Types of Communication - Verbal and Non-Verbal

by rosie-may (student)

Unit 1: Communication in Health and Social Care

Communication can be put into two categories, verbal and non-verbal, within these categories there are different types of communication methods used for all different types of people from deaf to blind, the ‘average’ person and people with learning difficulties.

Verbal:

Verbal communication is probably the most common method of communication and easiest form of communication, this is because we learn this from a very young age by cooing and talking then as we grow we learn more complex words. Verbal communication is using words and speech to talk to one another. There are types of verbal communication and they are:

Formal – this is what you might use in an interview, because it is when you talk fluently, with a manner that says I am serious and in some cases use a tone of authority. Your body language when talking formally would be more upstanding: you may sit up straight, have a serious expression on your face and also you may move with a more polite or stiff manner.

Informal – this is more for the exchange of conversation between friends, this type of communication is more laid back. When using informal language you may use slang or banter and shorten your words friends may also talk withy a faster tone about ‘gossip’ and other more or less unimportant things. Body language is more laid back: you may slump, wave your arms with a different manner and also pull different faces.

Non-Verbal:

Some types of non-verbal communication are used by all people even if they can communicate using words. Non verbal communication is mainly used by those who cant or find it hard to communicate using speech.

Body language - this is a conscious thing that we cannot control for example if we are happy our body language will show this by smiling or having a ‘glow’ but if we are uncomfortable our movements may be slower or our facial expression may be uneasy. Body language is used when talking or even when we are silent. Body language shows our ...

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Non-Verbal:

Sign language – this is how deaf people communicate; sign language is the use of hand movements to depict words instead of using speech. People who aren’t deaf may use sign language to communicate with the deaf because this is their preferred method of communication; some people who are deaf have ‘improper’ speech so their words may come out slurred so sign language may make communicating simpler for them. Sign language as well as a hearing aid can help deaf and partially deaf people to express themselves in an easier manner.

Picture boards – picture boards can be used for people with learning difficulties who don’t like to talk: this can make is easier to express themselves with out having to talk. This is pictures used to show something for example a picture of a sad face may be used for people with certain learning difficulties may show a face with an emotion or show a picture of food or a drink.

Signs – this method can be used in all different settings. For example a child may use them, as an alternative to speaking; they may have pictures to help the service user to show what they need or how they are feeling. They can also be used for service users who cannot speak good English to help them to alternatively communicate. Signs are also used in everyday life, such as on traffic lights and shops to direct you, this is to help different people from different backgrounds understand.

Touch – touch can give away emotions along with body language. People may consciously touch another whilst communicating. Also touch can be used to show someone a body part, for example a doctor may touch your leg to show which part he/she will be looking at.

Alternative communication:

This can be used in a wide range of setting for a number of reasons: from someone not speaking our particular language, not being able to speak, or through trauma not wanting to speak.

Advocate: this is when someone will voice the opinions and speak on behalf of a service user which will help them to have a say in their treatment.

Aids - these are:

Hearing aid: this is to help the person overcome the barrier of a hearing impairment by enhancing their capability of being able hear/ make out words
Glasses: this is to enhance the sight and make them feel more comfortable when taking to someone because then they will have a better view of who they are talking too.
A speak box: this is for people with a severe learning difficulty or brain damage. This is to help them communicate through typing or using their eyes to direct words. This is to help the service user to, in so many words, have a say. This is will improve the service users emotional wellbeing because then they will be able to communicate with friends and also to tell people how they or feeling, if they need something and also to have an opinion on their treatment.

Both verbal and non-verbal have properties in common they are: