1. Explain how verbal communication differs from nonverbal communication.

Verbal communication differs from nonverbal communication. Verbal communication and nonverbal communication are often used in tandem, but are distinct types of codes. Verbal communication is a digital code because it involves language, which represents through symbols. Nonverbal communication is an analog code because it involves representation through likeness, or similarity. Verbal communication holds the advantages of greater efficiency, clarity, and intentionality.

2. Describe the nature and characteristics of symbols.

Language is made up of symbols. Meaning is created in the relationships among a word, thoughts about the word, and the actual object or entity to which the word refers. Symbols are arbitrary, abstract, intentional, uniquely human, culture-bound, and context-bound.

3. Explain the importance of grammar and meaning for effective communication.

Verbal competence involves mastering (a) phonemes, or the sounds of a language; (b) morphemes, or combined sounds that form the smallest units of meaning in a language; (c) semantics, or the denotative and connotative meanings of words; and (d) syntax, or meaning at the level of sentences. Becoming skilled at these levels of competence prepares one to use verbal messages in the more complex functions of creating and participating in social reality.

4. Identify the important functions of verbal messages.

Verbal messages aid in creating and participating in social reality. Verbal messages and language choice make and shape social situations, relationships, selves, and understandings. Verbal messages and language choice also allow participation in social reality by functioning to provide a way for people to interact in social situations.

5. Explain theories of message production and interpretation.

is used collaboratively to create and participate in social reality. Coordinated management of meaning theory focuses on how communicators coordinate their actions to make and manage meanings (Pearce & Cronen, 1980). The cooperative principle (Grice, 1975) describes how people normally behave and expect others to behave in interactions. The theory of message design logic explains the distinct ways
of thinking about communication situations, choosing thoughts for expression, and modifying expression in order to achieve interaction goals (O’Keefe, 1988). “I language” involves claiming responsibility for one’s own thoughts and feelings during communication (Gordon, 1970).