowing for the use of nonverbal cues and immediate verbal communication over long distances.

Public Speaking

Public speaking occurs when one person communicates verbally to a large audience. This mode of communication requires careful planning and preparation, as well as the ability to engage and connect with the audience through the use of tone of voice, inflection, and other vocal cues.

Group Discussion

Group discussion occurs when a group of people communicate verbally to exchange ideas, solve problems, or make decisions. This mode of communication requires active listening skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

Written Communication

Written communication occurs when ideas, thoughts, and information are conveyed through written words, such as emails, letters, or memos. This mode of communication allows for careful consideration and editing of the message, but can sometimes lack the immediacy and personal connection of verbal communication.

It’s important to note that each mode of verbal communication has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some modes may be more appropriate for certain contexts than others. 

For example, face-to-face communication may be more effective for resolving conflicts, while written communication may be more appropriate for conveying complex information or instructions.

Tips for Improving Verbal Communication Skills

Effective verbal communication requires more than just speaking clearly and articulately. It involves listening actively, empathizing with others, and adapting your communication style to different situations. Here are some tips for improving your verbal communication skills:

• Listen actively : Effective communication requires active listening. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying, asking questions, and clarifying misunderstandings.
• Use appropriate body language : Your body language can convey as much meaning as your words. Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions to emphasize your message and convey your emotions.
• Speak clearly and confidently : Speak clearly and confidently to ensure that your message is understood.
• Empathize with others : Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an important communication skill because it helps build trust and understanding.
• Be adaptable : Adapt your communication style to different situations and audiences. Use appropriate language for the context and audience, and be mindful of cultural differences.

Verbal Communication Skills Examples in the Workplace

Why are verbal communication skills important in the workplace , how to include verbal communication skills in a job application, how to improve verbal communication skills, verbal communication: the bottom line, what are verbal communication skills.

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If you’ve explained a difficult concept to a teammate or taught a friend about a project you’re working on, chances are you used verbal communication skills. These are the soft skills you use when talking to someone else. A person with good verbal communication skills communicates effectively, efficiently, and empathetically. 

Verbal communication skills are crucial to succeeding in the workplace, both for sharing updates about your work and progress, but also understanding what others are working on. Showing you have stellar verbal communication skills can make you stand out in interviews — and help you thrive once you land the role. 

So, what exactly do verbal communication skills look like and how can you build yours?

Verbal Communication Meaning

In the literal sense, verbal communication is oral communication with words that you or others speak out loud. On the other hand, nonverbal communication is about what’s not said out loud: gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Written communication is about words on the page (or in an email or Slack message).

You’re using your verbal communication skills every time you speak out loud to a coworker, whether in person or on Zoom. 

Verbal Communication Types and Styles

There are a few different types of verbal communication depending on how many people you’re speaking with.

• Intrapersonal communication: communication you have with yourself, including how you process information and speak to yourself. These are your inner thoughts.
• Interpersonal communication: communication between two people. These are the conversations you have with one other person, whether you’re asking for feedback, sharing updates, or asking them what they had for lunch.
• Group verbal communication: communication between at least three people. Similar to interpersonal communication, these are the conversations you have about any topic — as long as it’s a smaller group.
• Public verbal communication: communication where there’s one speaker and an audience. For example, if you’ve attended a large workshop or class, you were a listener in public verbal communication.
• Mass verbal communication: communication where a small group of people passes down information to large groups of people. This may include communication types like television, social media, or radio.

There are also different verbal communication styles depending on how you communicate, regardless of who or how many people you’re communicating with.

• Aggressive verbal communication: communication focusing on getting your way at all costs, regardless of whether that requires hostility, intimidation, or manipulation.
• Passive communication: indirect communication that circles around your actual needs and wants, which can lead to confusion.
• Passive-aggressive communication: communication where you don’t always share your opinions directly, but feel negatively if others don’t understand your needs.
• Assertive communication: communication where you express your needs and opinions clearly, directly, and confidently.

Where do you apply verbal communication skills in the workplace? You use them any time you’re talking to someone else at work! Here are a few examples of when you’d use these skills.

Meetings are one way that teams get together live to communicate about projects, goals, progress, and general updates. You’ll use verbal communication skills not only if you share updates in a meeting, but also to ask clarifying questions and respond to others. 

