Have you ever heard of para-verbal communication? Para-verbal communication is a crucial component of non-verbal communication, involving everything that has to do with voice. It’s very important to know about this form of communication, as it’s a key resource in the art of communication. If you’d like to know more about this notion, I invite you to read this article. I’ll also give you some tips on how to improve your para-verbal expression.

What is para-verbal communication?

Para-verbal communication encompasses everything that directly accompanies verbal language and has to do with voice and vocal expression. In fact, it’s the use made of the voice during communication. It’s not about the words or expressions used and carried by the voice. Rather, we’re talking about the tone of voice used in communication: timbre, flow, power, diction, pauses…

To put it simply, para-verbal communication involves all the parameters underlying the way we use our voice to express our thoughts or convey a message. Did you know that para-verbal communication accounts for 39% of our language, compared with only 8% for verbal communication? Clearly, this is one of the most important channels of communication.

To convey a message or express a thought, we use words. They are the fundamental pillar of communication. But even the most careful choice of words isn’t always enough to communicate well. The way they’re said also counts for a great deal.

Para-verbal communication tells us a great deal about you and your emotions. Indeed, the way you express yourself can say a lot about your age, intelligence, maturity and even your emotional state… In addition to this, vocal behavior is a source of information about the real meaning given to each word spoken. For example, a “Hello” spoken in a tender, interested voice does not communicate the same emotions as a “Hello” spoken in a curt, disinterested manner. Here, words take on meaning by the way they are pronounced, not by what they semantically signify.

Better understanding the parameters of para-verbal communication

Voice is the key element characterizing this form of non-verbal communication. To understand paraverbal communication, we need to identify the different parameters of voice use that play a part in communication. However, I’m going to limit myself to the 3 main parameters.

RHYTHM
This essentially describes the speed at which we express our thoughts and messages aloud. This is expressed in terms of syllable succession time. In other words, the number of syllables per second. Generally speaking, our emotional state can influence or be felt in the rhythm. If you’re giving a presentation and you speak quickly without realizing it, this can indicate to your audience that you’re nervous. Being afraid can automatically speed up your speech. Speaking more slowly can show that you’re calm. What’s more, speaking too fast can make it difficult to listen.

INTENSITY
This parameter of para-verbal communication refers to the power of your voice, its sound level. It can be loud or soft. It’s the element that accentuates, underlines and emphasizes certain words or expressions over others. Voice intensity has a considerable and significant influence on voice identification. This level needs to be adapted to the size of the space, the layout of the audience, and the number of people present.

TONE OF VOICE IN COMMUNICATION
This corresponds to the frequency of the voice. It can be defined as melodic movement with pitch variation. The high and low tones of the voice are related to the tension of the vocal cords of the speaker. It is variable and enables us to make distinctions between people and the emotions they express. The tone you give to what you say creates a feeling of confidence, credibility, authority, mistrust… in the listener.

What is the role of the para-verbal in the art of communication?

When you communicate, your entire body and being are involved. All verbal, gestural and vocal expression, grouped together under the term non-verbal communication, contributes to the expression of your message. The vocal and gestural inform far more than what is verbally and semantically transmitted. Para-verbal communication thus becomes an important resource for identifying the intention behind a message through the use of the voice. It enables us to better understand the association between verbal, vocal and gestural systems. It thus reinforces the meaning of verbal communication, and consequently improves your interpersonal communications.

It’s important to examine the usefulness of para-verbal communication within the company. It is one of the most important channels for gaining the trust and interest of your interlocutor.

A FEW CONCRETE EXAMPLES
When you’re giving a presentation, you can use the way you say the words to encourage your listeners to listen carefully. If you’re sharing important information about organizational changes in your company, for example, the way you say the words will have an impact on how your employees feel when they hear them. The tone of voice used in communication can express concern or enthusiasm.

As a good manager or leader, it’s important to work on your non-verbal communication, particularly your para-verbal communication. Remember, the way you say words is just as important as the words you say. How those words are delivered has an impact on how others perceive you.

A particular setting in which paraverbal reveals its usefulness is that of certain diseases that cause language disorders. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, it is a useful asset in helping moderately-afflicted people. A number of scientific studies have shown that at this stage of the disease, verbal functions are partially impaired. It is therefore vital to give priority to para-verbal communication factors. You’ll need to use voice intonations to understand the patient.

In personal development, it is very important to become aware of and improve your paraverbal expression. The ideal is to make it “congruent” with verbal communication. Note that in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), congruence is the perfect match between the verbal and the paraverbal. In other words, both must convey the same message.

How can you improve your paraverbal communication?

To improve paraverbal expression and use it to your advantage, you’ll need to work on improving certain aspects of your voice. You need to learn how to :

LISTEN AND LEARN FROM OTHERS
The first step to improving your para-verbal expression is imitation. Take the time to listen carefully to the timbre, tone and intensity of those around you that you particularly like. Then work on imitating them. This will help you easily adopt various vocal aspects. Work on your active listening skills to improve in this area.

WORK ON YOUR BELLY BREATHING
This is an exercise that helps you control where your voice comes from. Aligning your communication with your belly breathing is extremely beneficial. Your voice gains in serenity and power. You’ll be able to vary your vocal timbre with ease. You’ll be able to employ a variety of vocal intonations at your convenience.

Public speaking and para-verbal communication

If you’re going to speak in public, don’t just prepare the words you’re going to say. You also need to know that your para-verbal skills count too. And the easiest way to improve your para-verbal language is to practice by recording your message or speech beforehand. That way, you can hear the pitch, tone and speed of your presentation.

Another advantage is that you’ll feel less anxious and more prepared. To do this, try to get as much information as possible, especially about the number of people who will be present. This will enable you to work out how to project your voice.

To sum up…

As I’ve already mentioned, para-verbal communication takes into account vocal expression, i.e. all the voice modalities that give meaning and emotion to a speech. In short, para-verbal communication is based on the expressive components of the voice. It underpins non-verbal communication and is a key aspect of the art of communication.