Course Outcome: Identify communication strategies for diverse contexts using appropriate verbal and nonverbal techniques

Since language is a set of symbols, we see that communication is symbolic because of the language we use. In this unit, we will be specifically focusing on the verbal aspects of language – the words we speak. Thinking about how to use words appropriately and effectively makes us a more competent communicator. Think about your future career and how your use of language will affect your clients, patients, or co-workers. For example, a counselor needs to use appropriate and effective language to create an environment in order for the patient to feel comfortable. Someone in sales would need to craft a message using appropriate language to sell their product. A Politician needs to creatively express themselves while still getting their message across to stand out from their opponents. In any of these cases, using language that could potentially offend someone or gives off a poor impression are fast ways to lose a customer, client, or voter.

By the end of this unit you will be able to:

• Define verbal communication
• Identify the parts of language
• Adapt verbal communication to specific audiences