Presentations

Similar to meetings, presentations are a way to share information, progress, and updates live with other people. Presentations tend to take on more of a formal manner than meetings, meaning you’ll need to adjust your tone and presence when verbally communicating.

Working With Your Team

The everyday conversations you have with your team count as verbal communication, too! This is often less formal communication and may even include personal updates and questions, depending on how much you’d like to share. For example, everything from greeting your coworkers to asking them about their weekends counts as verbal communication!

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Working With a Client

Client-facing roles also require another type of verbal communication to work productively and serve the client’s needs. This communication is typically more formal and requires empathy and active listening skills to ensure you understand what the client is looking for.

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Giving and Asking for Feedback

Feedback is a crucial part of improving workplace processes, productivity, and company culture . Yet feedback needs to be given and asked for with the right tone and context. For example, you wouldn’t blurt out that your coworker needs to fix something with their presentation style when you first see them that day. Instead, you might ask if you could share a suggestion with them, then share your opinion and potential solutions. Verbal communication skills are key here for knowing what feedback you want to give, and how to deliver it.

>>MORE: How to Ask for Feedback at Work (With Example Questions)

Asking for Help

You won’t always know the right course of action at work, and that’s OK! Sometimes we need to ask for help, whether that’s with decision-making or figuring out who at the company may be able to get a specific task done. You’ll use verbal communication skills to figure out how to phrase your request and what context to make the request in.

Verbal communication skills are a core part of everyday workplace interactions. You’ll use these skills to tell your boss about what you’re working on, share results with stakeholders, and give your team updates. You’ll also use them when you respond to others, whether to ask a clarifying question or provide feedback. Employers want candidates with these skills because they’re more effective, collaborative team members.

It’s no surprise that the rise of remote work and hybrid schedules have decreased the amount of verbal communication we have with our teammates. We don’t have candid conversations when passing by someone’s desk or when we’re walking out to get coffee. Because we don’t talk to our coworkers as much in a remote workplace, when we do have the chance to communicate with them verbally, flexing this skill is crucial.

Verbal communication also doesn’t have to be synchronous. Using tools like Vimeo, Loom, or even voice messages, you can verbally communicate with team members asynchronously and they can hear your explanation, thoughts, and ideas, even if you’re not speaking to them in real time.

Whether working synchronously or asynchronously, remote or in-person, verbal communication skills are essential for communicating your ideas and understanding others’ work.

Because these skills are about what you’re saying rather than what you’ve written (like on a resume or cover letter ), the interview is where your verbal communication skills can shine. 

You can show off these skills in the interview with:

• Tone : Have a positive, confident tone when speaking to the hiring manager . 
• Responsiveness : Avoid simply responding to questions with structured, prepared answers. Instead, aim to make the interview more conversational rather than a rigid back-and-forth. 
• Clarity : Be concise and straightforward, even if that means pausing to get your thoughts together before answering.
• Curiosity : Ask original questions during the interview that help you understand the company further and demonstrate your interest.
• Active listening: Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying so you can respond appropriately. This includes not just the content of what they’re saying, but picking up on their tone and nonverbal cues.

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Verbal communication skills are two-fold — you need to communicate your work clearly and understand and respond to others’ work. When improving these skills, focus on both aspects to become a well-rounded, more effective communicator.

Prepare for Any Audience

At work, you’ll need to communicate with many different people — people on your team, people in various departments, your manager, your manager’s manager, external clients, etc. Practice explaining your work in different situations by putting yourself in a variety of scenarios.

For example, let’s say you need to explain the process you used on your latest project. How can you explain what you did in two minutes? What about in 30 seconds? How can you explain this to a young student? How would you describe this to a grandparent? Challenging yourself to communicate the same process in different scenarios will prepare you for communicating with multiple team members and stakeholders.

Watch Your Tone

It’s not just what you say — it’s how you say it. How you speak to others at work reflects not only on your work but on you as a team member. Do you want to be positive and confident? Empathetic and clear? Your tone should reflect how you want others to perceive you in the workplace.

It can be hard to hear how we come off when we’re the ones talking. To practice this, record yourself explaining something or giving feedback to someone else, then watch the video back and make any adjustments.

