Verbal and non-verbal communication

While verbal communication is an effective way of relaying a message, non-verbal cues, such as gestures can be used to add meaning.

Verbal communication

Verbal communication is the most common way people relay messages. Verbal refers to the spoken word. When speaking to people, your message should always be conveyed respectfully.

Using language the receiver can interpret easily means it is more likely your message will be clearly understood. The language used should be both age appropriate and culturally appropriate.

Jargon should only be used amongst colleagues who are also involved with the care of children. It should be avoided when discussing a child's day with their parents.

People with a hearing impairment consider sign language to be another form of verbal communication. You might like to look at the website below for more information. There are also web sites about sign language and hearing impairments in the Resources section under Communication.

Aussie Deaf Kids

Tone of voice

An important part of verbal communication is the tone of the person's voice. This can give the receiver of the message an insight into how the other person is feeling.

The tone in which you respond to a message is also crucial. If the tone of the person communicating with you is one of concern, you should use an appropriate tone when responding.

Have you ever been anxious, happy, or excited to share some news only to have an indifferent response relayed back to you? It can be quite a let down.

Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication accompanies or makes up the rest of the channels of communication. It includes body language, gestures, written, and any other communication that is not spoken. The only exception is sign language, which is considered to be a form of verbal communication.

Gestures

Many people use gestures to communicate. An example of a gesture you may know is the 'thumbs up' gesture - this communicates that something is good. Many gestures used in Australia are also recognised by people in other countries.

This gesture, a hand signal with an open palm facing outwards, is almost universally seen to mean stop.

On the other hand, a specific gesture may be used in a number of societies but have a differing meaning in each one.

This gesture, a hand signal of joining the pointer finger to the thumb and forming a circle and then spraying the remainder of the fingers over the circle represents that ‘all is OK’ in Australia. In France however, it represents a not so nice name calling.

Cues

You will probably notice that you use a number of non-verbal cues when you are communicating. Cues are verbal or non-verbal signs that people use to indicate their needs.