Advantages and disadvantages of non verbal communication in the workplace

Advantages of non-verbal communication:

Complementary: Non-verbal cues complement a verbal message by adding to its meaning. You can pat someone you offended at the back as you say sorry to him or her.

Easy presentation: Information can be easily presented in non-verbal communication through using visual, audio-visual and silent means of non-verbal communication.

Substituting: Non-verbal message may substitute for the verbal message especially if it is blocked by noise, interruption, long distance etc. for example; gestures-finger to lips to indicate need for quite, facial expressions- a nod instead of a yes.

Accenting: Often used to accent a verbal message. Verbal tone indicates the actual meaning of the specific words.

Repeat: Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating directions.)

Disadvantages or limitations of non-verbal communication:

Despite of advantages of non-verbal communication, it is not free from its limitations or disadvantages which are:

Vague and imprecise: Non-verbal communication is quite vague and imprecise. Since in this communication, there is no use of words or language which expresses clear meaning to the receiver. No dictionary can accurately classify them. Their meaning varies not only by culture and context but by the degree of intention.

Continuous: It is possible to stop talking in verbal communication, but it is generally not possible to stop nonverbal cues. Also, spoken language has a structure that makes it easier to tell when a subject has changed, for instance, or to analyze its grammar. Nonverbal does not lend itself to this kind of analysis.

Multi-channel: while watching someone’s eyes, you may miss something significant in a hand gesture. Everything is happening at once and therefore it may be confusing to try to keep up with everything. Most of us simply do not do so, at least not consciously.

Advantages of Verbal Communication

Following are the advantages of Verbal Communication:
➨It saves time in communication. 
➨It is quick in obtaining feedback once delivered.
➨It provides complete understanding of communication delivered and there is chance to make it more clear in case of doubts in interpretation of words or ideas. 
➨It is more reliable method of communication. 
➨It is flexible and effective for all. 
➨It is powerful means of persuation and control. 
➨It is cheaper way of communication and hence saves money. 

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

Following are the disadvantages of Verbal Communication:
➨Emotions are visible and hence leads to trouble in certain cases. 
➨It has no legal validity and hence will lead to problems in certain situations. 
➨It does not provide permanent record unless it is recorded with modern means of storage. 
➨It has issues when communicating with distant people. 
➨It is difficult for certain people to understand speech due to various speech tones used in verbal communication. 
➨This form of communication is not suitable for lengthy message.