Follow Your Coworkers’ Leads

While every person you work with might not have the best verbal communication skills, it can still be helpful to follow other people’s lead when you’re just starting out. It’s similar to how you might understand what the correct business attire is at your first workplace. While you should still keep your personal style, looking around to see what other people tend to wear can give you a good idea of whether the office is more casual or formal.

The same goes for verbal communication. Some workplaces use very formal and direct communication, while others might be more relaxed. While you should still communicate in a way that feels authentic to you, you can change the level of formality based on your office environment.

Give Feedback (That’s Actually Helpful)

It’s not enough to simply share your opinions on someone else’s work. The best feedback is constructive and actionable.

“Being able to give feedback in a meaningful and tactful way is a critical communication skill,” career coach Tazeen Raza says. “This is something that a lot of people struggle with at various levels.”

To give constructive and actionable feedback, start by asking yourself a few questions about the person’s work:

• What was this project’s biggest strength?
• What areas have room for improvement?
• What other resources can I or someone else offer to improve the project?
• What further context can I give this person?

The goal is to tell the person what was strong about their work and what needs improvement. Then, you’ll need to give them tangible ways to improve with clear paths to action.

Be an Active Listener

Communication is a two-way street, meaning your verbal communication skills will get you nowhere if you aren’t listening to what other people say. Active listening is a workplace skill that focuses on attentive and empathetic listening. 

In practice, this means that you listen to what others have to say for the sake of listening. You don’t interrupt or have something ready to respond with. Instead, you focus entirely on what they have to say, then take time to process it before you reply. 

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we use our verbal communication skills every time we speak out loud with a friend, family member, or coworker. Someone with good verbal communication skills stands out when they can clearly, effectively, and empathetically communicate their ideas — and truly listen to and give feedback on others’ ideas. 

Looking to improve your communication and other professional skills? Check out Cisco’s Career Readiness Virtual Experience Program .

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When to Give Verbal Feedback — and When to Do It in Writing

• Sarah Gershman

Don’t default to your comfort zone. Deliver your message in the way that works best for the situation.

One of the many reasons why we dread (and avoid) giving feedback is that we believe it’s simply not going to work. While there are many reasons why feedback fails to deliver results, one that is easily overlooked is our choice of delivery — speaking or writing. You may be leaning on one style not because it’s best for the feedback you need to give, but because it’s most comfortable — or most convenient — for you. Consider what works best for the context, audience, and goals of your specific situation. Spoken and written feedback are both necessary, and each has their time and place. Practicing getting out of your feedback comfort zone when the situation calls for it will make you a stronger communicator all around.

You give clear feedback to your direct report. They acknowledge the feedback. And then…nothing changes. How many times have you been in this frustrating situation? While there are many reasons why feedback fails to deliver results , one that is easily overlooked is our choice of delivery: whether we give the feedback verbally or in writing. You may be leaning on one style not because it’s best for the feedback you need to give, but because it’s most comfortable — or most convenient — for you.

• Sarah Gershman is an executive speech coach and CEO of Green Room Speakers. She is a professor at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, where she teaches public speaking to leaders from around the globe.
• Casey Mank is a teacher, communications expert, and Plain Language advocate. She is the co-founder of women-owned company Bold Type. She has worked with writers from Kellogg’s, the USDA, Viacom Media, the Aspen Institute, the PR Council, the PR Society of America, and many more. Casey is proud to have helped thousands of writers get to the point.

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How to Recognize and Cope With Verbal Abuse

It's never easy to deal with abuse from someone close to you

Verywell / Laura Porter

Verbal abuse is a type of emotional abuse. It is when someone uses their words to assault, dominate, ridicule, manipulate, and/or degrade another person and negatively impact that person's psychological health. Verbal abuse is a means of controlling and maintaining power over another person.

Most people assume that if they were being verbally abused they would know about it. After all, verbal abuse often involves yelling, put-downs, name-calling, and belittling behaviors. But there is more to verbal abuse than people realize. Some people are verbally abused on a regular basis without even recognizing that it’s happening.

Verbal abuse can occur in any type of relationship: romantic relationships, parent-child relationships, family relationships, and co-worker relationships.

Verbal abuse sometimes precedes physical abuse; however, this is not always the case. Verbal abuse can exist without physical abuse. The effects of verbal abuse can be just as damaging as those of physical abuse.

This article covers what verbal abuse is, the signs and impact of verbal abuse, as well as how to seek help if you are coping with the effects of verbal abuse.

Click Play to Learn More About Verbal Abuse

This video has been medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS .

Signs of Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse involves using words to name call, bully, demean, frighten, intimidate, or control another person. This can include overt verbal abuse such as yelling, screaming, or swearing. Such behaviors are attempts to gain power, and the goal is to control and intimidate you into submission. As a result, it is abusive and should not be tolerated or excused. 

However, verbal abuse can also be much more subtle. Victims of verbal abuse often question whether or not what they are experiencing is truly abusive. They also wonder whether or not it is a big deal.

Some signs that you are experiencing verbal abuse include:

• You are afraid of your abuser
• You feel like you have to walk on eggshells around the other person
• You feel like you cannot share things about yourself with them for fear that they will mock or ridicule you
• You're afraid to go out in public with them because of what they will say about you in front of other people
• You feel threatened
• You feel as if you are constantly being put down about how you look, think, act, dress, or talk
• You feel inferior or ashamed about who you are
• They yell at you but then suggest that you are overly sensitive or that you don't have a sense of humor
• They overreact to small problems and then blame you for the resulting argument
• They suggest that they are the victim and try to make you feel guilty about something they accuse you of doing
• They hide this verbal abuse when you are around other people but act completely different when you are alone

Verbal abuse can also be used to harass people by humiliating, insulting, criticizing, or demeaning them using words. This can often be used as a way to intimidate or bully people in a variety of settings, including in relationships and the workplace.

People engage in verbal abuse for a variety of reasons. Family history, past experiences, personality, and mental illness are a few factors that can play a role.

The goal of the abuser is to control you by making you feel bad about who you are.

Types of Verbal Abuse

When someone is being verbally abused, the person attacking them may use overt forms of abuse like engaging in name-calling and making threats, but also more insidious methods like gaslighting or constantly correcting, interrupting, putting down, and demeaning them.

Even prolonged silent treatment is a form of verbal abuse. When this happens, the person is attempting to control and punish the victim by refusing to talk to them.

For some people, especially those who experience verbal abuse in the home or experienced it as a child, it can often be overlooked because verbal assaults feel like a normal way to communicate. But they are anything but normal and can have lasting consequences.

Verbal abuse can take many different forms, including:

• Blaming : This type involves making the victim believe they are responsible for the abusive behavior or that they bring the verbal abuse upon themselves.
• Condescension : While often disguised as humor, sarcastic comments that are intended to belittle and demean the other person can be a form of verbal abuse.
• Criticism : This involves harsh and persistent remarks that are meant to make the person feel bad about themselves and are not constructive but deliberate and hurtful. Criticism can be painful in public or private, particularly if the person is simply being mean and has no intention of being constructive. 
• Gaslighting : This is a type of insidious, and sometimes covert, emotional abuse where the abuser makes the target question their judgments and reality.
• Humiliation : When you are insulted in public by a peer, a friend, a family member, or a dating partner, this can be particularly painful.
• Judging : This type of verbal abuse involves looking down on the victim, not accepting them for who they are, or holding them to unrealistic expectations.
• Manipulation : Using words to manipulate and control the other person is also a type of verbal abuse. This can include making statements like, "If you really loved me, you wouldn't talk to other people about our relationship," or using guilt trips to get you to do certain things
• Name-calling : Abusive, derogatory language, or insults that chip away at the target’s self-esteem, sense of self-worth, and self-concept. Anytime someone engages in name-calling, it is a form of verbal abuse. Even if the names are said in a neutral voice, this is not an acceptable treatment of another person.
• Ridicule : Typically, verbally abusive people will make you the butt of their jokes . This can be done in private or in person. But if you don't find it funny, then it is not harmless fun. What's more, verbally abusive people usually select jokes that attack an area where you feel vulnerable or weak.
• Threats : This involves statements meant to frighten, control, and manipulate the victim into compliance. No threat should ever be taken lightly. When people make threats, they are trying to control and manipulate you . Remember, there is no better way to control someone than to make them fearful in some way.
• Withholding : This type of verbal abuse involves a refusal to give affection or attention, including talking to you, looking at you, or even being in the same room with you. Examples of withholding or ignoring include stonewalling or giving someone the silent treatment.

