Importance of verbal and nonverbal communication in the workplace
Answers
Importance of verbal communication in the workplace :
1. Correcting wrong:
Just guess there was a file to be saved and you made a small error. By saying “I am sorry for the error” will save you.
It’s the power of word “Sorry” that is effective as it is part of verbal communication.
2. Persuade someone:
You need to persuade your co-worker to join up a project, then tricks of persuasion comes to help. Here your verbal communication skill is there to pull him/her on board.
3. Create relationship:
You are new to a workplace and by speaking to counterpart you create a new relationship.
Only by making efforts to converse with others do you make new relationships which cannot be done without verbal communication.
4. Bringing clarity:
There is a small issue that is to be made understood by the other members and here you could make them understand by using proper syntaxes and semantics.
Even writing with proper words will help to make the reader understood especially in emails, memorandums etc.
5. Increases productivity:
Without proper communication or getting the message through with the team members it would be impossible to get the maximum output.
The team that works with good lateral communication and group discussion brings out better results.
6. Increase job satisfaction:
Empowerment of employees through upward and downward communications is a sign of increased job satisfaction.
Through flow of information upwards in the form of feedback and if the bosses are responding by listening to them, means the employees are empowered.
7. Positive effect on absenteeism:
By communicating facts and updated information from the management downwards brings more transparency and less absenteeism.
8. Gives motivation:
Words of support and appreciation provided by management at the right time boost the confidence level of the employees and in turn helps in productivity.
As motivation has a direct impact on the productivity, verbal communications play a crucial role in providing feedback and recognising individuals in the form of emails, memorandums, announcements, newsletters, etc.
Importance of nonverbal communication in the workplace :
1. Show agreement or disagreement:
There is a meeting between colleagues and sometimes the speech would talk of a point that requires a consent from the audience.
You would have noted that a nod can make a difference of expression. This gesture of ‘nod’ shows that the listeners are in favour implying a “yes’ or “no’ for an answer.
2. Maintaining relationships:
A smile in the face while entering the room or wishing them makes the day. This is a sign for maintaining relationship which is very critical in a workplace.
3. Lack of listening:
If you are speaking to a team member and he/she is not maintaining eye contact while talking then it shows that they are not listening to you.
They show signs of disinterest. That’s why it is always said to maintain eye contact when the other side is talking. It will ensure the message is being carried to opposite side.
4. Sign of confidence:
In a workplace, postures denote our attributes. When we stand upright and keep our head straight maintaining eye contact when conversing with our co-workers or managers it indicates our confidence.
Also while sitting, having knees place slightly apart and arms away from the body indicates that you are relaxed and confident.
5. Sign of detachment:
Standing with crossed arms over chest or sitting at the tip of the chair in hunched posture shows signs of detachment.
Even, standing drooped down or looking down frequently shows that the person is not interested. It will create wrong signal.
6. Know the culture:
Some workplaces have multicultural environment and it is important to have a brief knowledge on the types of cultural acceptances. This means touch being a familiar feature in handshake, pat on the back, tap on the shoulder, etc. can give different meanings in different culture.
Knowing that will save you from being offended in workplace as culture too plays an important role.