What percent of communication is verbal?
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Alexander Turner
Works at Apple, Lives in Cupertino, CA
Communication is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a wide range of verbal and non-verbal cues. Understanding the different components that make up communication can help us become more effective communicators. One of the most frequently cited rules about communication is the assertion that only 7% is verbal, while 93% is non-verbal. This rule is often attributed to Professor Albert Mehrabian, a psychologist who conducted research on the subject in the 1960s. However, it's important to delve deeper into the research and the context to understand the nuances and limitations of this rule.
Step 1: Understanding the Rule
The rule suggests that when we communicate, the words we use account for only a small fraction of the message we convey. The remaining majority is communicated through non-verbal means, which include body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. According to the rule, body language makes up 55% of the message, while the tone of voice accounts for 38%. This has led to the common belief that non-verbal cues are far more important than the words we speak.
Step 2: The Research Behind the Rule
Professor Mehrabian's research involved studying how people interpreted messages when the verbal and non-verbal components were in conflict. For example, if someone said they were happy but their facial expression and tone of voice indicated sadness, participants were asked to determine the person's true feelings. The findings showed that people relied more on non-verbal cues to discern the speaker's emotions.
**Step 3: The Misinterpretation and Context**
The 7% verbal, 93% non-verbal rule is often misinterpreted and taken out of context. Mehrabian's research was specific to how people judge emotions and attitudes in specific situations where there is a discrepancy between the verbal and non-verbal messages. It does not apply to all forms of communication. Moreover, the percentages are not a definitive guide to the importance of verbal versus non-verbal communication in all contexts.
Step 4: The Importance of Context
The significance of verbal and non-verbal communication can vary greatly depending on the context. In some situations, such as delivering a complex technical presentation, the content of the speech (verbal) is crucial. In contrast, in a social setting or during a job interview, non-verbal cues like confidence and approachability can play a more significant role.
Step 5: The Role of Verbal Communication
While non-verbal cues are important, they should not overshadow the role of verbal communication. Words are the primary means by which we convey information, ideas, and emotions. They are essential for clarity, precision, and the exchange of complex thoughts. Effective communication often requires a balance between what we say and how we say it.
**Step 6: The Evolution of Communication Studies**
Since Mehrabian's initial research, there have been numerous studies that have explored the dynamics of communication. These studies have refined our understanding and highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to communication. The field recognizes that both verbal and non-verbal elements are integral to effective communication and that their importance can shift based on various factors.
Step 7: Conclusion
In conclusion, while the 7% verbal, 93% non-verbal rule has been influential, it is essential to recognize its limitations and the context in which it was derived. Communication is a dynamic process that involves both verbal and non-verbal elements, and the importance of each can vary depending on the situation. Understanding the interplay between these elements can help us become more effective communicators.
Step 1: Understanding the Rule
The rule suggests that when we communicate, the words we use account for only a small fraction of the message we convey. The remaining majority is communicated through non-verbal means, which include body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. According to the rule, body language makes up 55% of the message, while the tone of voice accounts for 38%. This has led to the common belief that non-verbal cues are far more important than the words we speak.
Step 2: The Research Behind the Rule
Professor Mehrabian's research involved studying how people interpreted messages when the verbal and non-verbal components were in conflict. For example, if someone said they were happy but their facial expression and tone of voice indicated sadness, participants were asked to determine the person's true feelings. The findings showed that people relied more on non-verbal cues to discern the speaker's emotions.
**Step 3: The Misinterpretation and Context**
The 7% verbal, 93% non-verbal rule is often misinterpreted and taken out of context. Mehrabian's research was specific to how people judge emotions and attitudes in specific situations where there is a discrepancy between the verbal and non-verbal messages. It does not apply to all forms of communication. Moreover, the percentages are not a definitive guide to the importance of verbal versus non-verbal communication in all contexts.
Step 4: The Importance of Context
The significance of verbal and non-verbal communication can vary greatly depending on the context. In some situations, such as delivering a complex technical presentation, the content of the speech (verbal) is crucial. In contrast, in a social setting or during a job interview, non-verbal cues like confidence and approachability can play a more significant role.
Step 5: The Role of Verbal Communication
While non-verbal cues are important, they should not overshadow the role of verbal communication. Words are the primary means by which we convey information, ideas, and emotions. They are essential for clarity, precision, and the exchange of complex thoughts. Effective communication often requires a balance between what we say and how we say it.
**Step 6: The Evolution of Communication Studies**
Since Mehrabian's initial research, there have been numerous studies that have explored the dynamics of communication. These studies have refined our understanding and highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to communication. The field recognizes that both verbal and non-verbal elements are integral to effective communication and that their importance can shift based on various factors.
Step 7: Conclusion
In conclusion, while the 7% verbal, 93% non-verbal rule has been influential, it is essential to recognize its limitations and the context in which it was derived. Communication is a dynamic process that involves both verbal and non-verbal elements, and the importance of each can vary depending on the situation. Understanding the interplay between these elements can help us become more effective communicators.
Studied at the University of Tokyo, Lives in Tokyo, Japan.
Professor Mehrabian combined the statistical results of the two studies and came up with the now famous--and famously misused--rule that communication is only 7 percent verbal and 93 percent non-verbal. The non-verbal component was made up of body language (55 percent) and tone of voice (38 percent).
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Gabriel Martin
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Professor Mehrabian combined the statistical results of the two studies and came up with the now famous--and famously misused--rule that communication is only 7 percent verbal and 93 percent non-verbal. The non-verbal component was made up of body language (55 percent) and tone of voice (38 percent).