While not an exhaustive list, these are several examples of the common types of verbal abuse that can occur.

Impact of Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse can impact every element of life, from academic performance to relationships to success at work. Just like any other form of abuse or bullying, verbal abuse has both short- and long-term consequences, including:

• Changes in mood
• Chronic stress
• Decreased self-esteem
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Substance use

When verbal abuse is particularly severe, it can impact whether or not people can see themselves as being successful in any area of life. Those who experience verbal abuse as children may experience feelings of worthlessness, difficulty trusting others, and problems regulating their emotions as adults.

A number of studies have shown that children who are verbally abused, either at home or by their peers at school, are at a greater risk for depression and anxiety as adults.

It is not uncommon for a person who is verbally abused to feel inadequate, stupid, and worthless. In some cases. they are explicitly told they are these things by the person abusing them.

Verbal abuse can be particularly confusing because the partner may not be abusive all of the time and their behavior likely emerged slowly over time. In this way, verbal abuse can be insidious and subtle.

As a result, when the abuser is loving and gentle, the victim can forget about the negative behavior. Ultimately, the victim ends up ignoring the pattern of verbal abuse or makes excuses for the behavior, saying that the abuser is just stressed or going through a tough time right now.

What to Do About Verbal Abuse

The first step in dealing with verbal abuse is to recognize the abuse. If you were able to identify any type of verbal abuse in your relationship, it's important to acknowledge that first and foremost.

By being honest about what you are experiencing, you can begin to take steps to regain control. While you need to consider your individual situation and circumstances, these tips can help if you find yourself in a verbally abusive relationship.

Immediately Call Out the Behavior

Try to call out the abuse when it happens by requesting the person stop the behavior. If they don't listen, safely remove yourself from the situation. Consider limiting your interactions with this person and/or ending the relationship.

Set Boundaries

Firmly tell the verbally abusive person that they may no longer criticize, judge or shame you, name-call, threaten you, and so on. Then, tell them what will happen if they continue this abusive behavior.

For instance, tell them that if they scream or swear at you, the conversation will be over and you will leave the room. The key is to follow through; don't set boundaries you have no intention of keeping.

Limit Exposure

If possible, take time away from the verbally abusive person and spend time with people who love and support you. Limiting exposure with the person can give you space to reevaluate your relationship. Surrounding yourself with a network of friends and family will help you feel less lonely and isolated and remind you of what a healthy relationship should look like .

End the Relationship

If there are no signs that the verbal abuse will end, or that the person has any intention of working on their behavior, you will likely need to take steps to end the relationship.

Before doing so, share your thoughts and ideas with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. You may also want to come up with a safety plan in case the abuse escalates when you break things off.

Workplace Abuse

If the abusive person is someone you cannot just eliminate from your life, such as a coworker, talk to them and request they stop their behavior. Document incidents of abuse and inform the human resources department. Bullying isn't covered by federal law, but workplace discrimination and harassment are. Seek legal advice if your workplace isn't supportive of your claims.

Healing from a verbally abusive relationship may not be something you can do on your own. Reach out to trusted loved ones for support, and consider talking to a therapist who can help you process your emotions and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with the short- and long-term consequences of verbal abuse.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact the  National Domestic Violence Hotline  at  1-800-799-7233  for confidential assistance from trained advocates.

For more mental health resources, see our  National Helpline Database .

Final Thoughts

Although the effects of verbal abuse can be significant, there is always hope. Once a person recognizes verbal abuse in their lives, they can start making informed decisions about which friendships and dating relationships are healthy and which are toxic, fake, or abusive. They also can learn to stand up to verbal bullying.

Remember, verbal abuse doesn't have to leave a lasting impact. With intervention, victims can overcome and cope with the bullying they have experienced. 

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Grossman FK, Spinazzola J, Zucker M, Hopper E. Treating adult survivors of childhood emotional abuse and neglect: A new framework .  Am J Orthopsychiatry . 2017;87(1):86-93. doi:10.1037/ort0000225

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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. What is employment discrimination? .

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Harassment .

By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon, CLC is a published author, certified professional life coach, and bullying prevention expert. She's also the former editor of Columbus Parent and has countless years of experience writing and researching health and social issues.