Chapter 4 Verbal and Nonverbal Messages Verbal Messages

Chapter 4: Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

Verbal Messages Clarity and Ambiguity • Use unequivocal terms to avoid misunderstandings – Equivocal terms • Differing interpretations • Differing cultural values

Verbal Messages Clarity and Ambiguity • Use lower-level abstractions – Low-level abstractions – High-level abstractions – Relative words

Verbal Messages Clarity and Ambiguity • Use slang with caution • Use jargon judiciously – To save time – To add credibility – Avoid business buzzwords

Verbal Messages Clarity and Ambiguity • Use strategic ambiguity – To promote harmony – To soften difficult messages – To make a point indirectly

Verbal Messages Clarity and Ambiguity • Choose optimum degree of powerful language – Types of less powerful language

Verbal Messages Inflammatory Language • Avoid biased language • Beware of trigger words

Verbal Messages Masculine & Feminine Language Use • Feminine speech – Rapport talk – Expressive tool – Supportive – Tentative

Verbal Messages Masculine & Feminine Language Use • Masculine speech – Report talk – Instrumental tool – Advice – Assertive – Dominant

Verbal Messages Meeting Gender-Related Language Challenges • Be aware of different styles • Switch styles • Combine styles

Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Characteristics • Always has communicative value • Is powerful • Is ambiguous