Advantages and Disadvantages of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
Back to: UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 4
Advantages and Disadvantages of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
Verbal Communication involves the use of a speech in the form of speaking to convey a message or information. Non-Verbal Communication involves the use of gestures, facial expressions, and body language to exchange information.
“Effective communication means where we know what we are trying to communicate and the audience is getting exactly what we are trying to say.”
Keith Davis states,
“Communication is a process of passing information and understanding from one person to another.”
William Newman and Charles Summer opine,
“Communication is an exchange of ideas, facts, opinions or emotions of two or more persons.”
Verbal Communication
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1. It helps one to complete the work in less time. | If unnecessary information is included, the conversation may not be effective. |
| 2. It enables people to give feedback quickly. | True meaning of the message can be distorted. |
| 3. It is highly convenient for any kind of interaction. | It is not very convenient for long messages. |
| 4. It supports privacy and secrecy of the exchanged information. | Misunderstandings can occur if there is lack of clarity. |
| 5. Information can be conveyed clearly. | Once the message is conveyed, it cannot be corrected. |
Non Verbal Communication
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1. It is highly time-efficient | Information may get distorted |
| 2. Messages can be transmitted quickly | Meanings may vary across different cultures |
| 3. It can be effective and impactful | Conveying long messages is not possible |
| 4. It promotes interpersonal connection | It can be vague and imprecise |
| 5. There is a lack of formality and it provides clarity | It may be difficult to understand |
According to Louis Allen,
“Communication is a bridge of meaning. It involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.”
“Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose.”
R.W. Griffin states,
“Effective communication is the process of sending a message in such a way that the message received is as close in meaning as possible to the message intended.”
