What percentage of communication is non-verbal as per the standard reference?

The standard reference often cited in communication studies indicates that a significant portion of communication is non-verbal, with estimates suggesting that about 93% of communication is conveyed through non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This figure emphasizes the importance of non-verbal signals in conveying meaning and emotion in interactions.

Understanding that 93% of communication being non-verbal highlights the idea that spoken words alone are rarely sufficient to convey a complete message; instead, how something is said can carry just as much weight, if not more. Non-verbal communication can reinforce or contradict verbal messages, making it a crucial area of focus for anyone in fields requiring interpersonal interaction, such as mortuary science, where empathy and connection are vital in handling grieving families.

In contrast, the other percentages provided do not align with this widespread understanding of communication dynamics, as they significantly underestimate the role of non-verbal communication in human interaction.