Difference between Verbal and Nonverbal communication

Aspect	Verbal Communication	Non-Verbal Communication
Primary Medium	Uses words	Conveys messages without words
Types	Speaking and Writing	Body language, distance language, time management, behaviour, touch, dressing, voice features, etc.
Tools	Grammar, vocabulary, syntax, punctuation, etc are used.	Gestures, postures, voice features, etc are used.
Transmission	Transmitted by various means like letters, notice, report, proposal, face to face, etc.	Transmitted by body language, behaviour, dress, touch, etc.
Structure	Has a formal structure. Example- Letter, notice, etc have different structure (format)	No formal structure.
Drafting	Complex information can be drafted easily.	Difficult to express complex information.
Record	Easy to document and record.	Hard to document and record.
Dependency	Words are self sufficient	It is used to add emotions to words.
Preference	Preferred in formal setting like meeting, seminar, speech, etc.	It is present in all the setting whether formal or informal.
Planning	Planning is required for verbal communication	Nonverbal is always present.
Decoding	Easy to decode if language known.	Not easy to decode.
Learning	Language skills are learnt.	It is intrinsic.
Chances of misunderstanding	Less chances for misunderstanding	Fair chances of misunderstanding
Emotion Expression	Words are less expressive.	Nonverbal communication is very expressive.
Ambiguity	Generally, less ambiguous	Can be ambiguous and varied
Examples	Letters, presentation, notices, agenda, etc.	Smile, gestures, posture, tone, pitch, etc.