What is the percentage of communication conveyed through words?

The commonly cited percentage of communication that is conveyed through words is often referenced as being around 7%. This figure comes from research conducted by psychologist Albert Mehrabian, who studied the components of emotional communication. While the exact percentage may vary depending on the context and interpretation, it is widely understood that verbal communication—what we say—plays a considerable, but secondary, role in conveying our total message.

In interpersonal communication, non-verbal cues such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions hold significant weight. For instance, when expressing emotions, the way something is said can drastically alter the message compared to just the words used. Thus, while words are critical for conveying specific information, they often represent a minimal fraction of the overall communication impact.

The selection indicating 3% reflects a broader understanding that emphasizes the limited weight of words alone in total communication, aligning with research findings that prioritize non-verbal signals. However, it’s essential to note that percentages can represent different elements of communication depending on the focus of the study or context, which may lead to varying interpretations of the data. For a clearer understanding, it is beneficial to consider the relationship and balance between verbal and non-verbal communication.