Verbal Messages

The nature of verbal messages

Language meanings are in people Meanings depend on context Messages are governed by rules Language is both denotative and

connotative Language varies in directness

Language Meanings Are in People

2 types of meanings: Denotative – the actual meaning of a word

Eg. The word ‘money’ = currency used to trade goods and services

Connotative – the meaning of a word to a person / persons The word ‘money’ means differently to different

people. Meanings to very poor people compared to rich people.

Meanings Depend on Context

The meanings of your verbal nonverbal communication exist / depend on the context

The same words or behaviors may have totally different meanings when they occur in different contexts (physical, cultural, social-psychological, time)

Messages are Governed by Rules

All verbal and nonverbal messages are regulated by a system of rules or norms that state what is and what is not meaningful, appropriate, expected and permissible in specific social situations

These rules vary from culture to culture

Language is both denotative and connotative

Denotative – the meaning you would find in a dictionary

Connotation – the emotional meaning that specific speakers-listeners give to a word

Language varies in directness

Indirect messages are those that communicate your meaning in an implied way

Advantages of indirect messages: express your desire without insulting or offending

anyone Observe rules of polite interactions

Disadvantages: Meanings might be misunderstood You may be seen as manipulative

Gender and culture influence directness

Using Verbal Messages Effectively

The chief concern in using verbal messages is to avoid misinterpretations.

Distortions of verbal messages can be caused by certain processes we called: Intentional orientation Allness Fact-Inference Confusion Static Evaluation Indiscrimination Polarization Lying

Ineffective Verbal Messages

To communicate effectively, avoid these words: Relative Emotive Jargon Slang Cliché Oxymoron Euphemism